HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HPPS) 2027/28, Hong Kong

About the Scholarship

The Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is the University of Hong Kong's top-tier recruitment scholarship for doctoral students. It sits above HKU's standard postgraduate studentships: every full-time PhD applicant to HKU is automatically considered for it, and the university uses it to attract candidates who would otherwise default to the US, UK or Singapore. There is no separate scholarship form - your PhD application in the Main Round is the application.

What the Scholarship Pays

Benefit stack (2027/28 figures as published by HKU)

Component	Details
Postgraduate scholarship	HK$28,700 per month during the normative study period.
Cash award	HK$40,000 in year 1, then HK$20,000 per year for the remaining normative period.
Fees	Full waiver of composition fees (HK$49,500 per year) for the whole normative study period.
Conference travel	HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel.
First-year total	Up to around HK$445,800 (about US$57,150) in year 1; subsequent years up to around HK$428,300.
Housing	Guaranteed hall place in year 1, with the possibility of renewal.
Extension	Financial support for an additional year of study for selected outstanding scholars.

Eligibility and Selection

Who gets it

Criterion	Details
Admission	Candidates applying to the full-time PhD programme at HKU; all Main Round applicants are considered.
Profile	Outstanding academic record, strong research potential and clear fit with the proposed supervisor and department.
Process	Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview; selection runs alongside PhD admission decisions.

Application dates

Main Round timeline

Stage	Details
Window	1 September - 1 December 2026 for the Main Round.
Deadline	1 December 2026 (submit early - departments process references on their own schedules).
Start	Successful candidates typically begin their PhD in September 2027.

How to Apply

Apply through HKU's online research degree application system: identify a supervisor in your field before applying (a confirmed supervisor match matters enormously at HKU), prepare transcripts, CV, research proposal and two academic references, and submit in the Main Round. Because every PhD applicant is considered for the Presidential programme, the practical strategy is to make the research proposal and supervisor conversation as strong as possible rather than treating the scholarship as a separate hurdle.

About HKU

The University of Hong Kong is Hong Kong's oldest university and consistently ranks among Asia's top three research institutions. Its Graduate School administers all research postgraduate admissions and the scholarship schemes attached to them, and doctoral students in most disciplines are supported by university studentships alongside the competitive top-up schemes like HPPS.

Official Link

• Official advert and application (verified link)
• HKU Graduate School (official)

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 1 December 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

Application guides

• Scholarship Application Rejected? 12 Problems to Check Before Reapplying
• University Motivation Letter: Explain Your Preparation and Course Choice
• A 12-Month Study Abroad Application Plan for Master's and PhD Applicants