The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is accepting 2027/28 applications for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study. Complete both the fellowship process and university admission.
Scholarship at a glance
- Status / level
- Open, 1 September–1 December 2026; new full-time PhD students at participating Hong Kong universities.
- Deadline
- 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (HKT). Check each university’s separate admission instructions and deadlines.
- Start
- 2027/28 academic year; universities normally start in September. Confirm your department’s actual date.
- Annual funding
- HK$344,400 stipend plus HK$14,400 conference/research-travel allowance, each year for three years.
- Awards / limits
- 400 fellowships. Extra support beyond three years may be available from the university; it is not guaranteed.
- Fees and other costs
- The central call does not promise a universal tuition waiver or all-expenses package. Ask the university about tuition, housing and any additional support.
- Route
- Initial Research Grants Council application, then separate full applications to the selected university programme(s).
Eligibility and selection
The Research Grants Council (RGC) invites applicants seeking new full-time PhD admission at the eight participating universities, regardless of country of origin. Academic excellence is central; research potential, communication and interpersonal ability, and leadership are also assessed. University and programme admission requirements still apply.
Keep the two processes connected
- Read the current RGC instructions and choose up to two programmes at one or two participating universities.
- Complete the initial fellowship process and retain its reference number. Follow the portal’s instructions for using it in university applications.
- Submit each full university application with its required research, academic, language and referee evidence. Check departmental requirements directly.
- Monitor university messages about interviews or missing information.
Our suggestion: make one timeline for each university rather than assuming the central noon deadline covers every task. Ask the university to explain its total funding package in writing, especially tuition and any fourth-year support. A fellowship application does not guarantee funding, admission or immigration approval.