The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is a fully funded award for doctoral study in Hong Kong. It funds new full time PhD students at government funded universities. Anyone from any country can apply. Many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Singapore International Graduate Award, another major PhD option in Asia.
Overview
- Host country, Hong Kong
- Level of study, PhD only
- Field of study, All disciplines, across two broad panels
- Number of scholars, 400 fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year
- Nationality, Open to applicants of any nationality
- Funded by, Research Grants Council, Hong Kong
Benefits of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
First, scholars get a large yearly stipend. Also, they get a travel allowance. Plus, no fee applies to apply. In short, the award covers this.
- An annual stipend of 344,400 Hong Kong Dollars, about 44,150 US Dollars
- A yearly conference and research travel allowance of 14,400 Hong Kong Dollars
- Funding for up to three years, with extra school support for longer PhDs
- No cost to apply through the central council
- A clear, well known path into Hong Kong’s top ranked universities
Who Should Apply
This award suits strong candidates with real research ability, not grades alone. Meanwhile, students who want funding tied to a single named school instead may prefer the Schwarzman Scholars program. That option funds a one year Master’s in mainland China.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, applicants must meet these points.
- Be applying as a new full time PhD student at a local university
- Show outstanding academic results from past study
- Show strong research ability, or clear research potential
- Show good communication, interpersonal, and leadership skill
- Meet the English rules set by your chosen school
Two Steps, Not One
Notably, you must first sign up through a central system. Then, you apply to your chosen universities directly. This two step process is close to the setup used for the Chinese Government Scholarship, where a central body and each school both play a role.
Required Documents
- Completed registration through the official electronic system
- Separate PhD applications to your chosen universities
- Academic transcripts
- A research proposal
- Proof of English skill, such as IELTS or a prior degree taught in English
How to Apply
First, register through the central system to get your reference number. Next, apply to your chosen schools, and rank them in your true order. Then, prepare for interviews, since each school assesses shortlisted candidates directly. This ranked choice step is close to the process used for the Turkiye Burslari Scholarship, where clear preferences also guide placement.
Application Deadline
Applications opened on September 1, 2026. The deadline is December 1, 2026, at noon Hong Kong time. So, this window is still open now, which gives you real time to prepare a strong application.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this scholarship gives strong, complete funding for PhD study in Hong Kong. However, if you want a shorter, one year program instead, check other options too. For instance, the Schwarzman Scholars program funds a one year Master’s in Global Affairs.
