The Research Grants Council (RGC) is accepting applications for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for the 2027/28 academic year. Applicants from South Africa and other countries may apply if they seek new full-time PhD admission at a participating Hong Kong university and meet the scheme and university requirements. The RGC initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time.
Closing date: 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Research Grants Council, Hong Kong
- Opportunity type: International PhD fellowship
- Who it’s for: Applicants from any country seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one or two of the participating Hong Kong universities, who can demonstrate strong academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
- Study level: Doctoral / PhD
- Location: Hong Kong
- Academic year: 2027/28
- Closing date: 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
- Last verified: 2026-11-11
High-value notes (read this first)
The call is for the 2027/28 academic year; Hong Kong universities normally begin their academic year in September.
Applicants may select up to two PhD programmes or departments at one or two universities.
The HKPFS initial application and university PhD admission applications are separate steps. An initial application not followed by a full university application is void.
The RGC says the initial application system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Universities may charge their own application or processing fees; check directly with each university.
About the sponsor
The Research Grants Council (RGC) is Hong Kong's government-established body responsible for advising on and administering competitive research funding. It established the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme to attract students from around the world to pursue doctoral study at Hong Kong universities. Under the scheme, the RGC manages the initial fellowship application, while participating universities handle PhD admission applications and assess candidates.
What it covers
The official scheme pages state an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years. The RGC says 400 fellowships will be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year. Additional support for PhD study beyond three years may be provided by the chosen university. Confirm the applicable award terms with the university.
Eligible fields
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies
Eligibility
- Applicants of any country of origin may apply.
- Applicants must be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a participating Hong Kong university.
- Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected university and PhD programme.
Documents to prepare
Not specified in the official notice. Check the official application page for updates.
Closing date
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not submit more than one initial HKPFS application; the RGC says duplicate initial applications can lead to disqualification.
- Do not stop after the initial RGC application. You must also submit full PhD admission applications to your selected universities before their deadlines.
- Do not choose more than two programmes or departments across more than two universities.
- Do not miss the initial application deadline: it is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time, not the later university application deadline.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against official Research Grants Council scheme, application and applicant-guidance pages on 11 November 2026.
How to apply
- Read the RGC's 2027/28 applicant guidance before starting the initial application.
- Submit one initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System by 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. You may select up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities.
- Save the HKPFS Reference Number issued after submission.
- Submit a full PhD admission application to each selected university, quoting the HKPFS Reference Number and meeting that university's admission requirements and deadline.
- Check the chosen universities' requirements and any application fees directly with them; the RGC says it does not charge an HKPFS application fee.