Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for Excellence

Application for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is open to qualified candidates interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Research Grants Council annually awards scholarships with an annual stipend of $41,690 and a conference and research-related travel allowance of $1,740 per year for up to three years to each awardee.

The chosen universities provide additional financial assistance to the candidates.

Overview

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established in 2009 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), aims to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong’s universities.

Hong Kong’s education system promotes lifelong learning and independent research, resulting in a workforce that is motivated, highly skilled, and entrepreneurial. Hong Kong welcomes a diverse workforce.

Hong Kong universities provide unique strengths across a wide range of disciplines, transforming the city into a regional and international hub for higher education and talent development.

Level/Field of Study

This scholarship is designed for post-graduate candidates that want to further their doctorate in Hong Kong.

Host Nationality

This scholarship is brought to you by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Eligibility for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme:

• Academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities must be exceptional.
• Possess a bachelor’s and master’s degree from a reputable university.
• Meet the university’s PhD programme requirements.

While academic excellence is the primary consideration for candidates, the Selection Panels will also consider the following factors:

• Research ability and potential;
• Academic excellence;
• Leadership abilities; and
• Communication and interpersonal skills.

Requirements to Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Candidates must be prepared to submit the following documents in order to apply;

• Application Form 
• A Study Plan or Research Proposal 
• Recommendation Letters 
• Photocopy of Passport Photo Page
• Academic transcripts 
• Research results: Published thesis, award certificates, etc. to prove their academic achievements and research capabilities.

Deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

The deadline for this scholarship is 1st December, 2024.

How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Before submitting applications for PhD admission to their desired universities, eligible candidates should first make an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFS) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number by 1 December 2022 at 12:00:00 Hong Kong Time.

Under HKPFS, applicants may select up to two programs/departments at one or two universities for PhD study. They must meet the admission requirements of their chosen universities and programmes.

Because the deadlines for applications to some universities may immediately follow the deadline for the Initial Application, candidates should submit initial applications as soon as possible to ensure that they have enough time to submit applications to universities.

Selection Process

Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by one of the two Selection Panels comprised of experts in the relevant board areas, depending on their areas of study:

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

Scholarship Award

For a period of up to three years, each awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,600 (approximately US$1,740).

In the academic year, 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded. Additional support may be provided by the chosen universities for awardees who require more than three years to complete their PhD degree.

Pursuing PhD in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a free and lively society where entrepreneurship and creativity coexist. It is a cosmopolitan city offering global connectivity, security, and rich diversity, and it is home to a unique network of people who celebrate excellence and quality of life. It is strategically located in the heart of Asia.

Hong Kong’s education system promotes lifelong learning and independent research, resulting in a workforce that is motivated, highly skilled, and entrepreneurial. Hong Kong welcomes a diverse workforce.

Hong Kong universities provide unique strengths across a wide range of disciplines, transforming the city into a regional and international hub for higher education and talent development.