Job Description
Overview
The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong invites applications for the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027-28 academic year. This initiative aims to attract top-tier international talent to pursue full-time doctoral research at eight world-class universities in Hong Kong. By providing substantial financial support, the scheme fosters a vibrant research environment and encourages academic excellence across diverse disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality, full-time doctoral research in chosen fields of study.
- Engage in academic activities, seminars, and collaborative projects within the university.
- Maintain high standards of academic integrity and research ethics throughout the tenure.
- Participate in international conferences and research dissemination events.
- Contribute to the university's research output and scholarly community.
- Adhere to all institutional guidelines and reporting requirements for fellowship awardees.
Why Apply
Awardees receive a competitive annual stipend and travel allowance, facilitating focused research without financial burden. The scheme provides access to world-class research facilities and mentorship from leading global scholars, significantly enhancing career prospects in academia and industry.
Important Dates
- Initial Application Start: 1 September 2026
- Initial Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Result Announcement: May 2027
Quick Facts
- Total Fellowships: 400
- Annual Stipend: HK$344,400
- Location: Hong Kong
- Category: Research Fellowship
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 Overview
Registration Date
01 Sep 2026 –
01 Dec 2026
Salary
HK$344,400 per annum
Vacancies
400
Eligibility
Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Application Link
Vacancy Details
- Total Fellowships: 400
- Distribution: Competitive awards across eight participating universities
How to Apply
- Visit the official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) website.
- Carefully read the Guidance Note for Applicants to understand the requirements.
- Register and complete the initial application form, providing personal details and selecting up to two PhD programmes.
- Submit the initial application before the deadline of 1 December 2026.
- Save the generated HKPFS Reference Number for future use.
- Submit a full PhD admission application to your chosen university, quoting the HKPFS Reference Number.
- Ensure all required documents, such as transcripts and research proposals, are uploaded as per university guidelines.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and confirmation emails for your records.
Cutoff Marks
Not applicable as this is a merit-based fellowship selection rather than a standard recruitment exam.
Application Fee
The initial application for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme through the RGC system is free of charge. However, individual universities may require applicants to pay an admission application fee when submitting the full PhD programme application.
Age Limit
There is no specific age limit mentioned for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme; however, candidates must be eligible for full-time PhD admission at the participating universities.
Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive and based on a multi-stage assessment. Initially, the Research Grants Council evaluates candidates based on academic excellence, research potential, communication skills, and leadership qualities. Shortlisted applicants are then reviewed by expert panels in their respective fields, such as Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, or Humanities. Participating universities also conduct their own internal assessments, which may include interviews or specific departmental evaluations, to determine the final nominees for the fellowship.
Exam Pattern
There is no common written entrance examination for the HKPFS. Selection is primarily based on the quality of the research proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the candidate's overall research profile as assessed by the university and the RGC selection panels.
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Organization
The Research Grants Council (RGC) is a semi-autonomous body under the University Grants Committee (UGC) of Hong Kong. Established to advise the government on the research needs of higher education institutions, the RGC manages funding for academic research and promotes excellence in doctoral studies. It oversees the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, which aims to attract the best and brightest students from around the world to conduct research at Hong Kong's leading universities, thereby strengthening the region's position as a global research hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HKPFS is a prestigious research fellowship managed by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong. It is designed to support outstanding international students in pursuing full-time doctoral research at eight top-tier universities in Hong Kong. The scheme provides financial support to foster academic excellence and research innovation. Check the official RGC website for detailed programme information.
For the 2027/28 academic year, the Research Grants Council has announced a total of 400 PhD Fellowships. These are competitive awards granted to applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, research potential, and leadership qualities. Ensure your application highlights your research achievements to stand out in the selection process.
The initial application for the HKPFS 2027-28 must be submitted by 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. For Indian applicants, this corresponds to 9:30 AM IST on the same day. It is highly recommended to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues.
Awardees receive 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. These figures are based on the 2026/27 rates; please verify the final 2027/28 rates on the official website. This funding helps cover living and research-related expenses during your doctoral studies.
The initial application submitted through the RGC's electronic system is free of charge. However, please note that the individual universities you apply to may charge their own admission or processing fees for the full PhD programme application. Always check the specific fee requirements of your chosen university.
Yes, Indian students are fully eligible to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. The scheme welcomes applications from candidates of all nationalities, provided they meet the academic and admission requirements of the specific PhD programme and university they have selected.
A Master's degree is not a universal requirement. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree may apply if the specific PhD programme and the chosen university permit direct entry. You should carefully review the admission criteria for your preferred programme on the university's official website before applying.
The application process involves two steps: first, submit an initial application via the HKPFS Electronic System to obtain a reference number. Second, submit a full PhD admission application to your chosen university using that reference number. Both steps must be completed before the respective deadlines to be considered for the fellowship.
