Are you an international student looking to pursue a PhD? If so, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the academic year 2024/2025 might be the perfect opportunity for you. Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009, the HKPFS aims to attract the brightest minds from around the world to pursue their doctoral studies in Hong Kong’s prestigious universities.
In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria, participating universities, fellowship benefits, application procedures, and a secret tip to increase your chances of winning the HKPFS fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the HKPFS program, there are a few criteria that you need to meet. Firstly, you must be an international student, regardless of your country of origin. Secondly, you should have prior work experience and an ethnic background that qualifies you to apply.
In addition to these requirements, you must also demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. While academic excellence is of primary consideration, the selection panels also take into account research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Participating Universities
The HKPFS program offers fellowships for PhD studies in eight participating universities in Hong Kong. These universities are renowned for their academic excellence and research opportunities. The participating universities are:
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Lingnan University
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- The Education University of Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The University of Hong Kong
Each of these universities offers a wide range of research areas and disciplines for prospective PhD students.
Fellowship Benefits
One of the most enticing aspects of the HKPFS program is the generous fellowship benefits it offers. Each awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$331,200 (approximately US$42,460). Additionally, a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,800 (approximately US$1,760) per year is provided.
This financial support is available for a period of up to three years. Moreover, for awardees who require more than three years to complete their PhD, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities. With these benefits, the HKPFS ensures that students can focus entirely on their research and academic pursuits without any financial burden.
Application Procedures
If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply for the HKPFS fellowship, the application process is straightforward. Interested candidates need to apply directly to their preferred participating university. Each university will have its own application process and requirements, so it is important to visit their official websites for detailed information.
The application deadline for the academic year 2024/2025 is December 1, 2023. It is advisable to start preparing your application well in advance to ensure that you have ample time to gather all the necessary documents and meet the deadline.
Tips To Increase Your Chances of Winning
While the selection process for the HKPFS fellowship is highly competitive, there is a secret tip that can potentially increase your chances of being selected. Before submitting your application, it is recommended to research and identify the professors in your preferred department at the chosen university.
Reach out to them via email and inquire if there are any available vacancies for PhD students in their laboratories. If you receive a positive response and they offer you a letter of acceptance, attaching it to your HKPFS fellowship application can significantly differentiate you from other applicants.
This proactive approach showcases your initiative and commitment to your chosen field of study, making you a strong candidate for the fellowship.
Scholarship Official website: Hong Kong PhD Fellowships
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