University of Hong Kong Scholarships 2027 | Undergraduate, MPhil & PhD

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) offers various scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate, MPhil (research master's), and PhD degrees in Hong Kong. These scholarships aim to support students with different academic backgrounds, from high school graduates to research candidates. Funding options include entrance scholarships for undergraduates, Postgraduate Scholarships (PGS) for eligible MPhil and PhD students, and competitive PhD packages like the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship and the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).

The scholarship coverage varies significantly depending on the award: * Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships: Merit-based awards that can cover tuition and, in some cases, contribute towards living expenses. These may be one-time awards or renewable, with terms subject to change for 2027. * Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS): For eligible full-time MPhil and PhD students, the basic rate is HK$19,135 per month (effective September 1, 2026). Eligible PhD scholarship recipients receive HK$19,655 per month from the month after their probationary candidature is fully confirmed. Renewal depends on satisfactory progress. * HKPFS and HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship: These competitive packages offer comprehensive support. Benefits include: * Monthly stipend: HK$28,700. * Conference and research travel allowance: HK$14,400 per year. * Presidential cash award: HK$40,000 in the first year, and HK$20,000 annually for the remaining normal study period. * Tuition/composition fee waiver: HK$49,500 per year during the normal study period under the Presidential award. * Accommodation: A guaranteed hall place in the first year, with possible renewal (note: this does not mean free accommodation). HKPFS normally supports three years, with HKU providing the same support in year four for awardees admitted to a four-year PhD.

* Nationality: International students are eligible. HKPFS specifically welcomes new full-time PhD applicants from any country or ethnic background. Some individual undergraduate awards may have nationality or qualification restrictions, so applicants should check specific award terms. * Academic Level: * Undergraduate: For students finishing high school and applying for a bachelor's degree. Requires qualifications accepted for admission and relevant subjects. * MPhil and PhD: Requires a good honours bachelor’s degree, a taught master’s, or a research master’s for consideration. PGS typically requires a first degree with upper second-class honours or equivalent. Master’s results may also be considered. * English Language: Most faculties require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no component below 6. The Faculty of Arts generally requires 7 overall with no component below 6 (excluding the Centre of Buddhist Studies). Accepted alternatives and departmental rules should be checked. HKU does not accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS One Skill Retake for research admission. * Other: Scholarship selection is competitive, emphasizing academic strength, research potential, communication skills, and leadership for research applicants.

* Passport or accepted identity document. * Academic transcripts, certificates, and grading scale. * Predicted or interim examination results (for relevant undergraduate applications). * English-language results or other accepted evidence. * Research proposal or statement of research interest (for MPhil and PhD), following faculty instructions. * Two academic references (for MPhil and PhD applications). * CV, publications, awards, or other supporting achievements. * Certified English translations for non-English documents. * Any additional faculty documents (e.g., writing sample, specific test scores).

1. Choose an undergraduate or research degree and check its admission requirements on the official HKU website. 2. Review the relevant scholarship terms. Undergraduate entrance scholarships are often automatic, but some named awards require additional steps. 3. For MPhil or PhD, review research areas, supervisor contact instructions, prepare your research proposal, and arrange references early. 4. If applying for HKPFS, complete the initial Research Grants Council (RGC) application first to obtain your HKPFS reference number. 5. Submit the appropriate HKU online application. HKPFS applicants must enter their reference number and complete the full university application. 6. Upload all required documents, pay any applicable application fee, and monitor your application account for further requests or interview invitations.

* All deadlines are in Hong Kong time (UTC+8). * Funding details and course requirements can change; the official offer determines the final funding received. * Clearing rounds for research applications are not extensions of the HKPFS deadline. * Some faculties may set additional document deadlines. * It is crucial to compare the award with likely expenses (rent, meals, visa, travel) and not solely rely on the term “fully funded.” * If using AI for application materials, follow HKU’s disclosure requirements and verify all factual statements.