Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027 | Application Process

Q: How many universities/programmes can I apply to under HKPFS, and how does priority work?

You can choose up to two programmes in total, in one or two universities, and you must indicate priority in your HKPFS initial application. If you are nominated by two universities, the RGC will only process the nomination from the university you marked as your priority. If you chose two programmes within the same university and you are nominated, the university decides which programme it will support for the nomination.

Q: Can I submit more than one HKPFS initial application to increase my chances?

No. You are allowed to submit only one initial application in the HKPFS system. Submitting more than one can lead to disqualification.

Q: Can I change my selected universities/programmes after submitting the initial application?

Yes, but only before the initial-application deadline. You can log in with your HKPFS reference number and password to update your university/programme choices. After the deadline, changes are not accepted.

Q: Do I need to enter referee details in the HKPFS system at the initial stage?

No. Referee information is not required in the HKPFS electronic system at the initial application stage. However, referees and reference letters are typically required by the universities during the full university application.

Q: If I am not awarded HKPFS, does that mean my PhD admission will be rejected too?

No. Not receiving HKPFS does not automatically mean rejection for PhD admission. Universities may still admit qualified candidates and may offer them other funding (for example, regular postgraduate studentships) depending on the university.

February 26, 2026February 18, 2026 by Muhammad Faizan

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for international students. The application process for this fellowship is straightforward. You can follow the step-by-step instructions presented in this article to apply for this fully funded scholarship. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027 covers an annual stipend of HK$325,200 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,600 for each awardee for a period of up to three years.

Hong Kong’s education system fosters lifelong learning and independent research, leading to a motivated, highly skilled, and entrepreneurial workforce. Hong Kong welcomes an international workforce.

Hong Kong is a free and dynamic society where creativity and entrepreneurship converge. Strategically located in the heart of Asia, it is a cosmopolitan city offering global connectivity, security, and rich diversity, and it is home to a unique network of people who celebrate excellence and quality living.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Highlights

Degree Programme	PhD
Scholarship Provider	Universities in Hong Kong (see list below)
Study Destination	Hong Kong
Fields of Study	All degree programmes are available
Programme Duration	3-4 years
Funding	Fully Funded

Participating Institutions

The HKPF (Hong Kong PhD Fellowship) supports the awardees to pursue their PhD studies at UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong:

City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University
Lingnan University
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Education University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Benefits

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

An annual stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690)
A conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,600 (approximately US$1,740) per year for each awardee for a period of up to three years.
The RGC does not charge any application fee for the (HKPFS). However, universities may charge application or other processing fees.

Note: 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2027/28 academic year*. For awardees who need more than three years to complete the PhD degree, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities. For details, please contact the universities concerned directly.

Eligibility Requirements for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship:

English is the required language.
Students from all countries are eligible to apply.
Those who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in UGC-funded institutions of Hong Kong, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background, should be eligible to apply.
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027

The following simple and easy application procedure will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: Before applying, please check this link.

Step 2: Fill out the initial application form here.

Step 3: Submit the initial application to the Research Grants Council, HKPF@ugc.edu.hk.
(Note: Open for applications at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time).

Step 4: Submit full applications to the proposed universities. After completing an initial application, applicants should submit full applications for their selected PhD programmes to the proposed universities, quoting their HKPFS Reference Number before the universities’ respective deadlines. As regards programme information, requirements for PhD admission, application methods, regulations and policies of individual universities, please refer to individual universities and PhD programmes for information.

For more information on how to apply, click here.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027 is 1 December.

For further information about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship and the application process, please visit the official websites:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How many universities/programmes can I apply to under HKPFS, and how does priority work?

You can choose up to two programmes in total, in one or two universities, and you must indicate priority in your HKPFS initial application. If you are nominated by two universities, the RGC will only process the nomination from the university you marked as your priority. If you chose two programmes within the same university and you are nominated, the university decides which programme it will support for the nomination.

Can I submit more than one HKPFS initial application to increase my chances?

No. You are allowed to submit only one initial application in the HKPFS system. Submitting more than one can lead to disqualification.

Can I change my selected universities/programmes after submitting the initial application?

Yes, but only before the initial-application deadline. You can log in with your HKPFS reference number and password to update your university/programme choices. After the deadline, changes are not accepted.

Do I need to enter referee details in the HKPFS system at the initial stage?

No. Referee information is not required in the HKPFS electronic system at the initial application stage. However, referees and reference letters are typically required by the universities during the full university application.

What if I forget to quote my HKPFS reference number in the university application?

If you do not provide the HKPFS reference number to the university, your application will be processed as a regular PhD application and will not be considered under HKPFS.

Do I need to attend an interview for HKPFS?

Possibly. Universities may conduct interviews where necessary. Shortlisted applications are then reviewed by one of the two HKPFS Selection Panels (STEM/Medicine/Engineering vs Humanities/Social Sciences/Business).

What are the selection criteria used for HKPFS shortlisting and final selection?

Academic excellence is the primary factor, and the Selection Panels also consider research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

When are HKPFS results announced?

The RGC states the HKPFS result for the 2026/27 cycle will be announced by May 2026.

If I am not awarded HKPFS, does that mean my PhD admission will be rejected too?

No. Not receiving HKPFS does not automatically mean rejection for PhD admission. Universities may still admit qualified candidates and may offer them other funding (for example, regular postgraduate studentships) depending on the university.

When do successful HKPFS candidates normally register, and can the start be deferred?

Successful candidates are normally required to register between July and September of the admission year. The RGC notes registration may be deferred (with well-justified reasons and approval) up to 31 January at the latest.

Can I change my university after I receive the HKPFS award?

No. The fellowship is awarded based on a university’s nomination. You must be a registered full-time PhD student at the university specified in the RGC offer letter. If you leave that university, the fellowship will be discontinued/terminated.

Different websites show different stipend/travel allowance amounts. What are the official HKPFS figures for 2026/27?

For the 2026/27 cycle, the official HKPFS FAQ states the fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$340,800 and an annual conference/research travel allowance of HK$14,200, for up to three years. If you see different numbers online, rely on the official RGC/UGC HKPFS pages for the latest figures.

HKPFS supports up to three years. What if my PhD programme is four years?

HKPFS funding is stated as up to three years. If you need more than three years to complete the PhD, the UGC notes that additional support may be provided by the chosen universities. The type of top-up/4th-year support differs by university, so check your university’s HKPFS page or funding package.

After I’m selected, how do I handle the student visa/entry permit step?

Follow your university’s instructions for the student visa/entry permit process, and use Hong Kong’s Immigration Department study-visa guidance as the official reference for requirements and procedures.

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