Boost Your Research Career: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025
Hong Kong ranks among the world’s leading research hubs, offering exceptional infrastructure, cutting-edge labs, and vibrant academic communities. Securing a fully funded PhD scholarship here means you can focus entirely on research without financial worries.
- You receive a generous annual stipend to cover living expenses.
- Travel allowances support conference attendance and fieldwork.
- Top-tier universities provide mentorship from globally recognized scholars.
By choosing Hong Kong, you immerse yourself in a multicultural environment, gain access to Asia-Pacific networks, and build a truly international profile.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025 Overview
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), launched by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, aims to attract the very best research talent worldwide. In the 2025/26 cycle, RGC will award up to 400 fellowships covering all major disciplines:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering & Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies
Each fellowship includes:
- A yearly stipend of HK$337,200 (approx. US$43,230).
- Conference & research-related travel allowance of HK$14,000 per annum.
- Duration up to three years, with potential extension by host universities.
Applications open September 1, 2024, and close December 1, 2024, at 12:00 noon HKT. You must first register on the HKPFS Electronic Application System to receive a reference number before submission of full university applications.
Eligibility Criteria for HKPFS 2025
To qualify for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025, you must meet the following core requirements:
- Academic Excellence: Outstanding undergraduate or master’s records, typically a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours, or equivalent.
- Research Potential: Demonstrated ability through publications, technical reports, or relevant projects.
- International Outlook: Prior international study or strong evidence of global collaboration.
- Language Proficiency: If your prior education was not in English, submit IELTS (min. 6.5) or TOEFL (min. 80) scores.
- New PhD Candidate: You must not be currently registered in any doctoral program.
Note: Each applicant may choose up to two programmes/departments at one or two universities.
Read the full eligibility guidelines to ensure you tick every box.
Application Process for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
The HKPFS application involves two key stages:
- Initial Application to RGC
- Register on the Electronic Application System.
- Submit personal details, academic transcripts, research proposal, and referee contacts.
- Obtain an HKPFS reference number by December 1, 2024, 12:00 noon HKT.
- Full University Applications
- Use your reference number when applying to selected universities.
- Comply with each university’s submission deadlines (often December 1, 2024).
- Provide additional documents: GRE scores (if required), motivation letter, and interview (if applicable).
Pro Tip: Start your reference requests early—academics get busy around semester’s end. A prompt reminder boosts the chance of timely endorsements.
Participating Universities and Key Statistics
Eight leading institutions in Hong Kong host the HKPFS, each offering unique strengths and research facilities. The following table compares key data for AY2025/26:
| University | Monthly Stipend (HK$) | Travel Allowance (HK$) | Fellowship Duration | Additional University Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Hong Kong (HKU) | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years (+1 year*) | Presidential PhD Scholarship, fee waiver |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years (+1 year*) | Elite Scholar Award, hall place, cash awards |
| City University of Hong Kong (CityU) | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years | Research grants, departmental top-ups |
| Hong Kong University of Science & Technology | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years | Conference grants, leadership training |
| Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years | Innovation-focused mentorship, lab facilities |
| Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years | Interdisciplinary research clusters |
| Lingnan University (Lingnan) | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years | Small cohort, personalized supervision |
| Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) | 28,100 | 14,000 | 3 years | Teacher education & policy study support |
* Extended support available for 4-year programmes at selected universities via internal grants.
Use this comparison to target universities whose resources best align with your research goals.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
Securing an HKPFS award transforms your doctoral journey:
- Generous Stipend: HK$337,200 per year (~US$43,230) lets you focus on research without part-time jobs.
- Travel Allowance: HK$14,000 per year (~US$1,790) funds conferences, workshops, and collaborative visits.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Most universities waive full fees for HKPFS awardees.
- Additional University Grants: Presidential PhD Scholarships, Elite Scholar Awards, and cash bursaries enhance your resources.
- Research Network: Join interdisciplinary labs, access state-of-the-art equipment, and publish in top journals.
- Cultural Integration: Orientation programs and mentorship help you settle smoothly in Hong Kong’s dynamic city life.
Real Impact: Past fellows have published in Nature, Science, and Lancet. Many secure academic and industry positions in North America, Europe, and Asia after graduation.
Tips to Strengthen Your PhD Scholarship Application
Maximize your chances by following these proven strategies:
- Craft a Compelling Research Proposal
- Define clear objectives and methodology.
- Highlight innovation and feasibility.
- Align with host university strengths.
- Showcase Academic Excellence
- Include transcripts, grades, and any awards.
- Provide evidence of research outputs (papers, posters).
- Secure Strong References
- Choose referees who know your work well.
- Provide them with your CV and proposal draft.
- Politely remind them of deadlines.
- Demonstrate Global Outlook
- Mention any international projects or conferences.
- Emphasize language skills and cross-cultural teamwork.
- Prepare for Interviews (if invited)
- Practice discussing your project and career goals.
- Research panel members’ publications.
- Mind the Deadlines
- Note both RGC and university cutoffs.
- Submit the initial application well ahead of December 1.
Adopt these steps to present a polished, cohesive profile that resonates with selection panels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I already hold a master’s degree?
Yes. The scheme welcomes both bachelor’s and master’s graduates, provided you have not commenced any doctoral study.
Q2: Are part-time PhD candidates eligible?
No. HKPFS supports full-time, on-campus PhD programmes only.
Q3: Can I change my chosen universities after initial submission?
No. You must indicate up to two programmes/departments at application time. Changes post-deadline are not allowed.
Q4: What happens if I need more than three years to finish?
Host universities may grant an additional year of support. Contact your department for details.
Q5: How competitive is the HKPFS?
With 400 awards and thousands of applicants worldwide, selection rates hover around 10–15%. Strong applications stand out in clarity, innovation, and research fit.
Q6: When are results announced?
RGC notifies successful candidates by May 2025 via email, and posts results online.
Conclusion: Take the Next Step
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025 offers an extraordinary launchpad for your research career. With generous funding, world-class supervision, and a vibrant academic ecosystem, you emerge ready to tackle global challenges and lead innovation.
Your Action Plan:
- Review Eligibility: Check all criteria on the official HKPFS website.
- Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, test scores, and proposal drafts.
- Register Early: Sign up on the Electronic Application System by December 1, 2024.
- Solicit Referees: Inform your referees and provide supporting materials.
- Submit to Universities: Apply to targeted programmes with your reference number.
Seize this chance to pursue a fully funded PhD in Hong Kong—your gateway to cutting-edge research and a global network. Start your application today and transform your academic journey!
References:
- Official HKPFS site: cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/index.html
- HKU Graduate School: gradsch.hku.hk/prospective_students/fees_scholarships_and_financial_support/hong_kong_phd_fellowship_scheme
- CityUHK HKPFS details: cityu.edu.hk/pg/hong-kong-phd-fellowship-scheme
Good luck with your application!