RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL OF HONG KONG (RGC)
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
full · phd
- ~HKD 28,100/moStipend (~$3,600, est.)
- ~HKD 14,000/yrTravel allowance (est.)
- ~300 fellowships/yrNumber
- Up to 3 yearsDuration
- 8 UGC universitiesWhere
- All disciplinesScope
At a glance
full
Funding
€45k
Max amount
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Open to applicants of any nationality
Country
Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC)
Provider
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is run by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong to attract international students to doctoral study at Hong Kong's universities. It supports PhD study at the eight universities funded through the University Grants Committee, including the longest-established institutions in the city. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of around ~HKD 28,100 (about ~$3,600) and an annual conference and research-travel allowance of around ~HKD 14,000, for up to 3 years. Around ~300 fellowships are awarded each year across all disciplines, and host universities commonly add their own support, such as a tuition waiver and extra stipend in later years. You first submit an initial application to the Research Grants Council, usually by around 1 December, then a full PhD application to your chosen university; a representative date is 1 December (est.). Treat the figures and date here as estimates and confirm current details on the HKPFS official website.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — A stipend of around ~HKD 28,100 per month (about ~$3,600) for up to 3 years.
- Travel allowance — A conference and research-travel allowance of around ~HKD 14,000 per year.
- University support — Host universities commonly add a tuition waiver and additional stipend, especially beyond 3 years.
- Choice of universities — Tenable at any of the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong.
- All disciplines — Open across science, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences.
How to apply
Make the initial RGC application first, then a full PhD application to your chosen Hong Kong university using the reference number.
- Prepare your case — Identify your field, potential supervisors, and target universities.
- Initial RGC application — Submit the HKPFS initial application to the Research Grants Council to obtain a reference number.
- Full university application — Apply to your chosen university's PhD programme, quoting the HKPFS reference number.
- Meet the deadline — Complete both steps by around 1 December (est.).
- Selection — Universities and the RGC assess applicants and select fellows.
- Offer & enrolment — If awarded, accept, arrange your visa, and enrol.
Eligibility
Academic meritAn outstanding academic record and research potential.
LevelApplying for full-time PhD study at a UGC-funded Hong Kong university.
NationalityOpen to students of any nationality (local and international).
Initial applicationSubmitting an initial application to the RGC with a reference number.
University applicationAlso submitting a full PhD application to the chosen university using that number.
You may state university and programme preferences in the initial RGC application. Around 300 fellowships are awarded each year, so the scheme is highly selective.
Eligible countries
Open to applicants of any nationality
Deadlines
2027 entry2026-12-01
Selection
The Research Grants Council and the host universities assess HKPFS applicants on academic excellence, research ability and potential, and fit with the proposed supervision and programme. With around 300 fellowships across all disciplines, selection is decided among the strongest doctoral applicants worldwide.
Verified sources
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme — RGCrgc.edu.hkofficial
About the provider
The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong funds and supports academic research at Hong Kong's universities. Its Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme attracts top doctoral students worldwide to the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities with a stipend and research-travel allowance.
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 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
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A scheme run by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong to attract outstanding students worldwide to full-time PhD study at Hong Kong's eight UGC-funded universities, providing a stipend and travel allowance.
What does it provide?
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A monthly stipend of around ~HKD 28,100 (about ~$3,600) and an annual research-travel allowance of around ~HKD 14,000, for up to 3 years, often with extra university support.
How many fellowships are awarded?
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Around ~300 each year across all disciplines, so the scheme is highly selective.
Who is eligible?
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Students of any nationality with an outstanding academic record applying for full-time PhD study at a UGC-funded Hong Kong university.
Which universities can I attend?
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Any of the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong.
How do I apply?
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First submit an initial application to the RGC to get a reference number, then a full PhD application to your chosen university quoting that number.
When is the deadline?
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The initial RGC application usually closes around 1 December; the 2026 date here is an estimate. Confirm on the HKPFS website.
Is tuition covered?
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The fellowship covers a stipend and travel allowance; host universities commonly add a tuition waiver and extra stipend, especially beyond the 3-year fellowship.
How long does it last?
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The fellowship runs for up to 3 years; universities often fund the remainder of a longer PhD.
Can I state university preferences?
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Yes — you can indicate university and programme preferences in the initial RGC application.
Do I need a supervisor?
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It helps to identify potential supervisors and a programme fit, as universities assess research alignment when selecting fellows.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On the official HKPFS website of the Research Grants Council, which lists the stipend, allowance, number of fellowships, and deadlines.