Quick Facts

Eligible CountriesAny
Area of StudyOthers
Application Deadline1 December 2026
Scholarship TypeDoctorate
FundingFully Funded
Mode of StudyIn-person
ReferenceRAS-2026-2097
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About This Scholarship

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is the most prestigious doctoral fellowship awarded by The University of Hong Kong, designed to attract high-caliber global researchers for full-time PhD studies. Selected scholars receive an exceptional financial package valued up to HK$445,800 (~US$57,150) in Year 1 and up to HK$428,300 (~US$54,920) annually for subsequent normative study years, along with individualized academic mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities with world-renowned researchers.

What This Scholarship Covers

  • Monthly postgraduate stipend of HK$28,700 per month (HK$344,400/year)
  • Cash award of HK$40,000 in Year 1; HK$20,000 per year in subsequent years
  • Full tuition waiver (composition fee waiver of HK$49,500 per year)
  • Conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year
  • Guaranteed university hall accommodation in Year 1 with possibility of renewal
  • Individualized academic mentorship and advisory services
  • Professional development training and opportunities
  • Financial support for an additional year of study beyond normative period for outstanding scholars

Who Can Apply

  • 1 Open to foreign and local candidates with exceptional academic achievements and research potential
  • 2 Must hold a first-class honours bachelor's degree or a recognized master's degree in a relevant field
  • 3 Must be applying for full-time PhD admission at HKU
  • 4 Must provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS minimum overall 6.5 with subscores above 6.0, or TOEFL equivalent) if previous degrees were from non-English medium institutions

How to Apply

1
Identify a research supervisor by browsing HKU faculty directories and research centers to align with your research proposal
2
Prepare required documentation including academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, research proposal, statement of purpose, proof of English proficiency, and contact details for two academic referees
3
Submit the online PhD admission application through the HKU Graduate School Online Application System
4
Optionally cross-apply to the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) via the Research Grants Council (RGC) system before 1 December 2026 and append the HKPFS reference number to your HKU application
5
Attend interview stage if shortlisted (online or in-person panel interviews by individual faculties)
6
Note: All applicants applying for full-time PhD admission at HKU are automatically considered for the HKU-PS Programme without submitting a separate scholarship application
📅 Normative study period (typically 3-4 years for PhD) with possibility of extension for outstanding scholars

For More Information

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