The HKPFS Scholarship, a premier study in Hong Kong initiative, invites international students to pursue PhD degrees (3–4 years) at world-class universities, including the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), all ranked among the top 100 globally by QS World University Rankings 2025. Launched in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC), this Hong Kong PhD program awards 400 scholarships annually, fostering research excellence and global collaboration. As a global research powerhouse, HKPFS immerses scholars in a multicultural academic odyssey, driving innovation across diverse disciplines.
The Hong Kong PhD programs span fields like Science, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Humanities, Economics, and Social Sciences. AI researchers at HKUST develop smart city technologies, leveraging advanced labs. Medicine scholars at HKU innovate healthcare solutions, while Economics students at CUHK analyze global markets. Humanities programs explore cultural dynamics, and Engineering focuses on sustainable infrastructure. Delivered primarily in English, the curriculum, guided by world-class faculty, achieves a 90% employability rate within six months in roles like research scientists, policy analysts, or tech innovators.
The HKPFS Scholarship emphasizes global academic networking. Scholars from over 50 countries engage in events like the Hong Kong International Research Summit or Asia-Pacific Innovation Forum, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. Partnerships with institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Oxford enable research exchanges, enriching the global research network. Students present at conferences such as the Global Sustainability Symposium, collaborating with industry leaders like HSBC and CLP Group, enhancing career prospects. HKPFS’s mentorship programs support entrepreneurship, with 12% of graduates launching startups in biotech or digital transformation.
Hong Kong, dubbed Asia’s World City, enriches the multicultural academic odyssey. Scholars explore landmarks like Victoria Peak, Lantau Island’s Big Buddha, and Kowloon’s Temple Street Market, immersing in a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Events like Chinese New Year or Hong Kong Arts Festival fuse tradition with modernity. University campuses, featuring cutting-edge labs, digital libraries, and sports facilities, support a multicultural academic immersion. Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem, home to firms like Cathay Pacific, and connectivity to Singapore and Tokyo, fosters networking and professional opportunities.
Join a global cohort to drive research innovation, embrace Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy, and shape the future at a global research powerhouse. Apply now for the HKPFS Scholarship at Hong Kong’s leading universities!
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship:
Host Country:
•Hong Kong
Fields of Study:
•Sciences.
•Medicine.
•Engineering and Technology.
•Humanities.
•Social Sciences.
•Business Studies.
Degree Level:
•PhD
Program Duration:
•The duration of the Hong Kong fellowships is 3 years.
Number of Awards:
•400 Doctoral Fellowships
List of the Participating Universities:
•Lingnan University
•The Chinese University of Hong Kong
•City University of Hong Kong
•Hong Kong Baptist University
•The University of Hong Kong
•The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
•The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Check: UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada | Study in Canada
Benefits of the Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme:
•The fellows will receive an annual stipend of HK$337,200 (approximately US$43,230 for up to three years.
•The fellows will receive a travel allowance of HK$14,000 (approximately US$1,790) annually for conferences and research-related relocation.
•Additional Support will be provided by the university if the PhD extends from 3 years.
•No prior work experience is required.
Eligibility Criteria of the Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme:
1. Candidates must be new full-time PhD students.
2. Candidates can be from any nationality around the globe.
3. The candidates have to prove that their university education has been conducted in the English language.
4. In case, the candidate’s prior medium of education/Instruction is not English, he/she has to Provide an English Proficiency Certificate.
5. If the candidate is not a new PhD student, he/she can only apply for this fellowship if he/she may get admission to other new full-time PhD programs.
6. The candidate must choose from the given list of 8 universities.
7. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Document required for the Hong Kong Fellowship Program:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of master’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of master’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in December 2025.
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
