PhD Fellowship Scheme in Hong Kong: Provides an annual stipend, conference, and research-related travel allowances for up to three years.
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 is home to a unique network of people who celebrate excellence and quality living.
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.
Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009, the PhD Fellowship Scheme in Hong Kong (HKPFS) aims at attracting the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their Ph.D. studies in Hong Kong's universities.
Candidates who are seeking admission to a new full-time PhD Fellowship Scheme in Hong Kong must apply in the following eight universities, 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.
While candidates' academic excellence is of primary consideration, the Selection Panels will take into account factors as follows:
For applicants from non-English speaking universities, unless they provide proof that English is the language of instruction for all courses, they are required to attach score results of TOEFL or IELTS in their PhD applications to the universities concerned.
Eligible candidates should make their initial application to the RGC through the online system at https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/InitApplication.jsp to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number before submitting full applications to their selected universities.
The PhD Fellowship Scheme in Hong Kong provides an annual stipend of HK$319,200 (approximately US$40,900) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,300 (approximately US$1,700) per year for each awardee for a period of up to three years.
Around 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded each 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.
Note: Universities in Hong Kong normally start their academic year in September.
All nationalities are eligible to apply.
For inquiries about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, please contact us by email at HKPF@ugc.edu.hk. You may also get instant answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
As regards admission and application requirements for PhD studies, please refer to individual universities for information.