The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for the academic year 2024/2025 presents an exciting opportunity for students from around the world. This scheme extends a warm invitation to international students to engage in fully funded PhD studies within the academic institutions of Hong Kong, with the forthcoming academic session as the starting point.
Having been inaugurated by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) operates with the primary goal of drawing exceptional and outstanding scholars from across the globe. Its aim is to encourage these exceptional individuals to embark on their PhD journeys within the prestigious universities of Hong Kong. This initiative underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation on a global scale.
Fellowship Summary:
Sponsoring Entity: The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong.
Designated Institutions: Esteemed universities in Hong Kong.
Financial Support: Detailed under Program Advantages.
Quantity of Grants: Provision for funding 300 Fellowships.
Educational Stage: Geared towards Doctoral (PhD) pursuits.
Eligibility: Open to global participants.
Eligibility Criteria:
To partake in this program during the current academic year, prospective participants need to satisfy the subsequent eligibility criteria.
- International Status: Aspiring candidates, regardless of their nation of origin, should be international students aspiring to pursue education in Hong Kong.
- Experience and Background: Applicants are expected to possess relevant prior work experience and a diverse ethnic background, rendering them eligible to submit their applications.
- Demonstrated Excellence: Candidates must exhibit exceptional qualities in terms of academic accomplishments, research aptitude or potential, adeptness in communication and interpersonal interactions, and the capacity for leadership.
As the Selection Panels evaluate applications, the ensuing factors will be considered:
- Scholastic Distinction: The foremost factor is the candidates’ academic excellence.
- Research Proficiency and Promise: The ability and potential for research will also be assessed.
- Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Applicants’ capability to communicate effectively and engage interpersonally will be taken into account.
- Leadership Proficiency: The panels will also gauge the applicants’ leadership qualities.
While the pivotal criterion is academic excellence, these additional attributes will also be factored into the selection process.
Eligible Participating Universities:
Applicants are encouraged to apply for enrollment as fresh, full-time PhD scholars at any of the following eight esteemed universities that qualify as eligible participants:
- 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
- The University of Hong Kong
Fellowship Benefits:
The Fellowship furnishes an annual stipend valued at HK$331,200 (equivalent to approximately US$42,460), alongside a conference and research-associated travel grant of HK$13,800 (approximately US$1,760) for each recipient, valid for a duration of up to three years.
In the forthcoming academic year of 2024/25—bearing in mind that Hong Kong universities typically commence their academic terms in September—there will be a bestowal of 300 PhD Fellowships.
For those beneficiaries whose PhD journey extends beyond the stipulated three-year period, the partnered universities might extend supplementary support to facilitate the completion of their doctoral studies.
Application Procedure:
Prospective candidates who meet the criteria and are interested in the opportunity must submit their applications directly to any of the aforementioned participating universities. Specific details regarding the application process for the fellowship scheme will be furnished by each individual university.
