Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Schemes

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was founded in 2009 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, RGC. The Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme aims to attract people who have demonstrated excellence in their fields from all over the world to pursue their doctorate programs at various institutions in Hong Kong. In this article, we will be discussing the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2022/23, the HKPFS interview, the Hong Kong PhD fellowship scheme electronic system, and the Hong Kong scholarship for international students 2022.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

This fellowship was established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) has a mission of attracting the best and brightest students from all over the world to pursue their PhD studies in various universities in Hong Kong. All candidates who are seeking admission as full-time PhD students are encouraged to apply to the Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme. The scheme accepts applications for people irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience, and ethnic background.

The various universities where the applicants will further their education through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme are the 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 applicants are encouraged to demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities to see their application bring forth results. We will talk more about these universities and what you stand to gain in each of them.

1. The City University of Hong Kong:

The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is one of eight government-funded institutions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that offers a fully-funded PhD program through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. It is a hi-tech institution that is committed to providing an optimal and conducive learning environment for its students and the community. With a vibrant research culture, the City University of Hong Kong has gained an excellent reputation for research and innovation in various disciplines.

This university is part of the hong kong PhD fellowship scheme 2022/23, and offers Hong Kong scholarships for international students in 2022. It has an outstanding team of professors, supervisors, and tutors that are dedicated to guiding the students towards maximizing their potential and thus benefit society and the region. The university currently has a student enrolment of around 20,000, excluding Associate Degree students. It also has over 6,000 students, of which are postgraduates.

Admission to this institution for a doctorate degree is sponsored by the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, which was founded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the HKSAR government and has a mission to attract the best and brightest students from all over the world to pursue their research degree programs in Hong Kong’s institutions. Noth that the RGC is an advisory body that is established under the aegis of the University Grants Committee (UGC).

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2. Hong Kong Baptist University:

The Hong Baptist University is a publicly funded liberal arts institution built in a Christian education heritage and established as Hong Kong Baptist College with the aid of American Baptists who provided operating and construction funds and personnel to the school in its early years. The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) invites candidates from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds and who have demonstrated excellence in academic performance, research ability and potential, interpersonal communication, and sound leadership abilities to apply for full-time PhD study under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

This university is part of the hong kong PhD fellowship scheme 2022/23, and offers Hong Kong scholarships for international students in 2022. All applicants seeking admission to Hong Kong Baptist University PhD programs via Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme will concurrently be considered for our regular postgraduate studentship program AMD take note of the costs below.

  • Entrance Award: HK$25,000 per awardee (approximately US$3,200)
  • Scholarship for Outstanding Performance: HK$30,000 (approximately US$3,850)
  • Stipend: HK$26,900 (approximately US$3,450 monthly) and HK$322,800 (about US$41,400 annually for four years.)
  • Funding support for the purchase of research materials, books, equipment: HK$25,000 (approximately US$3,200) per year for a maximum of 3 years.
  • Tuition Waiver/ Scholarship: HK$42,100 (approximately US$5,400) annually for four years subject to satisfactory academic progress.
  • Conference and Research-related Travel Allowance: HK$32,000 (approximately US$4,100) per year for three years maximum, plus the University’s provision of HK$20,000 (about US$2,550) for the student’s 4-year study period
  • Accommodation: The Shared-room accommodation will be provided only for the student’s first year of study. Note that this is subject to availability.
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3. Lingnan University:

Lingnan University is the only public liberal arts university in Hong Kong that aims to provide its students with an education in the liberal arts tradition. Lingnan University is the first university in Hong Kong to accomplish the goal of delivering a rich hostel experience for all undergraduates. This has currently made 80% of Lingnan students to be able to go on exchange for a term during their undergraduate study. Lingnan University is one of the many universities which can nominate brilliant applicants for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Award.

The Fellowship awardee will be provided with a monthly stipend of HK$26,900 for 3 years. This funding covers all conferences, research-related travels and an allowance of up to HK$13,500 per year. For an awardee with a normative study period of 4 years, the University will offer the same level of fellowship and conference/research-related travel allowance for their fourth year of study. To apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Award, please log in to the Admission site of the Research Grants Council at www.rgc.edu.hk/hkphd from September to December 2022 (HKT noon).

This university is part of the hong kong PhD fellowship scheme 2022/23, and offers Hong Kong scholarships for international students 2022. Kindly note that no late application will be accepted. Lingnan University will evaluate all the applications and select qualified applicants for its PhD programs. Subsequently, it will nominate those outstanding and brilliant ones for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowships. All applicants who are nominated but selected for the Fellowship and those not selected for nomination for the Fellowship will all be considered for admission as PhD students at Lingnan.

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4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong:

The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a public research university in Shatin, Hong Kong, formally established in 1963 by a charter granted by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. It is the second-oldest university and was founded as a federation of three colleges: Chung Chi College, New Asia College, and United College. The requirements for nomination into the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, applicants must have outstanding credentials in academic prowess, research ability and potential, communication, interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme HKPFS offers a monthly stipend of HK$26,900 (approximately US$3,450) and a conference travel allowance of HK$13,500 (about US$1,730) annually during the normative study period for up to three years. Also, the Chinese University of Hong Kong Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship offers HKPFS awardees a tuition fee waiver for their whole normative study period. It also offers an award of HK$40,000 (approximately US$5,130) for lodging in the first year of study and HK$20,000 in the subsequent years within the normative study period.

This university is part of the hong kong PhD fellowship scheme 2022/23, and offers Hong Kong scholarships for international students in 2022. There is a guaranteed on-campus accommodation for awardees who apply early to the fellowship. For awardees with a study period of four years, the Chinese University of Hong Kong provides stipends and conference travel allowance at each level for the fourth year.

5. The Education University of Hong Kong:

The Education University of Hong Kong was founded in 1994 formerly as The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd). It is one of few subsidized universities under the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong(8 in number) and the only one dedicated to teacher education. We will further enhance our role as a leading university in the Asia Pacific region and beyond, with a focus on educational research, development, and innovation. The university has the vision to raise its profile and impact locally, regionally, and internationally through our high-quality research and scholarship.

This university is part of the hong kong PhD fellowship scheme 2022/23, and offers Hong Kong scholarships for international students in 2022. They are committed to nurturing outstanding and caring educators who contribute constructively to sustainable social and economic development in Hong Kong and beyond. They are also committed to the Education-plus approach, leading educational innovation, promoting and supporting the strategic development of teaching, teacher education, and disciplines complementary to education by preparing outstanding and morally responsible educators and professionals while supporting their lifelong learning.

Read also: How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD?

6. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is a public research university located in Hung Hom, Hong Kong. Founded in 1937 as the first Government Trade School, it is the first institution providing technical education and one of the eight government-funded tertiary institutions that award degrees in Hong Kong. The university has a strong focus on science, engineering, and technology and responds to the challenges and opportunities brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution – characterized by emerging technologies such as AI, data science, robotics, new materials, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology.

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This university is part of the hong kong PhD fellowship scheme 2022/23, and offers Hong Kong scholarships for international students in 2022. Through interdisciplinary efforts, we solve pressing global problems, contribute to a better world, and transform research excellence into innovation. The university strongly emphasizes the societal impact such as housing, health care, smart cities, the environment, and energy to address major societal challenges.

7. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology:

This university is part of the hong kong PhD fellowship scheme 2022/23, and offers Hong Kong scholarships for international students in 2022. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology HKUST is drawing the best doctoral students worldwide through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council. We currently have the largest number of HKPFS awardees coming from 40 countries including Australia, China, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, etc.

One out of seven PhD new students of HKUST have received the Fellowship award. The perks of the award include a stipend of HK$322,800 (~US$41,400) per year for 4 years, the HKUST RedBird Award which is a recruitment award of HK$40,000 (~US$5,100) in the first year, and an Academic Excellence Award of HK$20,000 (~US$2,550) per year, in the following years all subject to academic performance, a conference travel allowance of HK$13,500 (~US$1,730) annually for 4 years, and a guaranteed university accommodation in the first two years of postgraduate research studies.

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Eligibility Criteria to the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

It is estimated that 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2022/23 academic year and the Fellowship Award provides an annual stipend of HK$322,800 (approximately US$41,400) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,500 (about US$1,730) per year for each awardee for a period up to three years. Those who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in the institutions of Hong Kong like the 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 can apply for the Fellowship Award.

They also select candidates irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience, and ethnic background, who should be eligible to apply. Above all criteria, the applicants should have demonstrated outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability, communication, interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities in all their endeavors. All shortlisted applications will be reviewed by a Selection Panel. This Selection Panel will comprise experts in the relevant board areas: Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology; Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies.

 

Important Instructions You Should Know

All eligible candidates should first make an initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number before submitting applications for PhD admission to their desired universities. Always make sure you read all the instructions on how to apply and visit the website of the fellowship together with the specific websites of the participating institutions for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Take moth that:

  • The deadline for the submission of the initial application for the HKPFS is December. Late submissions will not be considered.
  • All applicants should note that the Electronic Scheme of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFSES) will time out automatically after idling for 30 minutes. All unsubmitted entries will be lost when the system time-outs
  • The initial application is composed of the following sections: A. Personal Particulars B. Choice of University(ies) and Programme(s) for PhD Study C. Authorization and Declaration D. Source of Information.
  • To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, each applicant should only submit one initial application through the HKPFSES through the website link: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/InitApplication.jsp. If an applicant is discovered to have submitted more than one initial application, all applications submitted by the same applicant for the HKPFS may be disqualified even if a university nominates the applicant to compete for the HKPFS award.
  • Except for the field requiring the input of the applicant’s name in Chinese (if applicable), the initial application form must be completed in English.
  • Upon submission of the initial application, an HKPFS Reference Number will be automatically generated for each applicant. An email confirmation stating the HKPFS Reference Number and details of the log-in password will be sent to the email address specified by the applicant.
  • All applicants are strongly advised to save and/or print out the email confirmation for future reference. The applicant must quote the HKPFS Reference Number [PF21-xxxxx] in all correspondence with the RGC and in all applications to the chosen University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities as indicated in this initial application.
  • An applicant will need to log in using the HKPFS Reference Number and log-in password if they wish to change the choice of universities, departments, or programs later.
  • An applicant may make changes to the choice(s) of university or department, or program until the initial application deadline. However, only the two choices saved in the HKPFSES at the deadline will be processed.
  • After completing an initial application, applicants should submit a full application to the chosen university(ies) quoting the HKPFS Reference Number before the university’s deadline [please note that each university may have a different deadline]. An initial application that is not followed up with a full application to the university will not be processed to the next stage.
  • Applicants should ensure the accuracy and consistency in the data submitted to the RGC through the HKPFSES and information submitted to individual universities. Any inaccuracy or inconsistency may lead to an application not being considered under the HKPFS.
  • Information provided through the HKPFSES will be cross-checked with the information contained in applications submitted to universities for verification purposes. The cross-checking will be done in such a way that in cases where an applicant chooses and submits a full application to more than one university, each university is only aware of the submission to itself and not of the other submission.
  • Applicants must comply with the admission and application requirements of the individual university(ies) concerned. Individual universities will usually conduct interviews with applicants as part of the assessment for selection. For program information, requirements for PhD admission, application methods and deadlines, regulations, and policies of individual universities, please check with the university concerned.
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Note: This is a summary of the Guidance Note as part of the initial application for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. Other information needed to make your application solid is not listed here. Please visit the website of the Hong KongPhD Fellowship Scheme (with the link below) to access that information. Here: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/apply.html

 

Conclusion

Hong Kong is a dynamic society where creativity and entrepreneurship meet. Located in the heart of Asia, it is a cosmopolitan city offering global connectivity, security, rich diversity and is home to a network of passionate people about excellence and quality living. Hong Kong’s PhD Fellowship Scheme education system fosters lifelong learning and independent research, leading to a motivated, highly skilled, and entrepreneurial workforce.

 

Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?

The Scheme was established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) aims at attracting the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD programs in Hong Kong’s universities.

What is the amount of award under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Award provides each awardee with an annual stipend of HK$322,800 (approximately US$41,400) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,500 (approximately US$1,730) per year for a period of up to three years. 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2022/23 academic year.

Which universities are supported by the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme supports the awardees to pursue their PhD studies at the following eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities in Hong Kong:

  • 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

Who is eligible for a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Award?

Those who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in the universities of Hong Kong, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience, and ethnic background, should be eligible to apply. The applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research potential, communication, interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

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