RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme
The RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme funds promising postdocs at Hong Kong universities to support their transition to junior faculty roles, fostering research excellence across all academic disciplines.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026: Nomination submission deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: ~HK$425,000/year stipend (24 months, with possible 12-month extension); 60 awards annually; research support funding (HK$140,000/year) if promoted to junior academic
Summary: Supports promising postdoctoral researchers at UGC-funded Hong Kong universities to advance their research careers and transition to junior faculty roles.
Key Information: All dates are projected; eligibility is strict regarding PhD conferral window and university nomination.
Description
The RGC Junior Research Fellow Scheme (JRFS) is a competitive fellowship designed to support outstanding early-career postdoctoral researchers—both local and international—at UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. The program aims to facilitate the transition of talented researchers to Assistant Professor or Research Assistant Professor positions, fostering the next generation of academic leaders and enhancing Hong Kong's research culture across all disciplines.
Each year, 60 fellowships are awarded across two streams: (1) Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies; and (2) Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology. The fellowship provides a 24-month full-time postdoctoral appointment, with the possibility of extending for an additional 12 months. The scheme is open to candidates who have recently completed or will soon complete their PhD, and who are nominated by a UGC-funded university.
