Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/26

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2025/26 is an exceptional opportunity for talented and motivated individuals worldwide to pursue their doctoral studies in Hong Kong, a global hub for research and academic excellence. Established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, the scheme aims to attract the brightest minds to Hong Kong’s universities by offering generous financial support and fostering a vibrant academic environment.

Applications for the 2025/26 academic year open on 1 September 2024 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (HKT) and will close on 1 December 2024 at 12:00 noon HKT. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to know about the scheme, including the participating universities, fellowship benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and selection criteria.

Participating Universities

Eight prestigious research degree-awarding universities in Hong Kong participate in the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, each known for its research output and academic programs. Applicants can apply to one or more of these institutions:

• City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
• Lingnan University (LU)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
• The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

These universities offer a broad spectrum of PhD programs in various disciplines, from sciences and engineering to humanities, social sciences, business, and education.

Fellowship Award

The HKPFS provides a highly competitive fellowship package designed to cover living expenses, research costs, and travel-related expenses during the PhD program. Here’s a breakdown of the award benefits:

• Annual Stipend: Each fellow receives an annual stipend of HK$337,200 (approximately US$43,230), providing financial security throughout the PhD program.
• Conference and Research Travel Allowance: Fellows are awarded an additional HK$14,000 (approximately US$1,790) per year to cover conference attendance and research-related travel costs.
• Fellowship Duration: The fellowship is granted for up to three years, covering the core period of the PhD program. If an awardee requires more than three years to complete the PhD, additional financial support may be provided by the respective university. Applicants should contact their desired universities directly for further details regarding extended funding.
• Number of Fellowships: For the 2025/26 academic year, 400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded across the participating universities, making it one of the largest PhD fellowship schemes in the region.

Eligibility Criteria

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is open to international and domestic candidates who wish to pursue full-time PhD studies in Hong Kong. The program is highly competitive, and applicants are assessed on several key criteria, irrespective of their nationality, prior work experience, or ethnic background.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

• New Full-Time PhD Students: The scheme is open to individuals seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating universities.
• No Limitations on Nationality: Applicants from any country are eligible to apply.
• Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, typically backed by excellent grades and a strong academic record.

Selection Criteria:

The selection process is holistic and based on a combination of academic and non-academic attributes. The following qualities are considered:

• Academic Performance: Strong academic results in undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Research Ability and Potential: Applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in research methodologies, critical thinking, and innovative ideas relevant to their chosen field.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication skills, both written and oral, as well as the ability to collaborate and work in a team setting, are essential.
• Leadership Abilities: A demonstrated track record of leadership, whether in academic, extracurricular, or professional activities, adds significant weight to an application.

How to Apply

The application process for the HKPFS involves two main stages: the initial application and subsequent applications to the universities.

Step 1: Initial Application (Deadline: 1 December 2024, 12:00 noon HKT)

Eligible candidates must first submit an Initial Application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number. This initial application should be submitted by 1 December 2024 at 12:00 noon HKT. The reference number will be required for subsequent PhD applications to the desired universities.

• Visit the HKPFSES portal: Apply Here

Step 2: University Applications

Once you have obtained your HKPFS Reference Number, you must submit individual applications to the PhD programs at the participating universities of your choice. You may apply to up to two PhD programs or departments at one or two universities.

• Admission Requirements: Each university and PhD program has its own specific admission requirements, so it’s crucial to review the guidelines provided by each institution to which you are applying. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for your selected program and submit all required documents on time.
• Application Deadlines: Some universities have deadlines that immediately follow the initial application deadline. Therefore, it is advisable to submit the initial application as early as possible to leave ample time for completing the PhD application to the universities.

Selection Process

Applications that pass the initial screening will be shortlisted and reviewed by one of two Selection Panels, depending on the applicant’s area of study:

• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies

Each panel consists of academic experts in the relevant fields who assess candidates based on the following criteria:

• Academic Excellence: The primary focus is on the academic achievements of the applicant, including grades, academic awards, publications, and the quality of research proposals.
• Research Ability and Potential: The panels look for evidence of research skills, innovation, and the potential to contribute to the chosen field of study.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Candidates’ ability to articulate their research ideas and collaborate with peers and mentors is assessed during the selection process.
• Leadership Abilities: The panels also consider whether the candidate has demonstrated leadership qualities in academic or professional contexts.

The final decision is based on the overall strength of the application across all these dimensions.

Important Dates to Remember

• Opening Date for Applications: 1 September 2024 (12:00 noon HKT)
• Deadline for Initial Applications: 1 December 2024 (12:00 noon HKT)
• University Application Deadlines: Vary by university (check individual university websites for details)
• Commencement of the 2025/26 Academic Year: September 2025

Why Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?

There are several compelling reasons why students should consider applying for the HKPFS:

• World-Class Education: Hong Kong's universities consistently rank among the top institutions globally, offering a world-class education and access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
• Generous Financial Support: With a substantial stipend and travel allowances, the fellowship enables students to focus on their research without financial worries.
• International Research Environment: Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures and ideas, providing students with opportunities to engage with a diverse community of researchers from around the world.
• Career Development Opportunities: Graduates from Hong Kong’s universities often enjoy excellent career prospects, both within academia and in industries across the globe.
• Strategic Location: Hong Kong’s proximity to Mainland China and its status as a global financial hub offer students unique opportunities for cross-border research collaboration and career advancement.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/26 offers a life-changing opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue their doctoral studies in one of the world’s most dynamic academic environments. With a generous financial package, access to world-class research facilities, and the chance to collaborate with leading scholars, the HKPFS is a prestigious platform for launching an academic career.

As the deadline for initial applications is 1 December 2024, potential applicants should begin preparing early by researching their desired programs, crafting strong research proposals, and gathering the necessary documents. By following the application process closely and meeting the selection criteria, you could be one of the 400 talented scholars to receive this prestigious fellowship.

For more details and to begin your application, visit the official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme website: HKPFS Official Website.