HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027-2028 in Hong Kong | Fully Funded

Applications are open for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027-2028 at The University of Hong Kong (HKU). This prestigious scholarship is designed for outstanding students who want to pursue a full-time PhD in Hong Kong with substantial financial support.

For the 2027/28 admission cycle, an HKU Presidential PhD Scholar can receive a funding package worth up to approximately HK$445,800 (US$57,150) in the first year and around HK$428,300 (US$54,920) in each subsequent year during the normative study period.

The scholarship package includes a HK$28,700 monthly postgraduate scholarship, full composition-fee waiver, annual conference and research travel allowance, additional cash awards, and a guaranteed hall place during the first year.

There is no separate application required for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme. Applicants who apply for an eligible full-time PhD programme at HKU are considered for the scholarship.

The Main Round for 2027/28 admission runs from September 1 to December 1, 2026. Due to limited PhD places and strong competition, candidates should apply during the Main Round.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027-2028 Details

Category	Details
Host Country	Hong Kong
Host University	The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Scholarship	HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship
Programme	HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme
Degree Level	PhD
Study Mode	Full-time
Eligible Applicants	Outstanding PhD applicants
Monthly Scholarship	HK$28,700
Fee Waiver	HK$49,500 per year
Research/Travel Allowance	HK$14,400 per year
Cash Award	HK$40,000 in Year 1
Later Cash Award	HK$20,000 per year
Accommodation	Guaranteed hall place in Year 1
Main Round Opens	September 1, 2026
Main Round Deadline	December 1, 2026
Location	Hong Kong

What is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme?

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS Programme) is one of The University of Hong Kong’s most prestigious funding opportunities for doctoral students.

It aims to attract exceptional researchers from around the world to undertake full-time PhD studies at HKU.

The programme provides more than financial support. Presidential PhD Scholars can also benefit from academic and professional development opportunities, including:

• Individualised academic advisory support
• Teaching and professional training
• Additional mentorship
• Interaction with distinguished scholars
• Research development opportunities
• Guidance from leading HKU faculty members

Selection is highly competitive and is intended for candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic and research potential.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Benefits

One of the biggest attractions of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship is its comprehensive financial package.

1. Monthly Scholarship of HK$28,700

Selected scholars receive a Postgraduate Scholarship of HK$28,700 per month during the applicable funding period.

This is equivalent to approximately:

HK$344,400 per year in monthly scholarship payments.

2. HK$40,000 First-Year Cash Award

Successful Presidential PhD Scholars receive an additional:

HK$40,000 cash award in Year 1

The award is intended to help support research and living expenses.

3. HK$20,000 Annual Cash Award

During the remaining normative study period, scholars may receive:

HK$20,000 per year

in additional cash support.

4. Full Composition-Fee Waiver

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship includes a waiver of composition fees throughout the normative study period.

For 2027/28 full-time study, the composition fee is listed as:

HK$49,500 per year

This significantly reduces the financial burden of undertaking a PhD at HKU.

5. Conference and Research Travel Allowance

Scholars receive:

HK$14,400 per year

for conference participation and research-related travel.

This funding can help students present research, participate in academic conferences and undertake research-related activities.

6. First-Year Accommodation

HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive a:

Guaranteed hall place during Year 1

with the possibility of renewal.

7. Possible Additional-Year Support

HKU may also provide financial support to selected outstanding students for one additional year beyond the normative study period.

This support is intended to recognise exceptional research output and satisfactory academic progress.

Also Read> Northwestern University Scholarship 2027 in USA

Total Value of HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship

For students entering HKU in 2027/28, the scholarship package can be worth up to approximately:

First Year

HK$445,800 (approximately US$57,150)

Subsequent Years

Up to approximately:

HK$428,300 (approximately US$54,920) per year

during the normative study period.

The actual package consists of several different forms of support rather than a single lump-sum payment.

Who Can Apply for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship?

The programme is designed for outstanding candidates applying to pursue a full-time PhD at The University of Hong Kong.

Applicants should generally:

• Apply for admission to a full-time PhD programme at HKU
• Have a strong academic background
• Demonstrate excellent research ability or research potential
• Show genuine interest and ability in conducting advanced research
• Meet the admission requirements of their chosen HKU programme
• Meet applicable English-language requirements
• Submit all required application documents
• Demonstrate the qualities expected of a highly competitive research candidate

Shortlisted applicants may also be invited to an interview.

Is There a Separate Scholarship Application?

No separate HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship application is normally required.

All applicants who apply for the full-time PhD programme at HKU are considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme.

However, HKU strongly encourages highly competitive Main Round applicants to also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).

Available Fields of Study at HKU

HKU offers research opportunities across numerous faculties, schools, departments and interdisciplinary research areas.

Potential areas include:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Architecture
• Business
• Economics
• Finance
• Medicine
• Biomedical Sciences
• Dentistry
• Public Health
• Biological Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Education
• Law
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Arts
• Interdisciplinary Research

Applicants should check their chosen department because PhD research areas, supervisors, academic requirements and available places vary by programme.

HKU PhD Academic Requirements

Admission requirements can differ between HKU faculties and departments.

Generally, applicants must possess an academic qualification considered suitable for admission to a research postgraduate programme.

For example, some HKU research programmes normally expect applicants to hold a Bachelor’s degree with honours or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Master’s degree results may also be relevant for candidates who already hold postgraduate qualifications.

Applicants must therefore check the specific requirements of the department where they plan to conduct their research.

English Language Requirements

English-language requirements can vary depending on the faculty or programme.

Applicants whose previous education does not meet HKU’s applicable English-language exemption criteria may be required to provide an accepted English test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Importantly, applicants should not assume that one English score applies to every HKU PhD programme.

For example, some faculties specify their own minimum IELTS, TOEFL or additional programme requirements.

Always verify the requirements of your selected department before submitting the application.

Required Documents for HKU PhD Application

Application documents may vary by faculty, school or department, but applicants should generally be prepared to submit documents such as:

• Completed online application
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Master’s degree certificate, if applicable
• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal or research statement, where required
• Statement of purpose or personal statement, where required
• Proof of English-language proficiency, if required
• Academic references/recommendation information
• Passport or identification documents
• Research experience details
• Publications, if applicable
• Other department-specific supporting documents

Because requirements differ between programmes, applicants should use their selected HKU PhD programme’s document checklist as the final authority.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Deadline 2026

The most important deadline for 2027/28 admission is:

Main Round Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 23:59 Hong Kong Time (GMT+8)

The complete application schedule is:

Application Round	Dates
Main Round	September 1 – December 1, 2026
1st Clearing Round	December 2, 2026 – April 30, 2027
2nd Clearing Round	May 1 – August 31, 2027

Although HKU accepts research postgraduate applications throughout the year, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply during the Main Round.

Clearing Round applications are considered only when vacancies remain after the Main Round.

Some faculties or departments may also start reviewing applications before a round officially closes, which provides another reason to apply early.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship and HKPFS

Applicants should understand the difference between the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship (HKU-PS) and the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).

The HKPFS is administered through Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council and is designed to attract outstanding PhD candidates from around the world.

For the 2027/28 exercise, HKU states that all HKPFS holders at HKU will also receive the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship.

This is particularly valuable because HKPFS scholars receive the fellowship benefits together with additional HKU Presidential Scholarship support.

HKPFS 2027/28 Benefits at HKU

For 2027/28, the HKPFS provides successful candidates with:

• HK$28,700 per month postgraduate scholarship
• HK$14,400 per year conference and research-related travel allowance
• Fellowship support for up to three years

For HKPFS recipients admitted to a four-year PhD programme, HKU provides equivalent support during the fourth year.

At HKU, 2027/28 HKPFS recipients will additionally receive Presidential Scholarship benefits such as:

• HK$40,000 cash award in Year 1
• HK$20,000 per year afterward during the remaining normative period
• Composition-fee waiver
• Guaranteed Year 1 hall place
• Potential additional-year research support

Important HKPFS Deadline

Applicants pursuing HKPFS should pay close attention because its first deadline is different from the general HKU PhD deadline time.

For 2027/28 HKPFS, applicants must first submit the initial application through the RGC HKPFS system by:

December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time

After completing the RGC application and receiving an HKPFS Reference Number, applicants must submit their full HKU PhD application and quote this reference number.

The HKU Main Round closes later on the same date at 23:59 Hong Kong Time.

Therefore, HKPFS applicants should not wait until the general HKU deadline time to complete the RGC step.

How to Apply for HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027-2028

The application process can be completed online.

Step 1: Find an HKU PhD Programme

Explore HKU’s available research postgraduate programmes and identify a PhD programme that matches your academic background and research interests.

Step 2: Check Department Requirements

Review:

• Academic eligibility
• Research requirements
• English-language requirements
• Supporting documents
• Research proposal requirements
• Department-specific deadlines

Step 3: Identify Your Research Area

Choose a research topic or area that aligns with your academic background and the expertise available at HKU.

Depending on the programme, it may also be useful or necessary to identify an appropriate potential supervisor.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, research materials, references and other documents requested by the department.

Step 5: Apply for HKPFS if Interested

Candidates applying during the Main Round are strongly encouraged by HKU to consider the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

Complete the RGC HKPFS application first and obtain your reference number.

Step 6: Submit the HKU PhD Application

Complete the HKU Graduate School online research postgraduate application.

Applicants do not normally submit a separate application for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship.

Step 7: Complete the Application Before the Deadline

For the best chance of admission and scholarship consideration, submit during the Main Round before:

December 1, 2026

Step 8: Attend an Interview if Shortlisted

Shortlisted Presidential PhD Scholarship candidates may be invited to an interview.

Also Read> Dalarna University Scholarship 2027 in Sweden 

HKU PhD Application Fee

The HKU Graduate School currently lists an online application fee of HK$780.

Applicants should check the application portal before payment in case the University updates fees or payment procedures.

Is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes, the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027-2028 can reasonably be described as a fully funded PhD scholarship because the package includes:

• Monthly postgraduate scholarship
• Full composition-fee waiver
• Research and conference travel funding
• Additional annual cash awards
• First-year hall-place guarantee
• Potential additional-year financial support for selected scholars

However, accommodation is described as a guaranteed hall place, not necessarily completely free accommodation. Applicants should therefore distinguish between guaranteed access to a hall place and an accommodation-fee waiver.

Do You Need to Contact an HKU Supervisor Before Applying?

Supervisor arrangements differ between departments and research areas.

Some programmes may strongly encourage applicants to identify potential supervisors or discuss their research interests before applying, while others may use different procedures.

Applicants should therefore check the specific instructions of their chosen department rather than assuming that contacting a supervisor is mandatory for every HKU PhD programme.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Selection

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is extremely competitive. Applicants can strengthen their profiles by focusing on:

Strong Academic Record

Excellent Bachelor’s and Master’s degree results can demonstrate your readiness for doctoral research.

High-Quality Research Proposal

Where required, your proposal should clearly explain:

• Research problem
• Research gap
• Research questions
• Proposed methodology
• Expected academic contribution
• Why HKU is suitable for the research

Research Experience

Previous thesis work, research projects, publications, conference presentations or research assistant experience can strengthen an application.

Strong Academic References

Choose referees who understand your academic and research abilities and can provide specific evidence of your potential.

Research Fit

A strong application should demonstrate clear alignment between your proposed research and the expertise available at HKU.

Apply During the Main Round

Because admission quotas are limited, submitting a complete application during the September 1–December 1, 2026 Main Round is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027-2028 provides exceptional funding for talented students who want to pursue a PhD at The University of Hong Kong. Selected scholars can receive HK$28,700 per month, a full composition-fee waiver, annual research travel funding, additional cash awards and a guaranteed first-year hall place.

Applicants should prepare their research materials early and aim to submit their full application during the Main Round by December 1, 2026. Highly competitive candidates should also consider applying for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme to maximise their funding opportunities.