The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 offers an outstanding opportunity for high-achieving students from around the world to pursue a fully supported full-time PhD at The University of Hong Kong.

Through the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS Programme), selected outstanding PhD candidates can receive a scholarship package worth up to around HK$445,800 (US$57,150) in the first year and up to around HK$428,300 (US$54,920) in each subsequent year during the normative study period.

The HKU PhD Scholarship is designed to attract some of the world’s brightest research candidates to HKU. In addition to substantial financial support, HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive academic mentoring, research support, teaching opportunities and opportunities to interact with leading scholars.

If you are looking for a fully funded PhD scholarship in Hong Kong, the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 is an opportunity worth considering.

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HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 Overview

Scholarship	HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme
University	The University of Hong Kong
Scholarship	HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship
Study Level	PhD
Study Mode	Full-time
Location	Hong Kong 🇭🇰
Monthly Scholarship	HK$28,700
First-Year Package	Up to HK$445,800
Subsequent-Year Package	Up to HK$428,300 per year
Tuition/Composition Fees	Waived during normative study period
Travel Allowance	HK$14,400 per year
Cash Award	HK$40,000 in Year 1; HK$20,000 annually thereafter
Hall Accommodation	Guaranteed hall place in Year 1
Study Type	Full-time PhD
Application Consideration	All full-time PhD applicants
Main Round	1 September – 1 December
Country/Region	Hong Kong 🇭🇰

What Is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship?

The HKU PhD Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship package offered through the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme.

The programme is established to attract top PhD candidates from around the world to undertake full-time doctoral studies at The University of Hong Kong.

Successful HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive financial assistance alongside academic and professional development support.

The programme also provides selected scholars with opportunities to receive mentorship from distinguished Faculty members and interact with leading scholars.

For ambitious researchers seeking a PhD scholarship in Hong Kong, the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme provides both financial and academic support.

How Much Does the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Pay?

One of the major attractions of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 is its substantial financial package.

An HKU Presidential PhD Scholar can receive:

HK$28,700 Monthly Postgraduate Scholarship

Selected scholars receive a Postgraduate Scholarship of HK$28,700 per month.

This provides recurring financial support throughout the normative study period.

Up to HK$445,800 in the First Year

The total scholarship package can reach approximately:

HK$445,800 (US$57,150) in Year 1.

Up to HK$428,300 in Subsequent Years

During each subsequent year of the normative study period, the total package can reach approximately:

HK$428,300 (US$54,920) per year.

The exact package includes several different forms of financial and academic support.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Benefits

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship provides a comprehensive package designed to support doctoral students during their studies.

1. HK$28,700 Monthly Postgraduate Scholarship

HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive a HK$28,700 monthly postgraduate scholarship.

This is one of the key financial benefits of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme.

2. Tuition Fee Waiver

The programme provides a waiver of composition fees for the whole normative study period.

The stated composition fee is:

HK$49,500 per year.

This means eligible HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive substantial support toward their university fees.

3. Cash Award

The scholarship package includes a cash award to support research and living expenses.

• HK$40,000 in Year 1
• HK$20,000 per year during the remaining normative study period

4. Conference and Research Travel Allowance

HKU Presidential PhD Scholars can receive:

HK$14,400 per year

for conference and research-related travel.

This can help doctoral researchers participate in academic conferences and research activities.

5. Additional Year of Study Support

Selected outstanding students may receive financial support for an additional year of study beyond the normative study period.

This additional support is intended to reward outstanding research output and progress.

6. Guaranteed Hall Place

HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive a guaranteed hall place in Year 1, with the possibility of renewal.

Who Is Eligible for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship?

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship targets outstanding candidates who are applying for full-time PhD programmes at The University of Hong Kong.

According to HKU, Presidential PhD Scholars are expected to be among the brightest candidates who demonstrate a strong passion for research.

Key eligibility consideration

You should:

• Be applying for a full-time PhD programme at HKU.
• Demonstrate strong academic potential.
• Have a strong passion for research.
• Be prepared to compete in a highly competitive selection process.
• Meet the admission requirements of the relevant HKU PhD programme.

Importantly, all applicants applying for a full-time PhD programme will be considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme.

Therefore, applicants do not necessarily need to submit a completely separate application for consideration for the HKU-PS Programme.

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Is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Fully Funded?

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship provides an extensive financial support package, including a monthly postgraduate scholarship, fee waiver, cash awards, research and conference travel allowance and accommodation support.

The first-year package can reach approximately HK$445,800, while subsequent years can reach approximately HK$428,300 per year during the normative study period.

Because the package combines several forms of financial assistance, applicants should review the official HKU scholarship and PhD admission information carefully to understand the individual components.

How Competitive Is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship?

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is highly competitive.

HKU describes its Presidential PhD Scholars as the brightest candidates who are passionate about research.

Because the scholarship is intended to attract outstanding PhD researchers from around the world, applicants should aim to demonstrate strong academic and research potential.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Applicants should focus on presenting a strong overall PhD application, including:

• Strong academic performance
• Relevant research experience
• A clear research direction
• Strong academic references
• A well-developed research proposal where required
• Evidence of research potential
• A clear explanation of why the proposed PhD research matters
• Strong alignment with the selected HKU programme and potential supervisors

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Application Process

To be considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme, applicants should apply for a full-time PhD programme at The University of Hong Kong.

The general process is:

Step 1: Identify Your PhD Programme

Explore the full-time PhD programmes available at HKU and identify a programme that matches your academic background and research interests.

Step 2: Review the Admission Requirements

Check the requirements for your chosen PhD programme before beginning your application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Prepare the required academic and supporting documents for your PhD application.

These may include academic records, references and research-related materials depending on the programme.

Step 4: Apply for the Full-Time PhD Programme

Submit your application to HKU through the university’s official application system.

Step 5: Presidential PhD Scholarship Consideration

All applicants applying for full-time PhD programmes will be considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme.

Step 6: Interview

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Deadline

For the Main Round, applicants applying for the HKU Presidential PhD Programme are encouraged to apply between:

1 September – 1 December

HKU particularly encourages applicants applying during the Main Round to also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, given the intense competition for the Presidential PhD Programme.

Applicants should always check the official HKU Graduate School information for the applicable admission cycle and deadlines before submitting an application.

Why Study a PhD at The University of Hong Kong?

The University of Hong Kong provides doctoral researchers with an international academic environment and opportunities to work with leading scholars.

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme goes beyond financial assistance by providing additional academic and professional development opportunities.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholars can receive:

• Individualised advisory services
• Teaching training opportunities
• Opportunities to interact with leading scholars
• Additional mentorship
• Training opportunities
• Academic career guidance

A group of distinguished Faculty members also provides advice, mentorship and training opportunities while helping oversee scholars’ academic career paths.

Who Is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Suitable For?

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 may be particularly suitable for:

Outstanding PhD Applicants

Students with strong academic records and excellent research potential can consider applying.

International Researchers

The programme is designed to attract top candidates from around the world, making it particularly relevant to international applicants.

Students Seeking a PhD Scholarship in Hong Kong

If you are searching for a fully supported PhD opportunity in Hong Kong, the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is worth exploring.

Research-Focused Candidates

The programme is specifically designed for candidates passionate about research and pursuing full-time doctoral study.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship vs Other PhD Funding

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship stands out because it combines multiple forms of support rather than relying solely on a monthly stipend.

The package can include:

• Monthly postgraduate scholarship
• Composition fee waiver
• Research and living expense cash award
• Conference and research travel allowance
• Potential additional-year funding
• Guaranteed Year 1 hall place
• Academic mentorship and training

This makes the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme an attractive option for high-achieving doctoral applicants.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Before applying for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship, prospective students should keep the following points in mind:

1. The scholarship is highly competitive.
Being eligible for consideration does not guarantee selection.

2. You must apply for a full-time PhD programme.
The Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is intended for full-time PhD applicants.

3. Strong research potential matters.
The programme seeks outstanding candidates who are passionate about research.

4. Interviews may be required.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an interview.

5. Apply early.
The Main Round runs from 1 September to 1 December, so applicants should prepare their PhD application well in advance.

Final Thoughts

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 is a highly competitive doctoral funding opportunity for outstanding researchers seeking to study full-time at The University of Hong Kong.

With a package of up to HK$445,800 in the first year, a HK$28,700 monthly postgraduate scholarship, composition fee waiver, research travel support, cash awards and accommodation support, the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme offers substantial financial assistance.

Beyond funding, HKU Presidential PhD Scholars benefit from academic mentoring, teaching training, interaction with leading scholars and opportunities to develop their academic careers.

If you have a strong academic background, a passion for research and plans to pursue a full-time PhD at HKU, the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship could be an excellent opportunity to consider for the 2027/28 admission cycle.