The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has solidified its position as the leading destination for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) recipients, having welcomed more than 1,000 fellows since the scheme's inception in 2009. These elite scholars, hailing from over 50 countries and regions, represent more than a quarter of all HKPFS awardees to date, a feat unmatched by any other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institution in Hong Kong. This milestone not only highlights HKUST's world-class research environment but also reinforces its critical role in advancing Hong Kong's development as an international hub for high-caliber talent and innovation.
In the 2026/27 academic year, which commenced this September, HKUST has admitted over 100 new HKPFS recipients. Over the next three years, these doctoral students will collectively receive more than HK$112 million in fellowships and research allowances from the HKSAR Government. This influx of bright minds is a testament to the University's ability to attract top-tier research talent, further cementing its reputation as a global magnet for postgraduate education. Since the first intake in 2010/11, HKUST has consistently secured the highest number of HKPFS awards among Hong Kong's universities for 14 out of the 17 years, and with the government's increase of the annual quota to 400 in the 2025-26 Budget, the University has welcomed over 100 recipients in both 2025/26 and 2026/27.
Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, expressed her pride in this achievement, stating, "For 35 years, HKUST has been driven by a commitment not only to advance knowledge, but to generate knowledge that creates meaningful impact. Over the past 17 years, more than a thousand outstanding students from around the world have chosen HKUST for their postgraduate research journey, enriching our community with diverse perspectives and reflecting the global recognition of our research excellence." She further emphasized the University's dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting young scholars in tackling pressing global challenges.
Beyond the HKPFS, HKUST offers a comprehensive support package to its fellows, including a full tuition waiver for four years, research and academic development funding, and guaranteed first-year accommodation. These resources enable students to focus entirely on their research and expand their international academic networks. The University also provides various scholarships and support schemes for other full-time research postgraduate students, such as the Postgraduate Studentship, which offers annual support exceeding HK$220,000, and the Global Research Award, which facilitates overseas research and academic exchanges. Additionally, the 'HKUST RedBird PhD Award' provides a HK$40,000 recruitment award in the first year and an annual HK$20,000 Academic Excellence Award thereafter, subject to satisfactory performance.
The research interests of HKPFS recipients at HKUST span cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, materials science, fintech, and sustainability. These doctoral students will engage in rigorous training, publishing scholarly articles, teaching, and participating in international exchanges, laying a strong foundation for their future careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. Prof. Bert Shi, Dean of the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School, noted that the diverse pool of fellows, combined with local graduates, creates a vibrant international scholarly community that benefits society at large.
Established by the Research Grants Council in 2009, the HKPFS aims to attract outstanding students worldwide to pursue research postgraduate studies in Hong Kong. The scheme's competitive selection process evaluates academic performance, research potential, communication skills, and leadership abilities. For 2026/27, 400 fellowships are offered, and HKUST's continued success in securing a significant share underscores its pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators, contributing to Hong Kong's ambition to become a global innovation and technology hub.
