HONG KONG PHD FELLOWSHIP SCHEME
Rewarding Study with the World’s Leading Academics at CUHK

Through the Fellowships, CUHK offers a wide range of research opportunities in its PhD programmes with competitive annual stipends and generous support for the brightest minds.  CUHK hosts some of Asia’s and the world’s best facilities and programmes and is steeped in international collaboration. We have graduated over 340 elite researchers and shall make a success of the Scheme for the fifteenth year, study awards of which will commence in the 2025-26 academic year.

Why CUHK
Research
Excellence
HKPFS
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HKPFS
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Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Why CUHK

CUHK cherishes the vision of achieving excellence with purpose and responsibility, seeking to forge a better future for all and, in particular, contribute to the development of Hong Kong and mainland China, through education, research, innovation and service.

Recognised globally as a leading comprehensive research university, and one of the finest in Asia, CUHK has come a long way.

Our mission is to develop all comers of the world as scientific and societal thought leaders to excel at the forefront of research.

#36
in the World
QS World University Rankings 2025
#10
in Asia
Times Higher Education (THE)
Asia University Rankings 2024
#1
in Hong Kong
U.S. News & World Report
Best Global Universities Rankings
2024-2025
Unrivalled Excellence

CUHK has established five State Key Laboratories with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and led thirteen out of 35 prestigious Areas of Excellence of which the University Grants Committee has provided preferential research funding. In 2022-23, CUHK garnered HK$1.38 billion in research funding. 

The University has also established approximately 300 research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research and a number of joint research units in partnership with external academic institutions.

World-class Research University
Research & Impact
International Collaboration
Explore the Unexplored at CUHK
Comprehensive PhD Programmes

To cater for different study needs, CUHK offers a wide array of PhD programmes through 8 Faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science.

Explore our extensive range of PhD programmes at https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/.

Meet Our HKPFS Awardees

During my PhD supported by the HKPFS, I was trained by world-class professors to become an independent researcher and a quality global citizen. I had an opportunity to meet excellent friends who are now renowned in their careers. I made the right decision to pursue my PhD at CUHK.

Dr. Waris WONGPIPIT
from Thailand
PhD in Education (Sports Science and Physical Education)

Assistant Dean (International Affairs), Faculty of Education
Assistant Professor,
Chulalongkorn University

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to pursue a PhD at CUHK and for the support of the HKPFS, which ensures that my academic journey is enjoyable. The learning and research environment at the University is very accommodating and motivating, and the academic community in my Faculty are very supportive and engaging. So far, I have had a dream-come-true experience at CUHK.  

Tajra SMAJIC
from Bosnia and Herzegovina
PhD in Laws

Having resided in Asia for a decade, I realised that doing a PhD in Hong Kong, specifically at CUHK, was the right choice. In my first year of PhD studies, I have enjoyed invaluable collaborations, seminars and interactions with experts. In addition, funding from the HKPFS has allowed me to attend international conferences, which has broadened my network and enhanced my academic experience.

Lazar DRAGIC
from Serbia
PhD in Communication

Pursuing graduate studies in Hong Kong under the HKPFS is attractive.

Not only it provides significant financial support for living, but also encourages international exposure and collaborations through research-related travel allowances. In addition, Hong Kong is a vivid city with many opportunities for scientific and technological career development. Studying at CUHK as an HKPFS awardee will help me fulfil my research potential and facilitate my scientific career development.

Moldir SHYNGYS
from Kazakhstan
PhD in Biochemical Engineering

As a PhD graduate from CUHK’s School of Pharmacy, I am grateful for the exceptional research opportunities, supportive mentorship and the prestigious scholarships that have shaped my academic journey and prepared me for my future career. CUHK has provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills that I will use and cherish forever.

Dr. Subhankar MUKHOPADHYAY
from India
PhD in Pharmacy

CUHK Business School is the perfect platform for me to grow and flourish as an academic.

The rigorous academic training received from our extraordinary faculty equipped me with high-quality research skills that allow me to engage with global academic networks. Being awarded the HKPFS has been a major achievement and blessing for me. 

Dr. Anna HSU
from Taiwan
PhD in Management

Assistant Professor, Xi-an Jiaotong Liverpool University

As a student specialising in marine biogeochemistry, it is invaluable to have access to the fascinating and beautiful natural environment of Hong Kong. I am grateful to the School of Life Sciences for providing me with plenty of support for my studies and ample opportunities for further research.

Henry Charles James THOMAS
from the United Kingdom
PhD in Environmental Science

Pursuing my PhD at CUHK as an HKPFS awardee is a great privilege. 

In the interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment, I have the opportunity to work with professionals from different fields, which broadens my horizons and enables me to have new experiences every day.

Suen CHEUNG
from Hong Kong
PhD in Biomedical Engineering

I am grateful that I can devote myself to the study of society at CUHK. The beautiful campus and my supportive supervisors have created an inspiring environment for my studies. The assistance of the HKPFS has given me access to a wealth of opportunities to contribute to the field of sociology and further my academic growth.

Dominic AMSTUTZ
from Switzerland
PhD in Sociology

Pursuing PhD studies at CUHK has so far been a wonderful experience. 

The community and environment here are vibrant, and the University offers many opportunities for international collaboration by providing funding for conference travel. This has helped me broaden my research network and is invaluable for my professional development.

Laura Elina URONEN
from Finland
PhD in Physics

With the HKPFS provided by CUHK, I was able to focus on my research wholeheartedly.

During my PhD study at the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education at CUHK, I was surrounded and supervised by world-class researchers in an environment
that enabled me to work hard and to enjoy life on a beautiful campus in a vibrant and exciting city.

Dr. John O'REILLY
from Ireland
PhD in Education (Sports Science and Physical Education)

Lecturer in Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, CUHK

CUHK has been the perfect place for me to explore my passion.

The support of our professors, the amazing learning resources on offer and the beauty of the campus are just a few of many things that I cherish about studying here. There are always new experiences to discover in this diverse campus situated in a multicultural city.

Dr. Matthew Antony HAYWOOD
From United Kingdom
PhD in Music

Pursuing my PhD degree in Gender Studies at CUHK with support from the HKPFS has been a highly rewarding experience so far. 

I am grateful to be enrolled in a programme that offers a stimulating interdisciplinary learning environment, solid research training from passionate, skilled faculty members, and support to be autonomous in shaping my intellectual interests and career path.

Janice LEUNG
from Hong Kong
PhD in Gender Studies

It is a great privilege to be a part of CUHK, one of the top universities worldwide. 

The University enables me to revolutionise my future career as a scientist. In addition to its well-respected professors, CUHK provides high-tech equipment and research facilities to help me advance my research.

Reza YEKTA SAADABAD
from Iran
PhD in Biochemistry

Studying PhD at CUHK’s JC School of Public Health and Primary Care has been an incredible experience for me. 

With supportive supervisor and an innovative, collaborative research environment, I have gained valuable insights into producing high-quality research work. I highly recommend the programme to potential students who seek to enhance their research capabilities.

Huwen WANG
from China
PhD in Public Health

Studying at CUHK has been a great experience so far.

The school’s rich facilities, multicultural setting and natural surroundings ensure an excellent learning environment. The Anthropology department is extremely friendly and stimulating, with my supervisor and other faculty members providing strong guidance and support. 

Gabriella ANGELINI
from Italy
PhD in Anthropology

I feel privileged to have the opportunity to study at CUHK. 

CUHK offers world-class infrastructure and a serene campus for research. Being at CUHK, I am able to work under the supervision of top-notch scholars. The excellent support and guidance I receive from my supervisors are testament to the university’s commitment to professionalism. 

Chimdessa Fekadu TSEGA
from Ethiopia
PhD in Laws

Pursuing a PhD degree at CUHK Engineering is an extraordinary experience.

With top-tier supervisors and a world-class research environment, students perform cutting-edge research and publish high-quality academic papers. The Faculty’s close connections with mainland China and the world provide lots of opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers during and after my PhD study. 

Dr. Yikang LI
from China
PhD in Electronic Engineering

I am honoured to be supported by HKPFS to embark on my exciting PhD journey at CUHK, a regional and global leader in state-of-the-art medical research.

The robust momentum and academic atmosphere at CUHK Medicine have always motivated me in my pursuit of research excellence. 

Raphaela Iris LAU
from Hong Kong
PhD in Medical Sciences

Studying at CUHK has been an exceptional experience.

Diversity and inclusion are welcoming. The learning environment with stalwart researchers conducting world-class studies is altogether compelling. I have access to any study material I need. I am deeply indebted to HKPFS and CUHK for this opportunity to pursue my dreams.

Abd'gafar Tunde TIAMIYU
from Nigeria
PhD in Mathematics
HKPFS at CUHK
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
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Stipend

HK$337,200 (approx. US$43,230) per year
Up to HK$1.34 Million (approx. US$172,930)*
   
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Conference and Research-related Travel Allowance

HK$14,000 (approx. US$1,800) per year
Up to HK$86,000 (approx. US$11,030)*
   
CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship

Tuition Fee Waiver

Up to HK$190,500*
(approx. US$24,430)
   

Lodging Award

Up to HK$100,000*#
(approx. US$12,820)
   

1st Year Accommodation Fee Waiver and Guaranteed On-campus Accommodation^*
* During the student’s normative study period
# An award of HK$ 40,000 for lodging in the first year of study and HK$ 20,000 in subsequent years during the normative study period.
^ HKPFS awardees who submit hall applications and complete registration procedures in a timely manner.
 
Starting from the 2020-21 intake, all PhD candidates who got nominated to the RGC by CUHK but not selected for HKPFS will be offered a regular PhD place with the CUHK Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarship.
Apply Now
Requirements
In addition to meeting CUHK's admissions admissions requirements, applicants should have outstanding credentials in the following areas:
 
Academic Excellence
 
Research Ability
and Potential
 
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
 
Leadership Abilities
Application Process
1 Sep – 1 Dec 2024
Step 1
  • Make an initial application to the RGC through RGC's website to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number [PF24-XXXXX]. 
  • Each applicant should only submit one initial application. Each applicant may choose up to two programmes in each application.

 

Note: In cases that an applicant is nominated by two universities, the RGC will only process the nomination tendered by the university for which the applicant has indicated priority and subsequent award of fellowship by the RGC will also be according to the indicated priority of the applicant. In view of the above, applicants who would like to pursue studies at CUHK should state CUHK as the first choice as they make their applications to the RGC.

 

RGC application deadline:

1 Dec 2024 at 12:00nn
(GMT +8, Hong Kong Time)

Step 2

Important: Applicants who have chosen two CUHK programmes in the RGC's initial application (Step 1) are reminded to submit a separate application for each programme at CUHK.

CUHK application deadline:

1 Dec 2024 at 11:59pm
(GMT +8, Hong Kong Time)

Sep – Dec 2024
Step 3
  • Attend interview, if shortlisted.
Mar – Apr 2025
Step 4
  • Be informed of application results, if shortlisted.
Apply Now
Download HKPFS Leaflet