Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28: Fully Funded PhD With HK$28,700 a Month

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is open, and it remains one of the best-paid fully funded PhD awards in Asia. Run by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, the scheme pays fellows HK$28,700 a month, adds a travel allowance for conferences, and is open to applicants from any country. Applications close at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time on 1 December 2026.

The University of Hong Kong says the RGC makes around 300 awards each academic year. Fellows study full-time PhD programmes at Hong Kong's government-funded universities, which include HKU, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

What the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship covers

• Stipend: HK$28,700 a month (HK$344,400 a year, about US$44,000 according to PolyU)
• Travel allowance: HK$14,400 a year for conference and research travel, for up to three years
• University extras: each host university adds its own package on top

Extra benefits at HKU

HKU says every HKPFS holder joining it in 2027/28 also receives its Presidential PhD Scholarship. That adds a cash award of HK$40,000 in year one and HK$20,000 in each later year, a waiver of the HK$49,500 annual composition fee, a guaranteed hall place in year one, and support for one extra year for selected outstanding students. HKU also covers the conference allowance in year four of a four-year PhD.

Extra benefits at PolyU

PolyU offers a Research Excellence Scholarship as a tuition fee waiver, the same HK$40,000 and HK$20,000 cash awards, and a guaranteed university accommodation place for two years. PolyU nominees are also automatically offered a place under its Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme.

Who can apply

The scheme is open to new applicants for full-time PhD study at a government-funded Hong Kong university, whatever their nationality or ethnic background. The RGC looks for:

• outstanding academic performance
• research ability or potential
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• leadership ability

There is no restriction by field of study. Students in UGC-funded dual or joint PhD programmes who spend at least two years in Hong Kong can also be supported.

Important rules before you apply

• You may submit only one application to the RGC. More than one disqualifies all of them.
• You may pick up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities.
• Your choices cannot be changed after the RGC deadline.
• Only one award is made per person, and turning down your first choice does not move the award to your second.
• If you want HKU, list it as your first choice, HKU advises.

How to apply for HKPFS 2027/28

1. Register on the RGC HKPFS Electronic System and submit an initial application. You will receive an HKPFS Reference Number.
2. Submit a full application to each chosen university through its own online system, quoting the reference number. HKU and PolyU both set 1 December 2026 as their deadline (PolyU accepts university applications until 23:59 HKT that day).
3. Prepare a strong research proposal, CV, transcripts and referee contacts. Most universities ask for these with the full application.

Key dates

• 1 September 2026: applications opened
• 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon HKT: RGC initial application deadline
• September 2027: programme start for most fellows (PolyU lists "2027/28 Semester 1, Sep 2027 entry")

Tips for a competitive application

Contact potential supervisors early. A professor who knows your proposal is more likely to push for your nomination when the university ranks its candidates. Keep your research proposal specific: a clear question, the method, and why it fits the department you are applying to. If you are deciding between several funded options this year, see our listing of the Clarendon Scholarship 2027 at Oxford, which also funds doctoral study.

Official information: RGC Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.