Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/26 for International Students

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme gives international students a funded route to a PhD at UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Run by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) since 2009, it provides a yearly stipend and a travel allowance for up to three years. It is open to new full-time PhD candidates, regardless of nationality or background.

The fellowship supports PhD studies at these 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
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• The University of Hong Kong

PhD programmes offered by the participating institutions are eligible. For the specific PhD programmes available at each university, check the institution's website (links above).

400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2025/26 academic year.

International students

Each awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$337,200 (about US$43,230) plus a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,000 (about US$1,790) per year. The funding lasts for up to three years.

You can apply if you are seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a UGC-funded institution in Hong Kong. Your country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background do not matter.

You must also show strong academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

Applications are currently closed.

First, submit an Initial Application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to get an HKPFS Reference Number. Then apply for PhD admission at your chosen universities. The deadline is 1 December 2024 (12:00:00 Hong Kong Time).

Read the how to apply page and check the official website and the participating institutions' own pages (links below) for full details.

• Host: Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC)
• Level: PhD
• Study in: Hong Kong, China
• Deadline: 1 December 2024 (annual)
• Awards: 400 fellowships for 2025/26
• Cover: Annual stipend of HK$337,200 plus HK$14,000 travel allowance for up to three years
• Target group: International students

This fellowship suits international students who want to start a full-time PhD at a UGC-funded university in Hong Kong. You do not need work experience or a specific nationality to qualify, but you must be a new PhD candidate.

If you have a strong academic record and can show research potential, communication skills and leadership, this scheme is designed for you.

• Who can apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme? International students seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong. Country of origin, work experience and ethnic background are not considered.
• What does the fellowship cover? It provides an annual stipend of HK$337,200 (about US$43,230) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,000 (about US$1,790) per year, for up to three years.
• When is the deadline? The application deadline is 1 December 2024 (12:00:00 Hong Kong Time).
• How do I apply? First submit an Initial Application through the HKPFSES to get a reference number, then apply for PhD admission at your chosen universities. See the how to apply page for details.
• How many fellowships are awarded? 400 fellowships will be awarded in the 2025/26 academic year.

• Read the official guidelines and the how to apply page before you start.
• Prepare your documents early, including transcripts and references.
• Check language requirements for your chosen university and programme.
• Submit your initial application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.