Hong Kong Fellowship is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme that provides fully funded PhD support; the HKPFS Fellowship at HKUST offers stipend, tuition waiver, travel allowance and other recruitment awards for doctoral students.
The fellowship is offered under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council and promoted by HKUST, which has recruited awardees from 50+ countries and provides a strong research community and additional HKUST-specific awards.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: HK$344,400 (~US$44,130) per year for 4 years*
- Waiver of Tuition Fees for 4 years
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Award: Recruitment Award of HK$40,000 (~US$5,130) in the first year
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Award: Academic Excellence Award of HK$20,000 (~US$2,560) per year, in the following years^
- Conference Travel Allowance: HK$14,400 (~US$1,850) per year for 4 years
- University Accommodation: Guaranteed in the first year of research postgraduate studies
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Outstanding academic records
- Excellent research ability and potential
- International exposure and a global outlook
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong leadership abilities
How to Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
- By 1 Dec 2026 (12noon, GMT+8) – RGC application deadline; Obtain an HKPFS reference number from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council.
- By 1 Dec 2026 (11:59pm, GMT+8) – HKUST application deadline; Submit the HKPFS application online directly to HKUST and upload all required documents to the Online Admission System. Quote the HKPFS reference number. Submit a separate full application for each chosen HKUST program if two programs were selected initially.
- By 8 Dec 2026 – Inform referees to provide reference reports early and attend admission interviews where appropriate.
- May 2027 – Successful candidates will be notified by RGC via email; results will also be announced on the RGC website. Eligible candidates not selected may be considered for HKUST Postgraduate Studentship, HKUST Redbird PhD Award, and a waiver of tuition fee in the first year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection and how to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at HKUST.
What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a prestigious programme established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council to attract outstanding doctoral students. HKUST has recruited the largest number of HKPFS awardees among local institutions and hosts fellows from 50+ countries, offering full funding and a strong research community.
What funding and benefits does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides a stipend of HK$344,400 per year for four years, waiver of tuition fees for four years, a conference travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year, guaranteed university accommodation in the first year, and HKUST RedBird PhD recruitment and academic excellence awards.
Who is eligible to apply for the HKPFS through HKUST?
Applicants must meet HKUST admission requirements and are expected to have outstanding academic records, excellent research ability and potential, international exposure and a global outlook, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and strong leadership abilities.
What is the application deadline for HKPFS for 2027/28 entry?
The RGC application deadline is by 1 Dec 2026 (12 noon, GMT+8). The HKUST application deadline is by 1 Dec 2026 (11:59pm, GMT+8). Applicants should obtain an HKPFS reference number from the RGC and submit all materials to HKUST by the HKUST deadline.
How do I obtain the HKPFS reference number required for application?
Obtain an HKPFS reference number from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council via their HKPFS application portal as part of the RGC application process. This reference number must be quoted when submitting the HKUST application.
What documents must be uploaded to HKUST for the application?
Applicants must upload all required documents to the HKUST Online Admission System. The HKUST page links to a documents required list and instructs applicants to quote the HKPFS reference number and submit separate full applications if two programs were initially chosen.
When will successful candidates be notified?
Successful candidates will be notified by the Research Grants Council via email in May 2027. The HKPFS results will also be announced on the RGC website.
What happens if I am not selected for the fellowship?
Eligible candidates who are not selected for the HKPFS may be considered for admission to HKUST PhD programs with the Postgraduate Studentship (HK$229,620), HKUST Redbird PhD Award, and a waiver of tuition fee in the first year, subject to eligibility and availability.
How long is the HKUST PhD programme under HKPFS support?
HKUST PhD programmes emphasise research. The normal duration is three years if a relevant research master’s degree is held prior to PhD entry, or four years with a bachelor’s degree. All programs are taught in English.
Where can I find tips and further guidance for submitting the HKPFS application?
HKUST provides a dedicated ‘Tips for Submitting the HKPFS Fellowship Application’ page and an admissions FAQ (select ‘HK PhD Fellowship Scheme’ as category). Links to these resources are available on the HKPFS page on the HKUST site.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
