The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is a fully funded opportunity for students worldwide to pursue their PhDs at top universities in Hong Kong. This scholarship is open to academically exceptional individuals who have a history of achievements and demonstrate leadership qualities. It doesn’t matter where you live, where you were born, or your ethnic, religious, or political background—you can apply. There are no work experience requirements for this fellowship.
Established by the Research Grants Council, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship aims to attract the brightest minds to study at Hong Kong’s universities. Eligible students can apply to universities listed by the Research Grants Council. This fellowship is ideal for students with outstanding talent, particularly in areas like communication, research, and leadership.
Hong Kong is a diverse and vibrant city, located in the heart of Asia, offering PhD fellows the chance to engage with a global community. The quality of education in Hong Kong is among the best in the world, providing an enriching experience that will benefit your personal and professional development.
This competitive fellowship offers 400 scholarships each year to students from all around the globe, based on their academic excellence and interpersonal skills. Since its inception in 2009, many students have benefited from this program and contributed to world-changing research across various fields, including science, medicine, engineering, humanities, and economics.
Provision Outline
- Host Country: Hong Kong
- Fields of Study: Sciences, Medicine,Engineering and Technology, Humanities Social Sciences, Business Studies
- Degree Level: PhD
- Program Duration: 3 years
- Number of Awards: 400 Doctoral Fellowships
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Participating Universities
- Lingnan University
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- The University of Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The Education University of Hong Kong
Scholarship Provision
- Annual stipend of HK$337,200 (around US$43,230) for up to three years.
- Travel allowance of HK$14,000 (around US$1,790) annually for conferences and research-related travel.
- Additional support if the PhD extends beyond three years.
- No prior work experience required.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a new full-time PhD student.
- Open to candidates from any nationality.
- Must prove that previous university education was conducted in English or provide an English Proficiency Certificate if it wasn’t.
- Candidates not currently enrolled in a PhD program can apply if admitted to a new full-time PhD program.
- Must apply to one of the eight participating universities.
Application Process
- Apply first for the fellowship through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).
- After submitting the initial application, you will receive a reference number.
- Use this reference number when applying to up to two universities and programs.
- If you don’t include the reference number, your application will be considered for regular admission, not the fellowship.
- Apply as early as possible to meet university deadlines.
Application Deadlines
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong: 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)
- The Education University of Hong Kong: 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)
- City University of Hong Kong: Before 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)
- Hong Kong Baptist University: 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)
- Lingnan University: 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology: 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)
- The University of Hong Kong: 1 December 2024 (11:59 pm Hong Kong Time)