Do you want to know when the 2025 Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme will open? Applications have opened for the 2024 Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme, which is available to eligible and interested applicants who would like to study for a postgraduate degree in Hong Kong.
The scholarships are provided by Research Grants Council of Hong Kong with an annual stipend of US$41,690 and US$1,740 as annual conference and research-related travel allowance for each awardee per year for up to three years.
In this blog post, I will give a comprehensive account of the scholarship including its requirements, its benefits, duration and an application guide that can lead one towards successful application.
Click here to learn about the 2025 KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship in Korea.
Let’s get started!
What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is a three-year postgraduate degree fellowship commenced by Hong Kong Research Grants Council in 2009. It is intended to encourage excellent foreign students to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong.
There is an annual allowance of HK$325,200 (approx. US$41690) for students and additional HK$13600 (approx. US$1740) for travel expenses which include expenses for attending conferences and research work.
The scheme is arranged for 3 years’ duration and 300 fellowships are offered for the academic year 2023/24 which makes it one of the most sought-after schemes for academicians across the globe.
What Does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Cover?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme has introduced an annual living stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690) for the beneficiaries and HK$13,600 (around US$1,740) for travel to conferences or research.
This funding is provided for up to 3 years. In case the students require additional months to finish their PhD, then the host universities may provide extra help.
The scheme is focused on all country and especially those with good academic backgrounds, potential in research activities, and exceptional talk and leadership skills.
2025 Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme Summary
- Host Country: Hong Kong
- Study Abroad: Study in Asia
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Â Â Â Reward: Full Scholarship | $41,690 Annual Stipend | Travel Allowance
- Deadline: December 1, 2024
Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme Details
The Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was established by The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009; it aims at attracting top-quality PhD students globally to study in any of the universities located in this country.
Hong Kong’s education system fosters lifelong learning and independent research leading to a motivated highly skilled and entrepreneurial workforce. It has become a preferred destination for many international workers.
Within these diverse disciplines there are local strengths among them that make the city an important regional as well as global center for higher education and talent development.
2025 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Requirements
To be considered for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, you must:
Demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Be seeking admission as new full time PhD students in any of the eight partner HKPFS universities, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background.
Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
Meet the university requirements for the PhD program
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability / potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
2025 Hong Kong Fellowship Duration and Reward
They will receive an annual grant of HK$337,200 (approximately US$43,230), plus HK$14,000 (approximately US$1,790) traveling allowance for conferences and research in three years maximum.
Among these awards there will be 300 PhD Fellowships in AY 2025/26. Additionally, if any awardee requires more than a 3-year period to complete his / her Ph.D., further support may be provided by the chosen institutions.
Required Documents for 2025 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
To apply, candidates should have the following ready;
- Application Form
- Academic transcripts
- Published thesis, award certificates, etc. proving their academic achievements and research capabilities.
- A Study Plan or Research Proposal
- Recommendation Letters
- Photocopy of Passport Photo Page
How To Apply for 2025 Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme
To apply for the 2025 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, interested and qualified applicants should;
Click here to visit the HKPFS website.
However, eligible applicants must first make an Initial Application online via Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) by 1 December 2024 at Hong Kong Time 12:00:00 in order to get an HKPFS Reference Number before they can submit applications for PhD admission into desired universities.
Applicants may choose up to two programmes/departments at one or two universities for PhD study under HKPFS 2025/26. They should fulfill the requirements of admissions set by their selected university and program.
Since there are some cases when the deadlines for application fall immediately after those of Initial Applications, candidates need to submit them as early as possible so that they can have ample time for applying in various universities.
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Conclusion
The Fellowship provides an opportunity for talented students from around the world under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme towards world-class research infrastructures, advanced research activity, and considerable funding. Its essence of academic achievement, leadership and research value makes it very competitive among the available fellowships.
With 300 awards on offer for the academic year 2023/24, those who submit successful applications should look forward to priceless experience in one of the centers of academia in Asia.
The fellowship creates a myriad of opportunities for career gratification and advancement within various academic fields as well as a readiness for effective engagement in global research and innovation.
FAQs
How many fellowships are awarded each year?
Net between 275 and 300 doctorates are awarded every single year within the framework of PhD fellowship scheme at Hong Kong. This is the reason why the competitive program is devised, to encourage exceptional students all over the globe to register for PhD studies in HK.
Are there application fees for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?
It has come to my realization that, no annual application charges are required from the highly regarded Research Grants Council for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship. The rest of the dependent institutions may require an application or processing fee that would be to the advantage of candidates.
Can current PhD students apply for the fellowship?
Current full-time PhD students are not eligible for this fellowship. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is not available for students who are already enrolled in PhD programs.
How long does the fellowship support last?
The fellows can finance up to three years of their PhD studies. If such additional period is necessary for the candidate to finalize their work, the host institution may decide, on a case-by-case basis, to extend such financial assistance to the student.
What universities are eligible for the fellowship?
The fellowship is available at eight UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong, including the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and City University of Hong Kong.