Unrivalled Excellence

CUHK stands at the forefront of research innovation by establishing four State Key Laboratories with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China. Our research ecosystem thrives with nearly 300 specialised institutes and centres, led 15 out of 38 prestigious Areas of Excellence of which the University Grants Committee has provided preferential researching funding, fostering ground-breaking interdisciplinary work. We have forged strategic partnerships with external academic institutions, creating dynamic joint research units that amplify our impact.

Why CUHK?

At CUHK, we are driven by a vision of excellence with purpose and responsibility. Our goal? To forge a better future for all, with a special focus on advancing Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland through cutting-edge education, research, innovation, and service. 

Globally recognised as a premier comprehensive research university and a jewel in Asia's academic crown, CUHK's journey of excellence continues to inspire. 

Our mission is clear: to nurture global scientific and societal thought leaders, empowering them to push the boundaries of research and make lasting impacts. 

Join us and be part of a legacy of excellence that's shaping the future of research and innovation!

#18

Worldwide
QS World University Rankings 2027

#10

in Asia
Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026

#1

in Hong Kong
Best Global Universities Rankings 2026–2027
US News & World Report

Why CUHK?

At CUHK, we are driven by a vision of excellence with purpose and responsibility. Our goal? To forge a better future for all, with a special focus on advancing Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland through cutting-edge education, research, innovation, and service. 

Globally recognised as a premier comprehensive research university and a jewel in Asia's academic crown, CUHK's journey of excellence continues to inspire. 

Our mission is clear: to nurture global scientific and societal thought leaders, empowering them to push the boundaries of research and make lasting impacts. 

Join us and be part of a legacy of excellence that's shaping the future of research and innovation!

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#18

Worldwide
QS World University Rankings 2027
""

#10

in Asia
Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026
""

#1

in Hong Kong
Best Global Universities Rankings 2026–2027
US News & World Report

Unlock a World of Opportunities with CUHK’s PhD Programmes

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Comprehensive PhD Programmes

Recognising the diverse aspirations of our scholars, CUHK offers an expansive array of PhD programmes across eight dynamic Faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Whatever your passion, you will find a programme that nurtures your intellectual growth and prepares you for leadership in your field.

learn more
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Become a Part of
our Global Academic Community

CUHK stands as a beacon among Asia's top universities, attracting students from diverse global backgrounds. Our vibrant campus serves as an incubator for talent, nurturing each student's unique potential and elevating their academic journey to unprecedented heights.

LEARN MORE

Pursuing my PhD at CUHK as an HKPFS awardee has been an incredible experience. It provides a mentorship from world-class professors, access to a wide variety of courses and the resources to work at the very frontline of my research field. This award is the perfect foundation for academic excellence.

Nawapon SANGSIRI

Nawapon SANGSIRI

from Thailand
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering (HKPFS Awardee)

Pursuing my PhD at CUHK as an HKPFS awardee has been an incredible experience. It provides a mentorship from world-class professors, access to a wide variety of courses and the resources to work at the very frontline of my research field. This award is the perfect foundation for academic excellence.

I was looking for a place where the highest academic rigor converges with spaces to innovate and rethink how we can use new technologies to understand contemporary society's challenges. CUHK is not only one of the world's best universities in the world, it has a strong multicultural and multidisciplinary vocation that makes it the ideal place for those of us who want to go beyond.

Rene ROSADO GONZALEZ

Rene ROSADO GONZALEZ

from Mexico
PhD in Sociology (HKPFS Awardee)

I was looking for a place where the highest academic rigor converges with spaces to innovate and rethink how we can use new technologies to understand contemporary society's challenges. CUHK is not only one of the world's best universities in the world, it has a strong multicultural and multidisciplinary vocation that makes it the ideal place for those of us who want to go beyond.

HKPFS at CUHK

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.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) Topped with CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s HKPFS Scholarship

Stipend

HK$344,400 (approx. US$44,200) per year
Up to HK$1.38 Million (approx. US$176,620)*

Conference and Research-related Travel Allowance

HK$14,400 (approx. US$1,850) per year

Up to HK$87,600 (approx. US$11,230)*

Tuition Fee Waiver

Up to HK$198,000*

(approx. US$25,390)

Lodging Award

Up to HK$100,000*#

(approx. US$12,820)

1st Year Hostel Fee Waiver and Guaranteed On-campus Accommodation^*

Totalling

Over HK$1.81 Million (~USD$232,420)

Financial assistance during the normative study period

* During the student’s normative study period.

# An award of HK$40,000 for lodging in the first year of attendance 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 nominated by CUHK for the RGC but not selected for HKPFS will receive a regular PhD place with the prestigious CUHK Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarship.

Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet CUHK's rigorous admissions criteria and demonstrate exceptional credentials. Here's your step-by-step guide:

Academic Excellence

Research Ability
and Potential

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Leadership Abilities

Cultural Diversity

Application Procedures

01

Submit your initial application through the RGC website to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number [PF2x-xxxxx].

You may select up to TWO programmes in a single application.

Note: If nominated by multiple universities, RGC will process only the nomination from your indicated priority university. To maximise your chances at CUHK, list it as your first choice.

RGC Application Deadline

1 Dec 2026 at 12:00nn, Hong Kong Time (GMT + 8 hours)

Step 01 (1 Sep - 1 Dec 2026)
Submit an application to RGC​

02

Apply through the CUHK Online Application System, quoting your HKPFS Reference Number.

Important: If you have chosen two CUHK programmes in Step 1, submit separate applications for each.

CUHK Application Deadline:

1 Dec 2026 at 11:59pm, Hong Kong Time (GMT + 8 hours)

Step 02 (1 Sep - 1 Dec 2026)
Submit an Application to CUHK​

03

If shortlisted, participate in an interview to showcase your potential.

 

Step 03 (Sep - Dec 2026)
Participate in an interview

04

Await notification of your application outcome if shortlisted.

Step 04 (Mar – Apr 2027)
Await notification