PolyU International and Presidential PhD Fellowships 2027/2028

About this scholarship

Two PhD fellowship schemes at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for the September 2027 intake. The International PhD Fellowship (IPFS) considers all foreign PhD applicants, with or without an HKPFS application, and the Presidential PhD Fellowship (PPPFS) is for top candidates who apply through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

Funding type

PPPFS covers: a stipend of HK$340,800 a year, a tuition fee waiver, a conference grant of HK$25,000, a cash award of HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 a year after that, and eligibility for a hall place for 1 year. IPFS covers: a stipend of HK$230,640 a year (HK$235,920 after confirmed registration), a tuition fee waiver, a conference grant of HK$25,000 and eligibility for a hall place for 1 year. Outstanding applicants may also get the cash award. Both last for the normal study period. Renewal depends on good performance and available funds. A student can hold only one PolyU scheme. Hall fees apply to the hall place.

Tuition fees

Covered

Living costs

Covered

Travel

Not specified

Insurance

Not specified

Eligibility requirements

Nationalities

All nationalities

Residence condition

No residence condition

Full-time PhD applicants to PolyU for September 2027 entry IPFS: foreign applicants from outside the Chinese Mainland, Macau and Taiwan. No other nationality limit is stated PPPFS: exceptional academic results, high-quality international publications, outstanding references, and strong communication and leadership skills The 4-year PhD normally needs a master's and a bachelor's degree, or a bachelor's with First Class Honours. An MPhil holder can enter the 3-year PhD

Minimum grade

Not stated

Work experience asked for

Not stated

Return condition

Return condition not stated

How to apply

Straight to the provider

Language requirements and exemptions

Language test required IELTS TOEFL iBT Waiver possible

IELTS Academic 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 80, unless your degree was taught in English. Only test centre results from a single sitting are accepted, and they are valid for two years.

University admission details

Admission included in application?

For the PPPFS, apply through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. First send an initial application on the RGC HKPFS system by 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time to get a reference number. Then send the full application on PolyU's RPgAdmission system by 1 December 2026 at 23:59, choosing 2027/28 Semester 1 (Sept 2027 Entry). HKPFS candidates nominated by PolyU are offered a PhD place with the PPPFS package. RGC results come in April or May 2027. For the IPFS there is no separate form. After the HKPFS deadline, all foreign PhD applicants are considered. Department deadlines for September 2027 entry run from 15 January to 31 May 2027, and most are 31 May 2027. The application fee for 2027/28 entry is HK$600 for each application, paid when you submit.

Required documents

HKPFS initial application, for the PPPFS route Full application on RPgAdmission Research proposal on the standard form CV, and a personal statement where the department asks Transcripts and degree certificates Two academic referee reports

Application steps

Choose a PhD programme at PolyU and contact a possible supervisor. For the PPPFS, get an HKPFS reference number from the RGC system before 12:00 noon Hong Kong time on 1 December 2026. Submit the full application on RPgAdmission by 1 December 2026 at 23:59 and quote the HKPFS number. For the IPFS only, apply on RPgAdmission before your department's September 2027 deadline.

Requirement checklist

Scholarship contacts

PolyU Graduate School enquiry form: Contact form (opens in a new tab)

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