Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme supports outstanding students worldwide with doctoral stipends and research-related travel funding to pursue full-time PhD research at eight Hong Kong universities.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates: September 1, 2026 (Applications open) | December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong time (Initial application deadline) | May 2027 (Results)
Funding Amounts: HK$344,400 annual stipend plus HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance, for up to three years; 400 fellowships for 2027/28
Summary: Supports outstanding students worldwide to pursue full-time PhD study at eight participating Hong Kong universities.
Key Information: Submit only one initial application, followed by separate university applications; duplicate initial applications are disqualified.
Description
Established in 2009 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme attracts outstanding students from around the world to doctoral programmes at Hong Kong universities. It combines a doctoral stipend with support for conferences and research-related travel, helping fellows pursue research across a broad range of disciplines.
Shortlisted applications are assessed by two expert selection panels: one covering Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, and another covering Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies. Academic excellence is the primary selection consideration, alongside research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. The scheme will award 400 fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year, which normally begins in September.
