- ~HK$28,700/month stipendMonthly Stipend
- Full tuition waiver (~HK$49,500/yr)Tuition Coverage
- ~HK$445,800 in Year 1Total Package Value
- Guaranteed Year 1 accommodationAccommodation
- ~HK$14,400/yr for travelConference/Travel Support
- Direct application for PhDApplication Process
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
University of Hong Kong
Provider
The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship (HKU-PS Programme) is a fully funded doctoral opportunity offered by the University of Hong Kong (HKU), designed to attract exceptional PhD candidates globally. Established to foster academic and professional growth, the programme provides comprehensive financial support for full-time PhD studies within HKU's diverse research environment. Scholars benefit from a substantial monthly stipend of HK$28,700, tuition fee waivers, and additional allowances for research, travel, and living expenses. The scholarship package is valued at approximately HK$445,800 in the first year and HK$428,300 per year for subsequent years, covering the normative study period. Beyond financial aid, the programme offers individualized advisory support, teaching training, and mentorship from distinguished Faculty members, helping scholars develop their academic and research careers within HKU's internationally recognized academic framework. Since its inception, the HKU-PS Programme has aimed to draw the brightest research talent, offering guaranteed hall accommodation in the first year and the possibility of an additional year of funding for exceptional research output. The main application round for the 2027/28 academic year typically runs from 1 September to 1 December. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Monthly Living Stipend — A postgraduate scholarship of ~HK$28,700 per month, providing substantial financial support for daily living expenses throughout doctoral studies.
- Tuition Fee Waiver — A full waiver of composition fees, currently ~HK$49,500 per year, for the entire normative study period of the PhD programme.
- Research and Living Expense Support — A cash award to support research and living expenses, amounting to ~HK$40,000 in the first year and ~HK$20,000 per year thereafter.
- Conference and Research Travel Allowance — An allowance of ~HK$14,400 per year to support participation in conferences and research-related travel, enabling international presentations and networking.
- Guaranteed Hall Accommodation — Guaranteed hall accommodation during the first year of study, with the possibility of renewal for subsequent years.
- Additional Year of Study Support — Selected outstanding students may receive financial support for an additional year of study beyond the normative period, in recognition of exceptional research output.
How to apply
Prospective applicants interested in the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship should apply directly for a full-time PhD programme at the University of Hong Kong through its official application system. There is no separate application for this scholarship; all eligible PhD applicants are automatically considered.
- Review Admission Requirements — Carefully review the general admission requirements for PhD programmes at the University of Hong Kong and identify an appropriate PhD programme and research area that aligns with your interests and qualifications.
- Prepare Application Documents — Gather and prepare all necessary academic documents, a detailed research proposal (if required for your chosen programme), academic references, and any other supporting materials well in advance of the deadline.
- Submit PhD Application — Submit your application for a full-time PhD programme at The University of Hong Kong through the university's official online application portal. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.
- Automatic Scholarship Consideration — Once your full-time PhD application is submitted, you will be automatically considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship. No additional application form or steps are needed for the scholarship itself.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to international applicants from all countries.
Study LevelApplicants must be applying for or admitted to a full-time PhD programme at HKU.
Academic StandingCandidates must demonstrate strong academic records and research potential. Competition is expected to be intense.
Application MethodNo separate scholarship application is required; all eligible full-time PhD applicants are automatically considered.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) during the Main Round due to the competitive nature of the HKU-PS Programme. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Main Round (2027/28)2026-12-01
Selection
Recipients of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship are selected based on academic excellence, strong research potential, and a clear passion for advancing knowledge. All applicants for full-time PhD programmes at HKU are automatically considered. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. Preference is often given to applicants who demonstrate the ability to make a significant contribution to their chosen field.
Verified sources
- HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Official Pagehku.hkofficial
About the provider
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong, established in 1911. It is a comprehensive research-intensive university committed to academic excellence and fostering global talent.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship?
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The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship (HKU-PS Programme) is a fully funded doctoral opportunity offered by the University of Hong Kong. It aims to attract outstanding researchers globally to pursue full-time PhD studies at HKU.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship offers a comprehensive package including a monthly stipend, full tuition fee waiver, research and living expense support, conference and travel allowances, and guaranteed first-year hall accommodation.
What is the award value of the scholarship?
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The scholarship package is approximately ~HK$445,800 (or ~US$57,150) in the first year and ~HK$428,300 (or ~US$54,920) per year in subsequent years. This includes a ~HK$28,700 monthly stipend.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
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The scholarship is open to the brightest candidates from around the world who are passionate about research and applying for full-time PhD study at the University of Hong Kong. Applicants should have strong academic records and research potential.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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This scholarship is open to international applicants from all countries. There are no specific country restrictions mentioned, welcoming global talent to HKU.
Which study levels are covered by the scholarship?
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The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing full-time doctoral (PhD) studies at the University of Hong Kong.
When is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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For the 2027/28 admission cycle, the Main Round application period typically runs from 1 September to 1 December (est.) 2026. Applicants should prepare well in advance.
How do I apply for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship?
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You apply by submitting a full-time PhD programme application directly to the University of Hong Kong through their official application system. There is no separate application for the scholarship itself.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include academic transcripts, CV, research proposal (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. These are submitted as part of your PhD application.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and passion for research. All full-time PhD applicants are automatically considered, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
What is the duration of the scholarship and is it renewable?
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The scholarship covers the normative period of PhD studies. It includes support for an additional year beyond the normative study period for outstanding research output and progress.
Where can I confirm the current details of the scholarship?
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You should confirm all current-cycle details, including specific dates and requirements, on the official University of Hong Kong website for PhD admissions and scholarships.