Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme
Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme supports mid-career Hong Kong academics in overseas research collaboration and professional development to strengthen research competence and international networks.
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Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates: September 2026 (Call for nominations) | November 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (2027/28 nomination deadline) | April 2027 (Award announcement)
Funding Amounts: Up to HK$48,000 per month for up to six months, plus up to HK$80,000 for research and conference expenses
Summary: Supports mid-career academics at Hong Kong’s UGC-funded universities undertaking overseas research collaboration and research-related professional development.
Key Information: Fellows must complete one year of service at a UGC-funded university after returning from their overseas stay.
Description
The Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme (ORFS) is a University Grants Committee (UGC) / Research Grants Council (RGC) initiative promoting the internationalisation of UGC-funded universities. It supports mid-career faculty visiting overseas institutional laboratories, research units and clinical settings for immersive collaboration, research projects or research-related professional development. The scheme aims to strengthen scholarly and research competence, broaden exposure to international research trends and increase Hong Kong universities’ visibility.
ORFS complements universities’ sabbatical leave arrangements and mobility programmes, including leave arrangements of a similar nature. It encourages deeper collaboration with overseas researchers and knowledge transfer back to local universities. The pilot runs for three academic years, from 2026/27 through 2028/29, with a maximum of 40 fellowship places each year.
