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The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is run by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. It pays selected students to do a full-time PhD at eight Hong Kong universities.
For successful applicants, it is fully funded. It covers a yearly stipend and a travel allowance for three years.
Applications are open. The deadline is 1 December 2026, Hong Kong time.
Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Host country | Hong Kong |
| Provider | Research Grants Council (RGC) |
| Study level | Full-time PhD |
| Funding | Yearly stipend and a travel allowance for three years |
| Who can apply | Any nationality, new full-time PhD students |
| Awards | 400 fellowships |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 (Hong Kong time) |
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
The scheme supports new PhD students at eight universities in Hong Kong. You study full time and receive funding for three years, and your university may support you beyond that.
There are 400 fellowships. That is a large number for an award of this level, so it is worth a serious application.
Financial Benefits
- A yearly stipend of about HK$344,400 (around US$44,150)
- A conference and research travel allowance of about HK$14,400 (around US$1,840)
- Support for three years, with possible university extension
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to students of any nationality.
- For new, full-time PhD students, not those already enrolled.
- You apply to one of the eight participating Hong Kong universities.
- You show English proficiency (see below).
English Language Requirement
You need to show your English is strong enough. If your last degree was taught fully in English, you can prove that instead of an IELTS report. If it was not, you provide proof of your English level.
Is There an Age Limit?
No. The scheme does not set an age limit.
Is GRE or GMAT Required?
The scheme does not list a GRE or GMAT requirement. Each university sets its own admission rules, so check the PhD page of the one you choose.
Can I Apply With a Low CGPA?
There is no fixed GPA cut-off stated. This is a competitive, research-based award, so a strong record and a clear research proposal matter most.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for the fellowship. Each university may have its own admission steps, so read your chosen university’s page too.
Required Documents
The exact list is set by the fellowship portal and your university. It usually includes:
- Passport
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A research proposal
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
How to Apply
- Choose your research area and the Hong Kong university that fits it.
- Submit an initial application on the fellowship site to get a reference number.
- Use that reference number in your PhD application to the university.
- Prepare your transcripts, research proposal, references, and English proof.
- Submit before the deadline. Do not wait for the last day.
Selection Process
You apply to both the fellowship and the university. Universities nominate strong candidates, and the Research Grants Council makes the final award. Watch your application status for updates.
Deadline
1 December 2026, 12:00 Hong Kong time. Applications are open now.
Which university and field would you apply for? Tell us in the comments.
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