The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is the University of Hong Kong’s most prestigious funding package for new full-time PhD students, run by its Graduate School.
Every full-time PhD applicant is considered automatically. Scholars study in Hong Kong and also get advising, teaching training and mentoring from senior faculty. For 2027/28, every Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme holder at HKU also receives it.
Benefits & funding
- Up to about HK$445,800 (US$57,150) in year one and HK$428,300 (US$54,920) a year after, over the normative 3- or 4-year period (2027/28 figures).
- Stipend of HK$28,700 a month, plus a full fee waiver (HK$49,500 a year).
- Cash award of HK$40,000 in year one, then HK$20,000 a year; travel allowance of HK$14,400 a year.
- Guaranteed hall place in year one; some top performers funded for an extra year.
Eligibility
- Applicants to an HKU full-time PhD programme; the pages set no nationality or residence limit.
- 4-year PhD: a good honours Bachelor’s and/or a taught Master’s. 3-year PhD: a research Master’s such as an MPhil.
- Graduates of institutions not teaching and examining entirely in English submit an English test result (TOEFL, IELTS Academic or similar).
Application process
- 1Apply online to an HKU full-time PhD programme (HK$780 fee); there is no separate scholarship form.
- 2Name two academic referees, who report online after you submit.
- 3Strongly advised: also file the HKPFS initial application with the RGC by 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon HKT.
- 4Submit by 1 December 2026, 23:59 HKT for the Main Round; clearing rounds run only if places remain.
- 5Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview.
Program timeline
Main Round opens
Sep 1, 2026
HKPFS RGC step closes 12:00 noon; Main Round closes 23:59 HKT
Dec 1, 2026
1st Clearing Round (vacancies only)
Dec 2, 2026 to Apr 30, 2027
2nd Clearing Round (vacancies only)
May 1, 2027 to Aug 31, 2027