Are you dreaming of doing something big, like discovering new things or solving problems that help the world? Well, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is here to make your dreams come true! Established by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong back in 2009, the HKPFS aims to attract the brightest students from around the world to pursue their PhD studies at top universities in Hong Kong.
Who Can Apply?
Good news! You don’t have to be from a specific country, have certain work experience, or belong to any particular background to apply. If you’re ready to be a full-time PhD student and have what it takes, this could be your chance! Here are the eight universities you can apply to:
- City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
- Lingnan University (LU)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
The key is to show that you’re an all-rounder. You should have excellent grades, be skilled in research, and be a great communicator and leader.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
You might be wondering, “What do I get if I win this fellowship?” Well, it’s a pretty sweet deal! The fellowship offers an annual stipend of HK$337,200 (which is about US$43,230) to help cover your living costs. You’ll also get an extra HK$14,000 (about US$1,790) each year for conference trips and research-related travel. Plus, you get this for up to three years!
If you need more time to finish your PhD, don’t worry—your university might offer extra support. Just make sure to ask them about it!
How Does the Selection Process Work?
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by experts in two categories depending on your area of study:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies
The selection panels are looking for much more than just good grades. Yes, your academic achievements are super important, but they’ll also be checking out your ability to do research, how well you communicate with others, and whether you have the potential to be a strong leader.
How to Apply for the Fellowship
Now let’s get down to how you can apply. It’s a simple two-step process:
- Initial Application: Go online to the HKPFS Electronic System and complete your initial application to get your special HKPFS Reference Number. Make sure you do this by 1 December 2024, at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time).
- Full Application: Once you have your reference number, submit your full application to the universities of your choice. You can apply to up to two programs at one or two universities. Make sure you meet the deadlines and specific admission requirements of the universities.
Remember, universities in Hong Kong usually start their academic year in September, so apply as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rush!
What Happens Next?
After submitting both applications, all that’s left is to wait for the results! If selected, you’ll join a prestigious group of scholars making waves in their respective fields.
Application Deadlines at Participating Universities
Here’s a quick overview of the deadlines for each university. All deadlines are on 1 December 2024, at 11:59 pm (Hong Kong Time):
 | City University of Hong Kong Application Deadline: 1 December 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
 | Hong Kong Baptist University Application Deadline: 1 December 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
 | Lingnan University Application Deadline: 1 December 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
 | The Chinese University of Hong Kong Application Deadline: 1 December 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
 | The Education University of Hong Kong Application Deadline : 1 December 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
 | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Application Deadline: 1 December 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
 | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Application Deadline: 1 December 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
 | The University of Hong Kong Application Deadline: 1 December, 2024 (11:59pm Hong Kong Time) |
APPLY NOW
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers an incredible opportunity for talented students around the globe to pursue their PhD in one of Hong Kong’s leading universities. With excellent financial support, world-class education, and a focus on personal development, this scheme is the perfect stepping stone for those looking to make significant contributions to their field. So, if you’re passionate about research, have a strong academic background, and want to develop your leadership skills, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
FAQs
- What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
The HKPFS is a fellowship program designed to attract top students from all over the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong. - Who can apply for HKPFS?
Anyone who is applying as a full-time PhD student to one of the eight participating universities, regardless of nationality, background, or work experience. - What is the financial benefit of the HKPFS?
The fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$337,200 and an additional HK$14,000 for research-related travel for up to three years. - How do I apply for the HKPFS?
You must first submit an initial application online to get a reference number, and then submit full applications to your selected universities by their respective deadlines. When is the deadline to apply for the HKPFS?
The deadline for the initial application and the full applications to universities is 1 December 2024.
