Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Prestigious PhD fellowship from Hong Kong Research Grants Council for outstanding international students to pursue doctoral degrees at Hong Kong universities.
Overview
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a prestigious doctoral fellowship program established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009 to attract world-class students to pursue PhD studies at Hong Kong's universities. The scheme is open to students worldwide (not just Hong Kong or China) with outstanding academic credentials and research potential. HKPFS scholars receive a monthly stipend of HKD 27,600, a conference and research travel allowance of HKD 14,000 per year, and a fellowship period of up to 3 years (extendable). Participating institutions include HKU, HKUST, CUHK, PolyU, CityU, HKBatU, and LingU.
What You Can Find Here
- Monthly fellowship allowance of HKD 27,600 for up to 3 years of PhD study
- Annual conference and research travel allowance of HKD 14,000
- PhD study at world-class Hong Kong universities (QS top 100)
- Potential extension for a 4th year at the hosting institution's discretion
- Access to vibrant international research environment in Hong Kong
- Prestige and global recognition of the HKPFS designation
Who Should Use This
- Outstanding graduates from around the world with excellent academic records and research potential
- Students wishing to pursue cutting-edge PhD research in sciences, engineering, humanities, or social sciences at Hong Kong universities
- International researchers who want Asia-Pacific research experience at globally ranked institutions
- Applicants not currently enrolled in a Hong Kong PhD program - HKPFS is for new PhD students
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Visit cerg.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs to read the scheme details, eligibility, and application guidelines
- Step 2: Contact potential supervisors at participating Hong Kong universities to discuss your research interests
- Step 3: Submit an initial application to HKPFS through the online system (typically by December 1)
- Step 4: Simultaneously apply for PhD admission to your chosen Hong Kong university(ies)
- Step 5: Shortlisted HKPFS candidates are interviewed by the RGC panel in January-February, with results in March-April
Things to Check Before Applying
- Applications must be submitted simultaneously to HKPFS and to the chosen Hong Kong university PhD programs
- Competition is very high - the scheme awards about 300 fellowships per year from thousands of applications
- Current Hong Kong PhD students are not eligible - HKPFS is for new applicants
- Having a potential supervisor committed to working with you significantly strengthens your application
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for HKPFS?
All students worldwide are eligible, regardless of nationality, country of origin, or language background. Current PhD students at Hong Kong universities are not eligible.
What is the HKPFS stipend?
HKPFS provides HKD 27,600 per month (approximately USD 3,500) and HKD 14,000 per year for conference and research travel.
Which universities participate in HKPFS?
All University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong participate: HKU, HKUST, CUHK, PolyU, CityU, HKBU, and LingU.
What disciplines are eligible for HKPFS?
All disciplines offered as PhD programs at the participating universities are eligible, including STEM, business, humanities, social sciences, medicine, and law.
When is the HKPFS application deadline?
The application deadline is typically December 1 each year, for fellowships commencing the following September. Check the HKPFS website for exact dates.
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