Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026 — Fully Funded Scholarship Without IELTS (US$43,230 Annual Stipend)
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Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026 — Fully Funded Scholarship Without IELTS (US$43,230 Annual Stipend) |
Apply for the 2026 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship — fully funded with a US$43,230 annual stipend. No IELTS required. Open to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders.
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026 is now open for international applications — offering 400 fully funded PhD scholarships to exceptional students worldwide. Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, this prestigious program supports talented scholars committed to cutting-edge research and academic excellence.
What makes this opportunity especially attractive in 2025–2026 is that no IELTS or TOEFL is required for many participating universities — making it an accessible route for global learners seeking advanced study in one of Asia’s top research hubs.
Host Country: Hong Kong
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Annual Stipend: US$43,230 (approx. HK$340,000)
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Open To: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MPhil degree holders
Learn more about this fellowship on the [official program portal](https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/hkphd "Official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Portal").
Why Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (HKPFS) 2026?
This fellowship is designed to attract top research talent across disciplines such as science, engineering, technology, social sciences, humanities, and medicine.
Selected scholars will receive not only full financial coverage but also opportunities to collaborate with globally recognized professors and research centers in Hong Kong’s leading universities — such as HKUST, HKU, and CUHK.
Key Benefits
- Annual stipend: US$43,230 (HK$340,000)
- Conference and travel allowance: Up to US$2,000 per year
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Research and networking opportunities in world-class facilities
- No IELTS/TOEFL required (for eligible universities)
You can read more about participating universities on [Study in Hong Kong](https://www.studyinhongkong.edu.hk/en/ "Official Study in Hong Kong Portal").
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s/MPhil degree from a recognized institution.
- Exhibit strong academic performance and research potential.
- Demonstrate good communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL not required for some universities).
Note: Students with only a Bachelor’s degree can apply directly for a PhD program under the HKPFS.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2026
- Visit the official [Hong Kong PhD Fellowship website](https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/hkphd "Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Official Page").
- Complete the online initial application through the RGC portal.
- Receive a Reference Number and use it to apply to participating Hong Kong universities.
- Submit required documents before the December 1, 2025 deadline.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, check our related article on How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS.
Top Universities Participating in HKPFS 2026
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Each university maintains its own admission criteria and deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to research program-specific details on the respective websites.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | September 2025 |
| Deadline for Submission | December 1, 2025 |
| Fellowship Results Announcement | April 2026 |
Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026 |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Annual Stipend | US$43,230 (HK$340,000) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MPhil degree holders |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Not mandatory |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2025 |
Final Thoughts
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for ambitious researchers worldwide to pursue a fully funded doctoral degree in one of Asia’s most vibrant academic environments.
With no IELTS requirement, generous stipends, and exposure to world-class faculty, this fellowship stands out as one of the most competitive and rewarding PhD opportunities available in 2025–2026.
Apply early, prepare a compelling research proposal, and take the next big step toward an international research career in Hong Kong.
