Join PolyU via HKPFS to realise your research aspirations!
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) invites applications from the best and brightest students worldwide for the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009, to pursue their full-time PhD studies.
PolyU's HKPFS Package 2026/27
Successful HKPFS awardees of PolyU will receive for the entire normal study period:
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Annual Stipend: HK$340,800 (~US$43,692)
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Research Excellence Scholarship: in the form of a tuition fee waiver
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Annual Conference Grant: HK$14,200 (~US$1,820)
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Cash Award: HK$40,000 (~US$5,120) for the first year, and HK$20,000 (~US$2,560) per year from the second year to the end of the normal study period
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University Accommodation: a guaranteed place for 2 years
Nominated HKPFS candidates by PolyU to RGC will automatically be offered a PhD place with the award of:
- PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS); or
- International PhD Fellowship Scheme (IPFS); or
- PolyU Research Postgraduate Scholarship (PRPgS).
Key Attributes of HKPFS Candidates
In addition to meeting the admission requirements, HKPFS candidates should possess:
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excellent academic performance
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strong research ability and potential
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rich cultural diversity
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exceptional leadership ability
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devoted societal responsibility
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outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS)
PPPFS is a prestigious scheme designed for top candidates from around the world with exceptional academic/research achievements to pursue their PhD studies. The PPPFS package includes:
- Annual Stipend: HK$337,200 (~US$43,066)
- Research Excellence Scholarship: in the form of a tuition fee waiver
- Conference Grant: HK$25,000 (~US$3,193)
- Cash Award: HK$40,000 (~US$5,120) for the first year, and HK$20,000 (~US$2,560) per year from the second year to the end of the normal study period
- University Accommodation: Eligible hall place for 1 year
International PhD Fellowship Scheme (IPFS)
IPFS aims to attract and recruit high-calibre foreign students to pursue their PhD studies. The IPFS package includes:
- Annual Stipend: Up to HK$235,920 (~US$30,131)
- Research Excellence Scholarship in the form of a tuition fee waiver
- Conference Grant: HK$25,000 (~US$3,193)
- Cash Award (may be allocated to outstanding applicants): HK$40,000 (~US$5,120) for the first year, and HK$20,000 (~US$2,560) per year from the second year to the end of the normal study period
- University Accommodation: Eligible hall place for 1 year
Key Dates
1st Sep 2025
Start of Application Period
To apply for HKPFS,
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submit one initial application to the RGC HKPFS Application System to obtain an HKPFS reference number.
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submit full application(s) to PolyU RPgAdmission System, select “2026/27 Semester 1 (Sept 2026 Entry)” and quote your HKPFS reference number.
1st Dec 2025
Application Deadline
Submit your application timely before the deadlines:
RGC Application Deadline - 1 December 2025, HKT 12:00 GMT +8 hours
PolyU Application Deadline - 1 December 2025, HKT 23:59 GMT +8 hours
Apr-May 2026
RGC Result Announcement
Successful HKPFS candidates will be notified by RGC.
Initial Application to RGC
From 1 September 2025, HKT 12:00 GMT +8 hours to 1 December 2025, HKT 12:00 GMT +8 hours
Submit one initial application to RGC HKPFS Application System to obtain an HKPFS reference number.
Full Application to PolyU
By 1 December 2025, HKT 23:59 GMT +8 hours
Submit full application(s)* to PolyU RPgAdmission System, select “2026/27 Semester 1 (Sept 2026 Entry)” and quote your HKPFS reference number.
*One full application for two research areas from the same PolyU department
*Two separate full applications for two programmes from two different PolyU departments
Read to learn more about PolyU's research studies
- What PolyU Offers for PhD Studies?
- Why Study PhD at PolyU?
- How to Apply?
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