The Hong Kong PhD fellowship Scheme 2025-26 is currently accepting applications globally! It provides a comprehensive opportunity for all aspiring researchers to pursue a fully funded PhD fellowship at top-ranked universities in Asia’s world city, which offers a unique blend of tradition and its position as a global hub for business, finance, trade, and culture.
As the academic year unfolds, a new generation of scholars stands at the threshold of an extraordinary opportunity. The HKPSFS 2025/26 invites talented and innovative scholars internationally from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to pursue postdoctoral studies and research in diverse academic fields, including STEM, humanities, social sciences, and professional fields. The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong nurtures talented minds with the scheme’s generous support, which includes an annual stipend of HK$337,000 and a travel allowance of HK$14,000/year for all academic and research-related expenses.
The fellowship not only provides students with global connectivity, but also enables them to conduct research in a strategic location characterized by economic prosperity, a thriving startup ecosystem, research institutions, and technological advancements. HKPFS allows you to apply to eight different top-ranked universities. Students must demonstrate exceptional research experience or potential, and their research objectives must align with the program’s core values.
The scheme supports interdisciplinary and innovative research, allowing applicants to have in-depth knowledge, expertise, and practical knowledge in their chosen fields with direct mentoring from industry experts.
This article provides a detailed overview of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme including application process, eligibility, and deadlines. We strongly recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible!
Details about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025-26:
- Country: Hong Kong
- Institutions: Multiple participating universities
- Host organization: Research Grants Council (RGC) Hong Kong
- Qualification Level: PhD
- Application method: Online
- Deadline: 1 December 2024.
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Duration:
The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong provides funding for PhD fellows for a duration of three years, with the possibility of an extension if additional time is required to complete their degree programs.
Fellowship Coverage:
- Annual Stipend: HK$337,200 (approximately US$43,230) per year
- Conference and Research-related Travel Allowance: HK$14,000 (approximately US$1,790) per year
- Duration: Up to three years
- Total Number of Awards: 400 PhD Fellowships for the 2025/26 academic year
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).
- Academic qualifications: bachelor’s/master’s (the highest qualification requirement for the HKPFS may vary depending on each program offered by the university)
- Research experience: Showcase your research experience or potential through research projects, publications, or conference presentations.
- Age: There is no specific age limit.
- All academic fields of study are available for study.
- Application submission to the university: You must apply to a maximum of two PhD programs at one or two universities.
- Full-time study: It is necessary to pursue a full-time PhD program in Hong Kong
- Academic excellence: Must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, except for research potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Participating Universities:
Eight renowned research degree-awarding universities are participating in the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme:
- 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
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The University of Hong Kong
Documents Required:
- A completed application form(s)
- Personal statement/cover letter
- Research proposal
- Transcripts
- Both professional and academic letters of recommendation are required.
- ID/ passport
- CV/Resume
- English language proficiency certificates (if required)
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How to Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?
To apply for the Fellowship you need to follow the following steps:
Step 1:
Initially, you need to submit an online application through the Hong Kong PhD fellowship Scheme Electronic System to obtain a reference number.
Candidates can select up to 2 programs/departments at one or two participating institutes for PhD.
Applicants must meet the institute admission requirements for specific programs.
For the Initial Application guidance you may check the details here
Step 2:
Once you are done with your initial application now candidates need to submit the full application for the desired PhD programmes to the proposed institutes quoting the HKPFS reference number before the institute’s respective deadlines.
For guidance regarding the admission, requirements, and application methods refer to individual institutes for information
Application Deadline:
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/26 application call is open from September 1, 2024, to December 1, 2024.
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