Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme 2026-27 Opens for Fully Funded PhD Applications

The Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme 2026-27 is now open for applications, offering international students a golden chance to study a fully funded PhD in Hong Kong.

This program is one of the most competitive scholarships in Asia and is managed by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC). Its main aim is to attract the brightest and most talented young researchers from around the world, giving them an opportunity to study at top-ranked universities in Hong Kong. With generous funding and world-class research facilities, the fellowship provides an excellent platform for students who want to pursue advanced studies and make a global impact.

What the Fellowship Offers

Students who are selected for the Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme will receive financial and academic support that covers most of their needs during their PhD journey. The benefits include:

• Annual stipend of US$43,690 to cover living costs.
• US$1,820 allowance each year for travel, research, and academic-related activities such as attending international conferences.
• Funding for up to three years of PhD study.

For the 2026–27 academic year, 400 fellowships will be awarded. If a student’s PhD program requires more than three years, the university may provide additional funding or financial assistance to help them complete their research.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to students from all countries, with no restrictions on nationality or background. Applicants must meet certain requirements to be considered:

• They must apply as new, full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating universities in Hong Kong.
• They should hold a recognized bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree is not mandatory but may strengthen the application).
• They must meet the admission criteria of their selected university and PhD program.
• They should show strong academic excellence, research ability, communication skills, and leadership qualities.

This scheme is not only about academics but also about building future global leaders in research and innovation.

How to Apply

The application process is simple but requires careful planning. It consists of two main steps:

1. Initial Application – Applicants must first submit an application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES). After completing this step, they will receive a Reference Number.
2. University Applications – Using this reference number, candidates must apply directly to their chosen universities. Each applicant can apply to up to two PhD programs at one or two universities in Hong Kong.

The deadline for the initial application is December 1, 2025 (Hong Kong time). Missing the deadline will make applicants ineligible for the fellowship.

Participating Universities in Hong Kong

The fellowship allows students to pursue their PhD at one of eight world-class universities in Hong Kong. Each university is known for its academic excellence and research strengths:

1. City University of Hong Kong (CityU) – Famous for innovation, technology, and professional education. Strong in business, engineering, and law.
2. Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) – Known for arts, communication, humanities, and social sciences, along with creative media programs.
3. Lingnan University (LU) – A liberal arts university that focuses on humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies.
4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) – One of the top-ranked universities with strong programs in medicine, science, and engineering, along with cutting-edge research.
5. The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) – Specializes in teacher education, educational research, and social sciences.
6. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) – Famous for applied sciences, design, business, and engineering. Known globally for innovation and industry connections.
7. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – Globally recognized for science, engineering, business, and technology research. Ranked among the top young universities in the world.
8. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) – The oldest and most prestigious university in Hong Kong, renowned for medical sciences, law, business, and international research collaborations.

Why Choose Hong Kong?

Since its launch in 2009, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme has built a strong reputation for promoting academic excellence and high-quality research. Hong Kong has quickly become a leading education hub in Asia due to its:

• World-class universities with advanced research facilities.
• International collaborations with top researchers across the globe.
• Multicultural environment, welcoming students from different backgrounds.
• Strong focus on innovation and practical research that addresses real-world challenges.

For students who dream of pursuing a PhD with global exposure and rich academic resources, Hong Kong provides a unique combination of Eastern and Western education traditions, making it one of the best destinations for higher studies.

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