Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026-27 – Your Ultimate Guide

🧭 Introduction

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026-27 (HKPFS) is one of the most prestigious fully funded PhD fellowship programs globally. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity that covers your stipend, tuition waiver, travel, and more, with no IELTS requirement, this is the one to aim for. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what HKPFS offers, who is eligible, how to apply, selection criteria, tips for a strong application, and frequently asked questions.

💰 What Does HKPFS Offer?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides excellent support for PhD candidates. Key benefits include:

• Annual stipend: HK$340,800 (≈ US$43,600‑44,000) per year.
• Conference & research-related travel allowance: HK$14,200/yr (≈ US$1,820).
• Support period: Up to three years of fellowship for standard PhD normative study period. If PhD needs 4 years (e.g. entering from Bachelor’s degree), many universities also provide support in the fourth year.
• Tuition fee waiver / scholarship at participating universities.
• Accommodation / housing support or hall place guaranteed in first year in some universities.

📅 Important Dates & Duration

🧑‍🎓 Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

To apply for HKPFS 2026/27, you should meet these key requirements:

• Be a new, full‑time PhD applicant at one of the participating universities in Hong Kong.
• Must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability/potential, communication & interpersonal skills, and leadership ability.
• Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree is sufficient; Master’s or MPhil also acceptable. Some universities require or prefer those with higher degrees depending on department.
• Applicants choose up to two programmes/departments within one or two universities. You must satisfy the PhD admission requirements of each chosen programme.
• No explicit requirement for IELTS / TOEFL in the RGC’s HKPFS documents (though individual universities may require proof of English proficiency according to their own admission rules). The “no IELTS required” is often interpreted for international students under certain conditions. Always check the specific university’s requirement.

🏫 Participating Universities

HKPFS is offered at several leading Hong Kong institutions. Some of them are:

• The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
• CityU, PolyU, Lingnan, Education University etc.

🛠 How to Apply — Step by Step

Here’s a structured roadmap to ensure you submit a strong application:

1. Check eligibility and choose programmes
   Identify up to two PhD programmes (departments/universities) that match your research interest and where you fulfill admission qualifications.
2. Initial application to RGC
   Submit through the HKPFS Electronic System to get a reference number. This is mandatory for the fellowship consideration. Deadline: 1 Dec 2025 (noon). CERG1+1
3. Submit full applications to your selected universities
   Using your reference number, apply directly to the universities’ PhD programmes before their deadlines (often also 1 December, 11:59 pm in many cases).
4. Prepare required documents
   Include academic transcripts, proof of degrees, research proposal, letters of recommendation, CV, and other documents as required by university.
5. Interview / Assessment
   If shortlisted, you might be interviewed. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, communication, and leadership.
6. Result notification
   Award decisions are normally communicated around May 2026. HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School+1

If you require any help regarding your application, you can contact us at scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com

🌍 What Are the Selection Criteria?

When reviewers evaluate your application, they typically consider:

• Academic excellence (grades, achievements)
• Research potential and quality of your proposed project or research interests
• Communication skills, how well you express ideas, clarity in the proposal etc.
• Leadership or ability to collaborate, show initiative, etc.

💡 Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances, consider these tips:

• Start early: Contact potential supervisors, draft your research proposal, collect references well before the deadline.
• Highly polished research proposal: Clear objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, timeline.
• Highlight your achievements: Publications, research experiences, conferences, leadership roles.
• Tailor to chosen universities: Understand each program’s strengths; mention why you want that university and supervisor.
• English clarity: Even if IELTS is “not required,” showing strong writing and clarity in proposal helps.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Missing deadlines: The RGC and universities have strict cut‑offs.
• Weak research proposal / vague objectives.
• Too generic application: Not specifying well why a particular university/program suits you.
• Ignoring additional university requirements (some may require proof of English proficiency even if IELTS/TOEFL is not strictly required by RGC).

✅ Why Apply for HKPFS? What Makes It Special

• Generous stipend and support package — allows you to focus fully on research.
• Prestigious fellowship: recognition by Research Grants Council of Hong Kong.
• Opportunity to study at globally-ranked research universities with strong facilities.
• Exposure to international research, collaborative opportunities.

📌 Summary Checklist Before Applying

• I meet the eligibility (academic qualifications, research interest).
• I have identified up to two programmes/universities and checked their specific requirements.
• My research proposal is ready and well‑drafted.
• References obtained, transcripts and other documents in order.
• I have submitted initial application to RGC by 1 December 2025.
• I will submit full applications to chosen universities with reference number.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is IELTS or TOELF required?
A: HKPFS itself does not always require IELTS/TOEFL in the call documentation. However, many universities still have their own English language requirements. Always check with your specific university.

Q2: Can I apply with only a Bachelor’s degree?
A: Yes. Applicants with Bachelor’s degree (especially sharp records) are eligible. If you have a Master’s, that may strengthen your profile.

Q3: If my PhD programme is four years, will funding be for all four years?
A: Usually fellowship covers three years; in many participating universities support extends into the fourth year for 4‑year normative PhDs. Confirm with your chosen institution.

Q4: What expenses are covered beyond stipend?
A: Travel allowance, conference/research‑related costs, often tuition waiver. Sometimes additional university‑level incentives (awards, housing) depending on school.

Q5: What is the application deadline?
A: The initial application to Research Grants Council (RGC) is 1 December 2025, 12:00 noon (HK time). University applications generally coincide.

📢 Conclusion

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026/27 is an outstanding chance for doctoral aspirants worldwide. With generous financial support (≈ US$43,000/year), lenient requirements (no mandatory IELTS in many cases), and support to attend top universities, it’s a golden opportunity. If you prepare early, build a strong proposal, choose programmes that fit you, and meet all deadlines, you stand a very good chance.

Good luck on your application! If you like, I can draft a sample template proposal for HKPFS or a checklist you can use to track your application. Do you want that?

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🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz

Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site

Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.

Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.

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