26 September verification update

Additional checks on fees and preferences: RGC charges no HKPFS initial application fee, but universities may charge application or processing fees. If two universities nominate an applicant, RGC processes the higher-priority choice. HKU states that declining the first-choice award does not transfer it to the second choice. Check these restrictions before submitting your choices. HKU’s 2027/28 notice still lists HK$28,700 monthly and HK$14,400 annual travel support; additional university benefits vary. Taiwanese applicants remain eligible under the country-of-origin rule.

Verification update: 24 September

Rechecked on 24 September 2026 against RGC, HKU and PolyU: the 2027/28 round remains open. Taiwanese applicants meet the unrestricted-origin criterion but must satisfy PhD admission requirements. Submit only one RGC initial application with up to two programme choices by noon on 1 December, and complete university applications by their respective deadlines. Annual stipends of HK$344,400 and travel allowances of HK$14,400 were checked against current HKU and PolyU notices; university supplements are not uniform across all eight institutions.

We're checking the results today.

As at 19 September 2026 Hong Kong Doctoral Scholarship Scheme HKPFS 2027/28 is still accepting initial applications. The current RGC guidance and HKU and PolyU admission notices corroborate the timetable and basic eligibility.

Background and applicable objects

The scheme supports new full-time PhD students at eight participating universities. Eligibility is expressly unrestricted by origin or ethnicity, so Taiwanese students may apply. Applicants must still meet university academic, English-language and research requirements; nationality eligibility does not guarantee admission.

Grants and key figures

HKU and PolyU 2027/28 notices both specify an annual HK$344,400 stipend (HK$28,700 per month) and an annual HK$14,400 conference and research travel allowance. RGC funding normally lasts up to three years; support beyond three years and tuition waivers depend on the university.

Annual reconciliation note: the amount paragraphs on the front page of the RGC website are still marked 2026/27; The amount is therefore clearly attributed to HKU, PolyU ' s published 2027/28 admission programme, and the previous year ' s mark is not changed directly to the new year. Additional subsidies for schools cannot be treated as consistent treatment for the eight schools; This is ultimately subject to the notification of admission and financial assistance.

Two application steps and cut-off dates

  1. A preliminary application was submitted in the RGC system to obtain HKPFS Reference Number. As of 1 December 2026 12 noon Hong Kong time Same time as Taiwan.
  2. Use the reference number to submit full PhD applications to the chosen universities. Without this second step, RGC will not process the application further. Up to two programmes/departments may be selected; university deadlines vary.

For example, PolyU's full university application deadline is 1 December at 23:59 , but the RGC initial application must already have been submitted by noon. These are separate deadlines.

Main reminders and implications for families in Taiwan

Edition analysis: The direction of the study, the information recommended, the complete application and the living budget should be planned together. Scholarships are not paid in cash without conditions, and accommodation guarantees, tuition deductions and fourth-year support are subject to a school-by-school look.

This year's RGC guidelines also require that applications and research applications be disclosed to the relevant institutions and that they comply with their regulations. When using tools to assist in the preparation of the English language or research, the content and manner of disclosure must remain self-checked.

Official and cross-checking sources

Picture: Original source ；CC BY-SA 4.0 。 The original map, the layout may be cut.