For students planning to study in Hong Kong at doctoral level, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is the most important funding opportunity of the year. Run by the Research Grants Council (RGC), the scheme opened for the 2027/28 intake on 1 September 2026 and will award 400 fellowships. The RGC’s initial application deadline is 12:00 noon (Hong Kong time) on 1 December 2026, about a month from now.

What the 2027/28 Fellowship Covers

According to the RGC HKPFS website, the scheme was set up in 2009 to attract outstanding research students from around the world, and it is open to applicants regardless of country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background. The University of Hong Kong’s Graduate School has described the scheme as offering around 300 fellowships a year, so the 2027/28 quota is a noticeable increase.

• Annual stipend: HK$344,400 (about US$44,150, the RGC’s 2026/27 rate)
• Conference and research travel allowance: HK$14,400 per year
• Duration: up to three years, with some universities offering extra support for longer programmes

Universities usually add their own awards on top. HKU, for example, gives HKPFS awardees its Presidential PhD Scholarship, which includes a tuition fee waiver and a cash award of HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 a year after that. PolyU offers a fee waiver, cash awards and two years of guaranteed accommodation. Check each university’s website for the latest package.

Which Hong Kong Universities Accept HKPFS Applicants

The scheme covers new full-time PhD students at eight universities: HKU, CUHK, HKUST, PolyU, CityU, HKBU, Lingnan University and EdUHK. Rankings such as the Times Higher Education 2027 results for Hong Kong’s universities are a reasonable starting point, but for a PhD the fit with your supervisor and research area matters far more.

How to Apply: Two Steps, Two Deadlines

1. Initial application to the RGC. Submit it through the HKPFS Electronic System to receive an HKPFS Reference Number. Deadline: 12:00 noon HKT, 1 December 2026. Only one initial application is allowed, listing up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities.
2. Full application to each university. Apply through the university’s research postgraduate system and quote your reference number. The RGC lists the university deadlines as 11:59 pm HKT on 1 December 2026.

Applications are assessed by two panels: Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology; and Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies. Academic excellence is the primary criterion, followed by research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership. PolyU expects RGC results to be released in April to May 2027.

English Requirements and Documents for a Hong Kong PhD

The HKPFS does not set its own English score. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen university and programme, and these may differ from the rules for taught master’s degrees. For a sense of taught programme benchmarks, see IELTS and TOEFL requirements for Hong Kong master’s programmes, then confirm the PhD requirement on your target university’s graduate school website.

Typical documents include transcripts, degree certificates, English test results, a research proposal, a personal statement and reference letters. The research proposal and references take the longest, so start on them first.

HK VirtueLead Tips

• Do not confuse the two deadlines: the RGC step closes at noon on 1 December, roughly 12 hours before most university portals. Aim to finish it by mid-November so you can complete the university forms calmly.
• Choose your first choice carefully: HKU’s Graduate School notes that if you decline your first-choice offer, the fellowship does not pass to your second choice.
• Talk to supervisors early: discussing your research direction with a potential supervisor and refining your proposal based on their feedback usually counts for more than extra paperwork. Give referees at least two weeks.

If you are still weighing a PhD against a taught master’s, our guide to Hong Kong master’s application deadlines for 2027 can help you plan both routes side by side.

For help planning a PhD or master’s application, you can contact an HK VirtueLead adviser through the HK Life Hub website.

Sources: Research Grants Council, HKU Graduate School, PolyU Graduate School (accessed October 2026; please check official sites for the latest updates).