The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025-2026 offers fully funded scholarships for talented and motivated students to study at top universities in Hong Kong. Open to applicants worldwide, this fellowship program seeks individuals with exceptional academic achievements, research potential, leadership qualities, and strong communication skills. Regardless of nationality, academic background, or other factors, students from any region are encouraged to apply.
The Research Grants Council established the HKPFS to attract the brightest minds globally, providing them the chance to conduct free research at prestigious universities in Hong Kong. With full coverage of all expenses, including travel, research, stipends, and more, the fellowship allows students to pursue a PhD without financial burden. The program covers various fields, from sciences and engineering to social sciences and business studies, at renowned universities like the University of Hong Kong, HKUST, CUHK, and others.
This three-year fellowship offers a unique platform for students to collaborate and connect with peers from different cultural and intellectual backgrounds. With 400 fully funded awards available, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship is an incredible opportunity for those who demonstrate leadership, research skills, and academic excellence. If you're an international student seeking a fully funded PhD, this is the perfect chance to further your education in one of Asia's top academic hubs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to fresh, full-time PhD students globally
- Requires proof of English proficiency if the previous education wasn't in English
- Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and research potential
- Ability to apply to any of the listed host universities in Hong Kong
Benefits:
- Annual stipend: Receive HK$337,200 (about US$43,230) for up to three years.
- Travel allowance: Get HK$14,000 (around US$1,790) for attending conferences and research-related trips.
- Extended support: If your PhD takes longer than three years, the host university may provide additional funding.
- No work experience required: You don't need prior work experience to apply for this fellowship.
- Free research opportunities: Conduct research in international labs without any cost.
- Study for free: The fellowship fully covers your expenses, allowing you to pursue your PhD in Hong Kong without worrying about finances.
- Separate applications: You must apply separately for both the university and the fellowship program.
- Initial application: Start by submitting your application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme electronic system (HKPFSES).
- Receive reference number: After submitting your HKPFS application, you will receive a reference number.
- Apply to universities: You can apply to two universities and two different programs, providing your HKPFS reference number in each application form.
- Don’t forget the reference number: If you forget to include it, your application won’t be considered for the fellowship, only for regular admission.
- Check deadlines: Each university has its own deadline, so complete your application early to get your reference number on time.
Application Steps:
- Step 1: Submit the initial application to the Research Grants Council (starting September 1, 2024, 12:00 noon Hong Kong time).
- Step 2: After that, submit your full PhD program application to your chosen universities, including your HKPFS reference number before their specific deadlines.
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