Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/26

Application Status

HK PhD Fellowship Scheme has started accepting applications from the International students who wish to study in the top universities of Hong Kong. Studying in a city of career opportunities is a dream of the International students. Hong Kong has a diverse job market providing variety of career options in finance, technology, tourism, healthcare and also a hub of multi-national companies. Cultural diversity provides networking opportunities to the students and thus, a great place for getting a higher education degree in the top universities of Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was started in 2009 to attract international talents. The fellowship award includes monthly stipend and travel allowances covering research and conferences cost. Applicants can choose among eight research institutes for PhD research degrees. These universities also provide additional scholarship options to make it easier for the international students. To get high quality education in a vibrant city full of career opportunities would be a great option for Pakistani students. Check your desired program from the 8 institutes offering HKPFS and apply before deadline!

Programs Offered

PhD Fellowship is being offered in all disciplines in the total seven universities. 

Benefits

All universities provide

• monthly allowance of HK$28,100,

• travel and conferences allowance of HK$14,000,

• fee waiver (Only by the University of Hong Kong),

• cheap on-campus accomodation.

The University of Hong Kong facilitates accepted PhD scholars by providing additional HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship to the accepted students that include financial help to support research and living costs in 1st year and the remaining year of HK$40,000 and HK$20,000 per year respectively.

Eligibility

Applicants have high chances of get acceptance to any of the eight universities if 

• proven excellent academic record,

• have ability to lead with strong leadership skills,

• research potential, and 

• strong interpersonal communication skills.  

How to Apply 

Following universities are included in list of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and candidates may apply for up to two programs. For both programs, separate applications should be submitted. 

List of universities 

• Lingnan University

• City University of Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Baptist University

• The University of Hong Kong

• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• The Education University of Hong Kong

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Application Procedure

• In the first step of application, apply on the official portal of Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme by filling out the form and submit the information online. You will receive an application Reference number of HKPFS.

• Select the desired university and course you aim to take admission in and complete the online application form given on the university website and add HKPFS Reference number in your online application. In case you forget to write the reference number in your university application, your application will proceed without HKPFS. Maximum number of programs you may apply is two. You would not be able to change the desired program once the application is submitted.

Required Documents 

General guidelines include the following documents. However, university may ask for some specific document as well.

• Official academic transcript with complete educational record, Degree/Graduation certificate,

• Additional supporting documents relevant to professional experience, internship etc.

• Research proposal 

• Vision statement 

• English proficiency certificate/IELTS/TOEFL (Optional)

FAQs

Do I have to submit separate application for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and university admission?

Yes, applicants should apply for HKPFS first and receive a reference number for university application. University application can be submitted on the university electronic portal.

Is the HKPFS requirements the same as University requirement of application?

There may be slight variation depending on the choice of university and the type of course you are applying. 

What are other scholarship opportunities if I fail to be selected as Hong Kong PhD Fellow?

Hong Kong universities also offer separate scholarship to the International students who wish to study in Hong Kong for higher education. HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Program is another prestigious scholarship and details of other is available on the official universities sites.

I am applying for Master’s scholarship. Is there any Hong Kong scholarship for me?

The University of Hong Kong offers Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) to the Master’s students and the scholarship award is HK$18,030 per month. Students may also apply for further financial support during their degree.