Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026
About this scholarship
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme funds outstanding new full-time PhD students from around the world to study at participating universities in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a flagship doctoral funding programme established by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue research degrees in Hong Kong. It supports new full-time PhD students admitted by participating Hong Kong universities across a wide range of disciplines.
HKPFS is highly competitive and is intended for applicants who show exceptional academic achievement, strong research ability or potential, good communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities. The scheme is open to candidates regardless of nationality, work experience, or ethnic background, provided they are applying for a new full-time PhD place at a participating institution in Hong Kong.
The fellowship generally provides a monthly stipend of about HK$28,400 and a conference/research-related travel allowance of up to HK$14,200 per year for up to three years. For PhD programmes with a normal study period longer than three years, some universities may offer additional support for the remaining period under their own funding arrangements. Support commonly covers living costs and research-related travel, and some institutions may also provide tuition waivers or extra top-up awards.
The scheme can be taken up at participating Hong Kong universities, and it is not limited to one subject area. Applicants usually need to submit an initial HKPFS application through the central online system and then a separate full application to their chosen university, quoting the HKPFS reference number where required. Because admission and nomination are handled by individual universities, applicants should carefully review both the fellowship guidance and the specific doctoral admission requirements of the host institution, including any English-language requirements and required supporting documents.
- Open to applicants from any country
- For new full-time PhD study in Hong Kong
- Covers stipend and research/conference travel support
- Available across many academic disciplines
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants must be seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at a participating university in Hong Kong. The scheme is open to candidates of any nationality and background. Selection focuses on academic excellence, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
English proficiency may be required by the host university, commonly through IELTS, TOEFL, or proof that previous study was conducted in English.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).
