HKPFS 2027-28: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme — Full Guide
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) |
| Funded by | Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong (established 2009) |
| Coverage | Annual stipend HK$344,400 (~US$44,150) + HK$14,400 conference & research travel allowance, up to 3 years |
| Number of awards | 400 fellowships per year |
| Level | New full-time PhD students |
| Who can apply | Any nationality — no age, work-experience or ethnic restrictions |
| Application window | Opens September 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time) for the initial application; university deadlines typically follow immediately |
| Program start | September 2027 |
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is one of Asia’s most generous fully funded doctoral awards: 400 fellowships a year with a stipend of HK$344,400 (~US$44,150) plus an annual travel allowance of HK$14,400 — for up to three years — at eight world-class Hong Kong universities. The 2027-28 application round opens September 1, 2026 and closes December 1, 2026. That gives you roughly 3.5 months — but the smart applicants are already contacting supervisors now.
This guide covers everything verified from the official RGC and university pages: the award package, the eight universities, eligibility, the two-step application process, and the mistakes that cost applicants the fellowship.
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What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual stipend | HK$344,400 (approx. US$44,150) per year — paid for up to 3 years |
| Conference & research travel allowance | HK$14,400 (approx. US$1,840) per year for conferences and research-related travel |
| Duration | Up to 3 years; universities may provide additional support if you need longer to complete your PhD |
| Tuition | HKPFS awardees are typically exempted from tuition fees at the eight universities — confirm the exact policy with your chosen university |
| University top-ups | Several universities add their own top-up awards (e.g., CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor’s HKPFS Scholarship can bring total support to over HK$1.38 million / ~US$176,620) |
> Note on “fully funded”: the RGC award itself is the stipend + travel allowance; universities in practice waive tuition for HKPFS awardees and often add top-ups. Because packages differ slightly by university, check the HKPFS page of each university you apply to.
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Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be seeking admission as a new, full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities:
– City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
– Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
– Lingnan University
– The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
– The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
– The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
– The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
– The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance
- Show strong research ability / potential
- Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills
- Show leadership abilities
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are applying for a Master’s — the HKPFS funds PhD study only
- You are not seeking new full-time PhD admission (continuing students are not eligible)
- You cannot meet the admission requirements of your chosen university and programme
> No nationality, age, prior work experience, or ethnic restrictions — the official RGC page states eligibility is “irrespective of country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background.” That’s rare among flagship scholarships and makes HKPFS one of the most open fully funded PhD schemes in Asia.
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How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Submit the initial application on the HKPFS Electronic System (from September 1, 2026)
Eligible candidates must first make an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number. Do this before December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Late submissions are not considered.
Step 2: Choose up to two programmes (at one or two universities)
You may select a maximum of two programmes/departments at one or two universities for PhD study under HKPFS. Choose strategically — each selection counts, and the panel review is by broad board area.
Step 3: Submit full applications to the universities (before their deadlines)
After the initial application, submit full PhD applications to your selected universities quoting your HKPFS Reference Number. University deadlines can immediately follow the initial-application deadline (most are December 1, 11:59pm HKT) — so start the initial application as early as possible.
Step 4: Universities shortlist and nominate
Each university shortlists its strongest HKPFS applicants and nominates them to the RGC. Nomination is competitive — supervisors and departments champion the applicants they most want.
Step 5: RGC selection panels review
Shortlisted applications are reviewed by one of two Selection Panels:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies
Step 6: Results (around May 2027)
The RGC announces results around May 2027 on the RGC website. Successful applicants are notified by email and letter. If you are not selected for HKPFS, universities may still offer you regular PhD admission with a postgraduate studentship or other funding — so the application is never wasted.
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Insider Tips
1. Start supervisor contact before September 1
Hong Kong admission is supervisor-driven. Identify 2-4 professors whose research matches yours, read their recent papers, and email them this month. A professor who agrees to supervise you dramatically improves both your university admission and your department’s nomination to RGC.
2. The initial application deadline is noon, not midnight
The HKPFSES closes at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time on December 1 — earlier than most university deadlines (11:59pm). Miss noon and the entire application collapses, even if the universities’ own portals are still open.
3. Use both selections deliberately
You get two programme choices at up to two universities. A common winning pattern: one ambitious choice and one highly realistic choice. Applying to the same department twice at the same university wastes a slot.
4. Research proposal quality is the differentiator
The panels weigh academic excellence first, then research potential. A crisp, feasible proposal that maps onto your target supervisor’s lab is worth more than a generic “perfect” statement. Align it with the university’s research strengths.
5. University top-ups change the math
CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor’s HKPFS Scholarship, for example, tops the package up to over HK$1.38 million (~US$176,620). Check the HKPFS page at every university you apply to — the total packages differ meaningfully.
6. Apply even if you think you won’t win
Applicants not selected for HKPFS are frequently admitted with regular postgraduate studentships — Hong Kong universities fund nearly all strong PhD admits. The HKPFS application doubles as your admission application.
7. Watch for university application fees
The RGC charges no application fee for the initial HKPFS application, but universities may charge admission/processing fees. Budget for them and check each university’s fee policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is HKPFS fully funded?
A: Yes — an annual stipend of HK$344,400 plus HK$14,400 conference/travel allowance for up to three years, with tuition typically waived by the universities and additional university top-ups available (e.g., CUHK’s package exceeds HK$1.38M).
Q: Can I apply from any country?
A: Yes. HKPFS has no nationality restrictions — it is open to applicants from every country.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No age limit is stated. Unlike many government scholarships (which cap at 30-35), HKPFS is open regardless of age.
Q: Can I apply for a Master’s with HKPFS?
A: No — HKPFS funds PhD study only. For funded Master’s options in the region, see our Singapore scholarships guide or NTU PhD guide.
Q: What if I miss the December 1 initial application deadline?
A: Late submissions are not considered — full stop. But you can still apply for regular PhD admission (with postgraduate studentship funding) directly to the universities.
Q: When do I start?
A: Hong Kong universities normally start their academic year in September, so 2027-28 awardees begin around September 2027. Some programmes offer earlier entry — check with your university.
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Timeline Table
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| HKPFSES initial application opens | September 1, 2026 |
| Initial application deadline (RGC) | December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon HKT |
| University application deadlines | Typically December 1, 2026, 11:59pm HKT |
| University shortlisting & nomination | December 2026 – early 2027 |
| RGC selection panels | Early – mid 2027 |
| Results announced | Around May 2027 |
| Program start | September 2027 |
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Your Action Plan
1. This week: Shortlist 2-4 potential supervisors; read their papers and draft a short, specific contact email.
2. By mid-September: Open your HKPFSES account, note the reference-number requirements, and map your two programme choices.
3. October: Finalize your research proposal with your target supervisor’s input; prepare transcripts, CV, and references.
4. By November 20: Submit the initial application — never leave it to the last week.
5. Before December 1: Submit full applications to both universities quoting your HKPFS Reference Number.
6. May 2027: Check results; if not selected, follow up on regular admission with postgraduate studentship.
HKPFS is the rare fully funded PhD that has no nationality or age ceiling — if you want a top-tier Asian research career, this is your December 1 deadline. Share this with someone who wants a fully funded PhD in Hong Kong.