Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
Offered by Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong
About this scholarship
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council (RGC), aims to attract the world's best research-postgraduate students to pursue full-time PhD study at Hong Kong's universities. It provides a monthly stipend of HK$20,500 (roughly US$2,600) plus an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$10,000, for up to three years; participating universities commonly add further support such as tuition and extended funding for students who need more than three years. The scheme is open to outstanding students of any nationality — local and non-local alike — across all fields. Applicants must hold (or be completing) a strong bachelor's degree and demonstrate excellent academic ability and research potential. The application is a two-step process: you first submit an initial application directly to the RGC to obtain an HKPFS reference number, and then use that number to apply for PhD admission at your chosen Hong Kong university, which nominates candidates. Deadlines fall in the autumn, typically with the RGC initial application closing around late November or early December.
Eligibility
- Be seeking full-time PhD study at a participating Hong Kong university
- Hold (or be completing) a strong bachelor's degree by the deadline
- Demonstrate outstanding academic ability and research potential
- Open to applicants of any nationality (local and non-local)
- Submit an initial application to the RGC, then apply to the university with the reference number
This opens the official program page — look for the “Apply” button there. Always verify amounts and deadlines on the official site; they change each cycle.
Last verified by us: 2026-06-01.