Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC)
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
Hong Kong's flagship scholarship for international PhD students. You apply to the RGC and to a participating university (CityU, HKBU, Lingnan, CUHK, EdUHK, PolyU, HKUST or HKU) in the same round.
Application round
Step 1 (the RGC system) opened on 1 September 2026 and closes on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time (11:00 in Thailand). Universities such as HKU and PolyU take the full application until 23:59 Hong Kong time the same day.
The IELTS requirement
The fellowship uses your university's English requirement. For example, City University of Hong Kong asks for IELTS 6.5 overall (7.0 for Law). Scores must still be valid when you apply, so in practice you need your result before the deadline. Check the requirement of each university you apply to.
Where is your IELTS score now?
Your university sets the IELTS score for this scholarship. Take the free level test to get an estimated band for each skill before you apply.
What it covers
- A stipend of HK$344,400 a year (about US$44,000), for up to three years
- A conference and research travel allowance of HK$14,400 a year
- Tuition isn't part of the RGC award: check fees and any waiver with your university
Who can apply
- Open to applicants from any country
- Starting a new full-time PhD at one of the eight participating universities
- Selected on academic performance, research ability, communication and leadership
- You must complete both steps: the RGC application and the full university application
Key facts
- Provider
- Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC)
- Where you study
- Hong Kong
- Study level
- PhD
- Funding
- Partly funded
- Application round
- Opens September 1, 2026 · Closes December 1, 2026
Already know your score?
Build an IELTS plan for this scholarship
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Step 1 of 6
What band do you need?
Your overall IELTS target.
We checked these details against the provider's official page on November 1, 2026. Rules and dates change every round, so confirm them there before you apply.
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