Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Program 2023, fully funded

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 To continue their doctoral studies in Hong Kong, China, international students are eligible to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. Launched in 2009 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme intends to lure exceptional students from all over the world to pursue their PhD programs at Hong Kong universities. 


The Fellowship provides each recipient with a yearly salary of HK$325,200 (about US$41,690) for a maximum of three years as well as a HK$13,600 (roughly US$1,740) travel allowance for conferences and work-related travel. During the 2023–2024 academic year, 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded.

Here's a comprehensive overview of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)—a fully funded program for PhD students:

🎓 What is it?

The HKPFS, launched by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, offers full funding to outstanding students worldwide to pursue a full-time PhD in one of eight UGC‑funded Hong Kong universities (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk).

📚 Coverage & Duration

  • Stipend: HK$337,200/year (≈ US $43,230)

  • Conference & research travel allowance: HK$14,000/year (≈ US $1,790) (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk)

  • Duration: Up to 3 years, with some universities offering support for a 4th year if needed .

🏫 Participating Universities

Applicants can apply to up to two programs at any of the following eight universities (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk):

  • 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

✅ Eligibility

  • Must be a new full‑time PhD student in one of the eight listed universities (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk, fullopportunities.com).

  • Open to all nationalities, irrespective of prior work experience or background .

  • Must show academic excellence, research potential, communication skills, and leadership (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk).

  • Applicants educated in non‑English institutions usually need a TOEFL/IELTS score unless exempted (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk).

🗓️ Application Timeline (For 2025/26 cohort)

  • Initial application open: 1 Sep 2024

  • Deadline (RGC): 1 Dec 2024 at 12 noon (Hong Kong Time) (opportunitiesforyouth.org, ugc.edu.hk)

  • Submit both RGC application and university PhD application before that deadline .

  • Results typically announced in May following the assessment (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk).

🛠️ Application Process

  1. Submit initial online application via the HKPF electronic system (choose up to 2 programs) (ugc.edu.hk).

  2. Receive an HKPFS reference number.

  3. Apply simultaneously to chosen university programs, quoting your reference number (ugc.edu.hk).

🧭 Selection & Interviews

  • Shortlisting is based on submitted materials; departments hold interviews for internal nomination (cerg1.ugc.edu.hk).

“Panel interviews are conducted internally […] usually done during the 1st week of Dec.” (reddit.com)

  • Final decisions by RGC panels; announcements are confidential and typically released by May (reddit.com).

🔍 Student Insights

  • Acceptance is highly competitive, often contingent on a strong research record and a supportive supervisor in place (reddit.com).

  • Departments may automatically offer a university-funded scholarship (e.g., PGS) if HKPFS isn't granted (reddit.com).

✅ Key Takeaways

Feature Details
Funding HK$337,200 + HK$14,000 allowance annually
Support duration Up to 3 years (possible 4th year)
Eligible institutions 8 UGC‑funded Hong Kong universities
Application window 1 Sep – 1 Dec 2024
Result timing Announced by May 2025
Eligibility New full‑time PhD students; open to all nationalities; strong academic & research credentials

💡 Tips for a Competitive Application

  • Secure a supportive supervisor early—most departments select nominees.

  • Demonstrate strong research output, ideally with publications.

  • Prepare compelling evidence of leadership, research potential, and communication skills.

  • Submit all materials well ahead of deadlines to avoid last-minute issues.

Want help with drafting your application, choosing target universities/programs, or understanding department-level processes? Happy to guide you!

A RESUME OF THE AWARDS 

  • PhD Institution(s) hosting the study: See list below 
  • Hong Kong Scholarship for Study Target Fields: PhD programs offered by partner schools that are eligible 
  • Three to four years for the programs. 
  • the first day of December 2022 

Institutions taking part: 

The HKPF (Hong Kong PhD Fellowship) supports the grantees' attendance at the following UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong in order to complete their PhD studies:

University of City of Hong Kong 

Lingnan University Hong Kong Baptist University 

Hong Kong's Chinese University 

The Hong Kong University of Education
 
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is a branch of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 

The Hong Kong University

Benefits of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students include the following in terms of scholarship coverage: 

  • For a maximum of three years, each awardee will receive a salary of HK$325,200 (about US$41,690) per year as well as a travel allowance of US$1,740 per year for conferences and other work-related travel. 
  • The RGC does not charge an application fee for the (HKPFS). However, universities are free to charge for processing applications or other costs.
Keep in mind that 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded during the 2023–2024 academic year. If winners take more than three years to complete their PhDs, the universities that won the scholarships may provide further assistance. For more information, please get in touch with the respective universities directly. 

FOR THE HONG KONG PHD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students, you must fulfill the following requirements: 

  • A needed language is English. 
  • The world's nations are all eligible. 
  • Any applicant who wishes to enroll as a brand-new full-time PhD student at a Hong Kong university supported by the UGC should be qualified to do so, regardless of their nation of origin, previous employment history, or ethnic background. 
  • The academic performance, research potential, interpersonal and communication abilities, and leadership potential of candidates must be extraordinary.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE HONG KONG PHD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM? 

Please follow the instructions below to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students: 

  • Before applying, please read through this link. 
  • Complete the initial application after this. 
  • The Research Grants Council should receive first proposals at HKPF@ugc.edu.hk. 
  • (Note: Submissions will be accepted beginning at 12:00 p.m. Hong Kong Time.) 
  • Complete applications should be sent to the recommended universities. 
  • (After submitting an initial application, applicants must send comprehensive applications for the PhD programs they have selected to the advised universities by the deadlines established by those organizations, mentioning their HKPFS Reference Number. For information on program specifics, PhD admission requirements, application processes, and rules and policies of specific universities, please visit the specific institutions and PhD programs.) 
  • For additional information on how to apply, click here 

WEBSITE 

Learn more about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students by visiting the website. 

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