Published by Research Grants Council, RGC Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme（HKPFS）2027/28 The application has been open since 12 noon on 1 September 2026. Projected for the current session 400 doctoral scholarships , the initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12 noon (Hong Kong time) 。

The HKPFS applies primarily to students who are ready to apply for full-time doctoral studies at the University of Hong Kong ' s Eight Education Foundations as new entrants and are eligible to apply for citizenship. For students in Taiwan, this is one of the most important cross-school scholarship schemes in the application of a research doctor in Hong Kong.

Annual HK $344,400 scholarships, plus study transport allowance

According to RGC 2027/28 enrolment data, each year those selected receive:

  • HK$344,400 Doctoral scholarships (approximately US$ 44,150)
  • HK$14,400 Transport allowance for meetings and studies (approximately US$1,840)

The maximum duration of the grant is 3 years 。 If the doctoral programme is to be completed for more than three years, whether the follow-up funding is extended or not, additional support will be provided by the universities according to their system.

Which universities can apply?

HKPFS applies to the University of Hong Kong's Eight Education Foundations:

  • City University of Hong Kong
  • Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Lingnan University
  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • The Education University of Hong Kong
  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • The University of Hong Kong

The applicant can... Choosing a maximum of two doctoral courses/students in one or two universities 。

The application does not only fill out an HKPFS form

The two-stage HKPFS program. Applicants have to submit their initial application to the RGC at HKPFS Electronic System. HKPFS Reference Number The full PhD accreditation application is then submitted to the selected doctoral programme in accordance with the regulations of the universities.

RGC specifically reminds universities that the deadline for applying for an official doctorate may follow immediately after the deadline for the initial application of the HKPFS, and therefore does not recommend that the official application be sent out until the last day of 1 December.

The current RGC list of eight participating universities, with 2027/28 HKKPFS-related applications due On the evening of 1 December 2026 11:59 (Hong Kong time) However, there may still be additional documentation or admission requirements for doctoral programmes, and applicants are required to confirm the pages directly.

There's more to the test than just the GPA.

RGC states that academic performance is the main selection project, but the selection committee will also assess:

  • Research capacity and potential
  • Communication and interpersonal abilities
  • Leadership

Interviews may also be arranged by individual universities. Applicants who do not have HKPFS do not represent a failure to apply for doctoral admission; Universities are still admitted under their own admission procedures and may offer general postgraduate studies.

Meaning to Taiwan students

For Taiwan students who wish to apply for a research doctor in Hong Kong, the HKPFS has the greatest advantage of having a maximum of two doctoral courses available under the same system at the same time, and the amount of the scholarship is clear and funded for up to three years.

The applicants for admission to school in 2027 should now complete three things: confirmation of the direction of research and of potential guidance professors, preparation of research programmes and academic qualifications, and confirmation of individual requirements in English. Since the core of HKPFS competition is more than meritorious, research experience, recommendation letters, research potential and interview performance can also have a direct impact on results.

RGC expected Publication of HKPFS results around May 2027 。 The winners will normally register with their universities between July and September 2027.