Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 - Apply Online for 400 Fellowships
Official Source
Quick answer
Research Grants Council (RGC), Hong Kong has released the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 notification. Applications are open from 1 September 2026, 12:00 Noon HKT to 01 December 2026. The application fee is Free for RGC Initial HKPFS Application. Apply only through the official website (ugc.edu.hk).
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Important details
| Name of post | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 - Apply Online for 400 Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Research Grants Council (RGC), Hong Kong |
| Job location | All India |
| Last date to apply | 01 December 2026 |
| Pay / salary | The published 2026/27 stipend rate is HK$344,400 annually, equivalent to HK$28,700 monthly, along with HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance. Applicants should check for the applicable 2027/28 rate. |
| Selection process | HKPFS awardees are selected through a competitive assessment process. The Research Grants Council considers academic excellence as the primary factor, together with research potential, communication skills and leadership abilities. Participating universities assess applicants and may conduct interviews before nominating candidates for fellowship consideration. → Academic Excellence → Research Ability and Potential → Communication and Interpersonal Skills → Leadership Abilities → University Assessment and Nomination → Research Grants Council Selection Panel Review → Shortlisted applicants are assessed by relevant selection panels covering Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, or Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies. |
| Posted on | 22 Oct 2026 |
| Last updated | 22 Oct 2026 |
Read from the official notice. Always confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official website.
Important Dates
- Initial Application Start Date1 September 2026, 12:00 Noon HKT
- Last date to apply01 December 2026
- Deadline in Indian Standard Time1 December 2026, 9:30 AM IST
- Full University Application Deadline1 December 2026, 11:59 PM HKT for the eight universities listed in the official deadline schedule
- Fellowship ResultsMay 2027
- Academic Year2027/28
Application Fee
- RGC Initial HKPFS ApplicationFree
HKPFS provides a stipend that awardees can use towards living and study-related expenses, together with the separate conference and research-related travel allowance. Tuition fees, accommodation charges, fee waivers and additional benefits depend on the participating university and its support arrangements. Candidates should check the financial conditions of their chosen university.
The Research Grants Council does not charge an application fee for the HKPFS initial application. However, individual universities may charge admission application or processing fees. Candidates should check the fee requirements of their selected universities before submitting the full PhD admission application.
Application Type : Fee
University PhD Admission Application : As prescribed by the university
Salary / Pay Scale
- The published 2026/27 stipend rate is HK$344,400 annually, equivalent to HK$28,700 monthly, along with HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance. Applicants should check for the applicable 2027/28 rate.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 - Number of Awards
- The Research Grants Council has announced 400 PhD Fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year. The scheme supports outstanding applicants who wish to pursue full-time doctoral research at participating Hong Kong universities.
- The fellowships are competitive awards and are not distributed as fixed post-wise government job vacancies. Selection depends on academic performance, research potential and other assessment criteria.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from India and other countries may apply.
- Candidates must seek admission as new full-time PhD students.
- Applicants must meet the selected university's academic entry requirements.
- Previous professional experience is not a general fellowship requirement.
- Academic excellence, research ability and leadership potential are important selection factors.
- Applicants must complete both the initial RGC application and full university application.
- Candidates seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating universities are eligible to apply, regardless of nationality or previous work experience. Applicants must also satisfy the academic and admission requirements of their chosen PhD programme.
Can Bachelor's Degree Holders Apply for HKPFS 2027-28?
- Yes. Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree may apply for direct PhD admission where the selected university and programme permit it. A Master's Degree is not a universal requirement for every participating PhD programme. Applicants must check programme-specific admission conditions.
Can Indian Students Apply for HKPFS 2027-28?
- Yes. Indian students are eligible to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28. The fellowship welcomes candidates from different countries, subject to their eligibility for admission to the selected PhD programme.
Is Work Experience Required for HKPFS?
- No previous professional work experience is required under the general HKPFS eligibility rules. However, applicants must demonstrate the academic and research qualities required by their chosen universities and programmes.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Stipend and Benefits
| Benefit | Published Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Stipend (2026/27 Rate) | HK$344,400 |
| Equivalent Monthly Stipend | HK$28,700 |
| Annual Research / Conference Travel Allowance | HK$14,400 |
| Funding Period | Up to 3 Years |
| Additional Support Beyond 3 Years | May be provided by the selected university |
- The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides financial support for doctoral studies, including an annual stipend and a conference and research-related travel allowance. The officially published 2026/27 figures are HK$344,400 annual stipend and HK$14,400 annual travel allowance for up to three years. These are reference figures; applicants should check for any updated 2027/28 award rates.
What Is the HKPFS Monthly Stipend?
- Based on the published 2026/27 annual stipend of HK$344,400, the equivalent monthly amount is HK$28,700. This is a fellowship stipend, not a salary from government employment. The final rate applicable to the 2027/28 intake should be checked with the Research Grants Council.
HKPFS 2027-28 Participating Universities
| University Name | Location |
|---|---|
| City University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| Hong Kong Baptist University | Hong Kong |
| Lingnan University | Hong Kong |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| The Education University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Hong Kong |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | Hong Kong |
| The University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
- The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 involves eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Applicants may select a maximum of two PhD programmes or departments at one or two universities through the initial application system.
- Candidates should compare academic programmes, admission criteria, supervisors, research areas and university-specific funding arrangements before choosing their preferences.
HKPFS 2027-28 Research Areas and PhD Programmes
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Engineering and Technology
- Biology, Medicine and Biotechnology
- Physical and Natural Sciences
- Business and Management Studies
- Economics and Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Finance, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- The participating universities offer doctoral research opportunities across a wide range of fields, including science, medicine, engineering, technology, humanities, business and social sciences.
- The availability of individual subjects, supervisors and doctoral programmes must be confirmed with the chosen university.
Is There a Written Examination for HKPFS 2027-28?
- The fellowship guidance does not prescribe a common written entrance examination for all applicants. Participating universities normally assess candidates through their own admission processes, which may include interviews and other programme-specific requirements.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Official Notification and Guidance Note
- The Research Grants Council has published the HKPFS 2027/28 application information and Guidance Note for Applicants. The guidance explains eligibility, the initial application system, university programme choices, reference numbers, admission requirements, selection procedures and application restrictions.
- HKPFS 2027-28 Official Guidance: View Official Scheme Details
- HKPFS Application Instructions: Read Official Application Procedure
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Apply Online
- The HKPFS 2027-28 initial online application is open from 1 September to 1 December 2026. Eligible applicants must submit the initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number. They must then submit full PhD admission applications to their selected universities before the respective deadlines.
- HKPFS 2027-28 Apply Online: Start Official Initial Application
HKPFS Initial Application Form - Important Instructions
- Submit only one initial application. Multiple initial applications can result in disqualification.
- Complete the application in English, except the Chinese-name field where applicable.
- Choose no more than two university/department/programme preferences.
- Use a valid and active email address.
- Save the HKPFS Reference Number and confirmation email.
- The online system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and unsubmitted entries will be lost.
- Changes to programme choices are permitted only within the initial application deadline.
- Ensure information in the RGC application and university applications is accurate and consistent.
Important Guidance on AI Use in HKPFS Applications
- The 2027/28 Guidance Note requires applicants to disclose the use of AI models, systems or tools when preparing applications submitted to their selected institutions, in accordance with institutional requirements. This includes AI assistance with research ideas, literature reviews, language editing, citation management and data analysis. Applicants remain responsible for accuracy, originality, academic integrity and complete disclosure.
HKPFS 2027-28 Result Date
- The Research Grants Council expects to announce HKPFS 2027-28 fellowship results in May 2027. Successful applicants will be notified through the official communication process. Candidates should check the RGC announcement page and their registered email for results and award updates.
More Details
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Important Dates
- Does HKPFS Cover Tuition Fees and Living Expenses?
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Application Fee
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Selection Process
- HKPFS Selection Criteria
Mode of Selection
- HKPFS awardees are selected through a competitive assessment process. The Research Grants Council considers academic excellence as the primary factor, together with research potential, communication skills and leadership abilities. Participating universities assess applicants and may conduct interviews before nominating candidates for fellowship consideration.
- Academic Excellence
- Research Ability and Potential
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership Abilities
- University Assessment and Nomination
- Research Grants Council Selection Panel Review
- Shortlisted applicants are assessed by relevant selection panels covering Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, or Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies.
How to Apply for HKPFS 2027-28?
- Visit the official HKPFS initial application portal.
- Read the Guidance Note for Applicants carefully.
- Open the initial application form.
- Complete Section A - Personal Particulars.
- Complete Section B - Choice of University(ies) and Programme(s) for PhD Study.
- Complete Section C - Authorization and Declaration.
- Complete Section D - Source of Information.
- Review the application details and submit the form before the deadline.
- Save the HKPFS Reference Number and email confirmation received after submission.
- Submit full PhD admission applications to the chosen universities using the HKPFS Reference Number.
- Follow each university's admission requirements, document instructions and deadline.
- Important: Submitting only the initial HKPFS application is not sufficient. Applicants who do not submit a full application to their selected university will not have their initial fellowship application processed further.
Important Links
| Initial Application Form | Click Here cerg1.ugc.edu.hk |
|---|---|
| Application Instructions | Click Here cerg1.ugc.edu.hk |
| Participating Universities | Click Here cerg1.ugc.edu.hk |
| Official Scheme Information (HKPFS Official Website) | Click Here ugc.edu.hk |
| Fellowship Results | Click Here ugc.edu.hk |
| Particulars | Official Link |
Frequently asked questions
When does the application for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 start?
Initial Application Start Date: 1 September 2026, 12:00 Noon HKT.
What is the last date to apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28?
The last date to apply is 01 December 2026.
What is the application fee for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28?
RGC Initial HKPFS Application: Free.
What qualification is needed for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28?
Applicants from India and other countries may apply. | Candidates must seek admission as new full-time PhD students. | Applicants must meet the selected university's academic entry requirements. | Previous professional experience is not a general fellowship requirement. | Academic excellence, research ability and leadership potential are important selection factors. | Applicants must complete both…
What is the selection process for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28?
HKPFS awardees are selected through a competitive assessment process. The Research Grants Council considers academic excellence as the primary factor, together with research potential, communication skills and leadership abilities. Participating universities assess applicants and may conduct interviews before nominating candidates for fellowship consideration, Academic Excellence, Research Ability and Potential, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Leadership Abilities, University Assessment and Nomination, Research Grants Council Selection Panel Review, Shortlisted applicants are assessed by relevant selection panels covering Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, or Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies.
What is the official website for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28?
The official website is https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/hkphd/.