Applications are now open for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026, one of Asia’s most prestigious doctoral funding programs. The Hong Kong Government, through the Research Grants Council, offers 400 fully-funded PhD positions across eight world-renowned universities in Hong Kong to exceptional international students worldwide.
This competitive fellowship represents Hong Kong’s commitment to establishing itself as a global education hub and research powerhouse.
The program attracts talented researchers from diverse academic backgrounds, creating a vibrant international scholarly community in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
What makes this fellowship particularly attractive is its accessibility to both master’s degree holders and outstanding bachelor’s degree graduates who can apply directly for PhD programs. This flexibility opens opportunities for exceptional students at different stages of their academic journey to pursue advanced research in Hong Kong’s world-class institutions.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026 Details
- Location: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Funding Organization: Research Grants Council (Government-funded)
- Degree Level: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
- Funding Coverage: Fully funded
- Eligible Applicants: International students worldwide
- Total Positions: 400 fellowships annually
- Participating Universities: Eight top-ranked institutions
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Financial Support Package
- Primary Stipend: HK$340,800 annually (approximately US$43,690)
- Conference and Travel Allowance: HK$14,200 annually (approximately US$1,820) for research-related travel and conference attendance
- Fellowship Duration: Up to three years of guaranteed support
The generous monthly stipend of approximately HK$28,400 provides comfortable living standards in Hong Kong, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and personal expenses. This amount reflects current cost-of-living considerations in Hong Kong and ensures students can focus entirely on their research without financial stress.
Available Fields & Major:
The Hong Kong fellowship covers the following fields:
- Science
- Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Humanities
- Social Science and Business Studies
Also Check: KAUST Scholarship 2026 for International Students in Saudi Arab – Fully Funded
List of Universities for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Program 2026:
- 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
How to Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
Step 1: Submit Initial Application
Deadline: December 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM Hong Kong Time
Platform: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES)
Result: Receive HKPFS Reference Number
Step 2: Apply to Universities
Requirement: Use your HKPFS Reference Number
Action: Submit full PhD applications to chosen universities
Timeline: Before each university’s deadline
Step 3: University Selection
Universities review applications and recommend candidates to the Research Grants Council
Step 4: Final Decision
Research Grants Council makes final fellowship award decisions
