The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is open to Pakistani applicants until 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time on 1 December 2026. Candidates must first submit an initial application to the Research Grants Council, then use the reference number to complete PhD applications at up to two programmes or departments in one or two participating universities.
Quick Overview
| Programme | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 |
|---|---|
| Provider | Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee of Hong Kong |
| Current status | Open |
| Initial application deadline | 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time |
| Study level | New full-time PhD admission |
| Number of fellowships | 400 for the 2027/28 academic year |
| Nationality | All nationalities, including Pakistan |
| Official application | HKPFS application page |
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Research Grants Council established the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme to attract high-achieving students from around the world to full-time doctoral study at Hong Kong universities. The 2027/28 competition offers 400 fellowships across eight participating institutions.
The participating universities are 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, and The University of Hong Kong.
The fellowship application and university admission application are connected but separate. An HKPFS reference number does not by itself create a university application, admission offer or fellowship award.
Financial Benefits
The official scheme page lists the following current annual support for each fellow for up to three years:
- an annual stipend of HKD 344,400, approximately USD 44,150; and
- an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HKD 14,400, approximately USD 1,840.
The Research Grants Council describes those amounts as the 2026/27 rates while announcing 400 awards for 2027/28. Applicants should confirm the final 2027/28 rate before accepting an award. A participating university may provide additional support if a PhD takes longer than three years.
HKPFS does not state that every international fellow automatically receives a tuition waiver. Tuition, fees, accommodation and any university supplement must be checked with the selected institution.
Application Structure
- Research eligible PhD programmes at the eight participating universities.
- Submit one initial HKPFS application to the Research Grants Council.
- Receive an HKPFS reference number.
- Apply separately to the selected university PhD programme or programmes and quote that reference number.
- The universities nominate candidates for consideration by the RGC selection panels.
- Shortlisted applicants are assessed in either the Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology panel or the Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies panel.
You may select up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities. The initial HKPFS deadline is noon on 1 December, while the university deadlines published for this round are 11:59 p.m. Hong Kong Time on the same date. Applying early reduces the risk of missing the second step.
Eligibility Requirements
Pakistani applicants can apply because the scheme is open irrespective of country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background. A candidate must be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities.
The selection panels consider:
- academic excellence;
- research ability and potential;
- communication and interpersonal skills; and
- leadership abilities.
Each university and PhD programme sets its own academic, language, proposal and supervisor requirements. Applicants must satisfy those rules in addition to the scheme-wide criteria. Current PhD students should read the official guidance carefully because the scheme is designed for new full-time PhD admission.
Required Documents
The RGC initial application collects the information needed to issue the HKPFS reference number. The full document checklist is set by the selected university and programme, not by one universal HKPFS list.
Applicants should expect to prepare the items requested by their universities, which can include academic transcripts and degree certificates, identity documents, a research proposal or statement, a CV, references, English-language evidence and programme-specific material. Use only the live university checklist; do not assume that every institution requests the same files.
How to Apply
- Open the official HKPFS overview and confirm the scheme criteria.
- Compare the participating universities and identify no more than two programmes or departments.
- Submit the official HKPFS initial application before 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time on 1 December 2026.
- Record the HKPFS reference number issued by the electronic system.
- Complete each selected university’s PhD admission application, quote the reference number and submit before that university’s deadline.
- Keep both submission confirmations and monitor the email addresses used in the applications.
All eight participating universities list 1 December 2026 as their application deadline, generally at 11:59 p.m. Hong Kong Time. The RGC initial application closes earlier that day at noon. No third party can guarantee admission, nomination or fellowship selection.
Further Opportunities for Pakistani Researchers
- Compare another doctoral route in the KAUST graduate scholarship guide.
- Review the McCall MacBain Scholarship guide.
- For postdoctoral researchers, see the Marie SkBodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistani students apply for HKPFS 2027?
Yes. The scheme accepts applicants from all countries who seek new full-time PhD admission at a participating Hong Kong university.
What is the HKPFS 2027 deadline?
The RGC initial application closes at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time on 1 December 2026. University applications close later according to the published institutional timetable.
How many programmes can I choose?
You may choose up to two programmes or departments at one or two participating universities.
Does the fellowship pay tuition?
The central scheme page lists a stipend and research travel allowance, but it does not promise an automatic tuition waiver for every international fellow. Check the selected university’s fees and support.
When will the result be announced?
The official scheme FAQ says the 2027/28 result will be announced by May 2027.
Related guide: Researchers considering Australia can review the Monash Graduate Scholarship for Pakistani applicants.
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