Pakistani students planning to pursue a PhD abroad can apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027-28 academic year.
The scheme supports outstanding students seeking full-time PhD study at participating universities in Hong Kong, including the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
Successful HKPFS students at HKU will receive a monthly stipend of HK$28,700 along with an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400.
Applications opened on 1 September 2026 and will close on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027 |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Pakistani Students | Eligible |
| Host University | University of Hong Kong and other participating universities |
| Monthly Stipend | HK$28,700 |
| Annual Travel Allowance | HK$14,400 |
| HKU First-Year Cash Award | HK$40,000 |
| Later HKU Annual Cash Award | HK$20,000 |
| HKU Composition Fee | Waived |
| First-Year Hall Place | Guaranteed at HKU |
| Fellowships Available | 400 |
| Applications Opened | 1 September 2026 |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Result | By May 2027 |
| Study Mode | Full-time PhD |
| Application Mode | Online |
How Much Financial Support Will Students Receive?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides HK$28,700 per month to successful students for up to three years. Awardees also receive HK$14,400 each year to support conference attendance and research-related travel.
Students admitted to four-year PhD programs at HKU can receive the same HKPFS support during their fourth year.
Extra Benefits for HKU Students
Students who receive the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship and study at the University of Hong Kong also qualify for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship package.HKU provides an additional cash award of HK$40,000 during the first year.
Students then receive HK$20,000 per year during the remaining normative study period. HKU also waives composition fees for HKPFS awardees throughout the normal duration of their PhD studies.
The university lists the composition fee at HK$49,500 per year for the relevant academic cycle.
Who Can Apply
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme accepts applicants regardless of their country of origin. This means Pakistani students can apply if they seek admission to a new full-time PhD program at a participating university in Hong Kong.
Applicants can come from any field of study, provided the selected university offers the relevant doctoral program. Students should also meet the individual admission requirements of their chosen university and department.
How Are Applicants Selected
The Research Grants Council evaluates candidates on several factors. These include academic excellence, research ability, and research potential.
The selection process also considers communication and interpersonal skills. Leadership ability also forms part of the assessment.
Applicants should therefore prepare a strong academic and research application rather than relying only on grades.
Is There a Fixed GPA Requirement
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme does not set a universal GPA requirement such as 3.5 for all applicants. Participating universities and individual departments may apply their own academic admission standards.
Applicants should therefore check the requirements of the PhD program they plan to join.
English Language Requirements
English-language requirements depend on the university and program. At HKU, applicants generally need to meet the university’s English proficiency requirements if their previous qualification does not satisfy an exemption.
For many HKU programs, applicants generally need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0. Some faculties or departments may set higher requirements.
Applicants should check the requirements of their chosen faculty before submitting their application.
How to Apply
The application process involves two main stages. Applicants must first submit an initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme electronic system operated by the Research Grants Council.
After completing the initial application, applicants receive an HKPFS reference number. They must then submit a full PhD application to their chosen university and include the same HKPFS reference number.
Students applying to HKU must complete the university’s separate PhD admission application within the required deadline.
Application Deadline
Pakistani and other international applicants must submit their initial application by 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Applicants should also check the separate admission deadline of their chosen university because completing only the HKPFS initial application does not complete the university admission process.
When Will Results Be Announced?
The Research Grants Council expects to announce the results of the 2027-28 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme by May 2027.
Successful applicants will then proceed with the admission and enrolment requirements of their respective universities.
Find out more details about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
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