HONG KONG PHD FELLOWSHIP SCHEME
Realise your PhD study goal at CUHK

Established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) aims to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD programmes in Hong Kong's universities. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) now invites HKPFS applications for admissions in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Why CUHK

CUHK is a highly esteemed, forward-looking comprehensive research university recognised for its excellence both regionally and globally. We aim to consolidate its position as a centre of excellence for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research with a global impact and seek to optimise opportunities and make significant contributions to society by translating research findings into practical applications.

#47
in the World
QS World University Rankings 2024
#6
in Asia
Times Higher Education (THE)
Asia University Rankings 2023
#1
in Hong Kong
U.S. News & World Report
Best Global Universities Rankings
2022-2023
Unrivalled Excellence

With the support of five State Key Laboratories and a wide array of approximate 300 research institutes and research centres, CUHK has long promoted interdisciplinary research and achieved excellence on local, national and international levels. With the supervision and inspiration of diligent world-class scholars who excel in their professional fields, our PhD candidates can find the best strategy to achieve their study objectives.

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/.

Hear what our HKPFS Awardees Say

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 Student in Biochemical Engineering

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 Graduate in Education
Currently a 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 Graduate 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 Student 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 Student 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 Student 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 Student 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 Student in Law

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 Graduate 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 Student 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 Student in Mathematics

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 Graduate in Management
HKPFS at CUHK
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
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Stipend

HK$331,200 (approx. US$42,460) per year
Up to HK$1.32 Million (approx. US$169,840)*

   
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Conference and Research-related Travel Allowance

HK$13,800 (approx. US$1,760) per year
Up to HK$85,200 (approx. US$10,923)*

   
CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship

Tuition Fee Waiver

Up to HK$168,400*
(approx. US$21,500)

   

Lodging Award

Up to HK$100,000*#
(approx. US$12,800)

   

1st Year Hostel 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.
Requirements
In addition to meeting CUHK's 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 2023
Step 1
  • Submit an initial application via the RGC website.
  • Each applicant may choose up to two programmes in each application.

RGC application deadline
1 Dec 2023 at 12:00nn (Hong Kong Time)

Step 2
  • Obtain a HKPFS reference number.
Step 3
Note: Applicants who have chosen two CUHK programmes in the RGC's initial application are reminded to submit a separate application for each programme at CUHK.

CUHK application deadline
1 Dec 2023 at 11:59pm (Hong Kong Time)

Sep – Dec 2023
Step 4
  • Attend interview, if shortlisted.
Mar – Apr 2024
Step 5
  • RGC announces HKPFS results.