Applications are currently open for the University of Hong Kong Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027 for outstanding students from around the world wishing to pursue doctoral studies in Hong Kong. The prestigious scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to selected students admitted to full-time PhD programs at the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS) is one of the University’s most prestigious funding opportunities for research students. Successful candidates receive a fully funded scholarship package covering tuition fees, monthly postgraduate scholarship, research and conference travel, additional cash awards and other benefits throughout the normal duration of their PhD studies.
SUMMARY
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- Host Institution: University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Study Level: PhD
- Scholarship Worth: Up to HK$445,800 in Year 1 and HK$428,300 per year subsequently
- Eligible Applicants: Outstanding Full-Time PhD Entrants
- Nationality: All Nationalities
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Scholarship Overview | University of Hong Kong Presidential Scholarship
Popularly known as The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme, the scholarship is designed to attract academically outstanding students to undertake research at the University of Hong Kong. Applicants are selected based on academic excellence and other qualities such as research potential, communication skills and leadership abilities.
The scholarship is available across eligible research areas offered by HKU faculties and academic departments.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship should:
- Apply for a full-time PhD program at the University of Hong Kong.
- Hold an appropriate Bachelor’s degree with honours or equivalent qualification.
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen HKU Faculty or Department.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Demonstrate strong research ability or potential.
- Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Meet applicable English-language requirements.
International students from all countries are eligible to apply.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive a funding package worth up to approximately HK$445,800 in the first year and HK$428,300 per year thereafter during the normal study period.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fee waiver throughout the normal study period.
- HK$28,700 monthly postgraduate scholarship.
- HK$40,000 cash award in the first year.
- HK$20,000 annual cash award in subsequent years.
- HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel.
- Guaranteed university accommodation in the first year.
- Academic mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Possible additional financial support for an extra year for outstanding scholars who meet the requirements.
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Eligible PhD Programs
The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is available to selected students admitted to full-time PhD studies across eligible academic disciplines at the University of Hong Kong.
Research opportunities are available through HKU’s faculties and academic units in areas including:
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Economics
- Dentistry
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Interdisciplinary research areas
Applicants should identify a suitable PhD program and carefully review the specific admission, academic and research requirements of the relevant Faculty, School or Department before submitting an application.
How to Apply
There is no separate application required for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship. All applicants applying for admission to a full-time PhD program at the University of Hong Kong are automatically considered for the HKU-PS Programme.
To apply for the University of Hong Kong Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027, interested candidates should:
- Identify an appropriate full-time PhD program and research area at the University of Hong Kong.
- Review the specific admission requirements of the relevant Faculty, School or Department.
- Prepare the academic and research documents required for the chosen PhD program.
- Complete the University of Hong Kong online application for research postgraduate admission.
- Upload the required supporting documents and pay the applicable application fee.
- Ensure that references and any other documents required by the chosen academic unit are submitted within the specified timeframe.
- Submit the complete PhD admission application preferably during the Main Round to receive the strongest consideration for admission and scholarship funding.
All eligible full-time PhD applicants are automatically considered for the Presidential PhD Scholar Programme, so applicants do not need to submit another scholarship application.
Candidates applying during the Main Round are also strongly encouraged to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) because competition for the HKU Presidential Scholarship is intense.
Successful HKPFS recipients admitted to HKU are also awarded the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship package.
Application Documents
Application requirements may vary according to the selected Faculty or Department. Applicants should generally be prepared to provide:
- Academic transcripts.
- Degree certificates or proof of academic qualifications.
- Research proposal or research statement where required.
- Academic references.
- Curriculum vitae or résumé where required.
- Proof of English-language proficiency where applicable.
- Identification and personal information.
- Other supporting documents required by the selected Faculty, School or Department.
Applicants should carefully check their chosen PhD program because individual departments may impose additional research proposal, supervisor or documentation requirements.
Application Deadline: Applications accepted all through the year (Main Round: December 1, 2026).
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply during the Main Round because applications submitted during subsequent clearing rounds are considered only where places remain available.
