The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) invites outstanding global talent to apply for its prestigious International PhD Fellowship Scheme (IPFS)—a competitive initiative designed to attract high-calibre international students to pursue full-time doctoral studies at one of Asia’s leading research universities.

Each year, PolyU awards 20 PhD fellowships through a rigorous selection process aimed at identifying exceptional scholars with strong academic track records, proven research potential, and the ability to contribute to the University’s internationalisation mission.

Who Can Apply?

The IPFS is open to high-achieving foreign applicants who aspire to pursue a full-time PhD at PolyU.

Eligible applicants must:

• Meet PolyU’s PhD entrance requirements, including English-language standards

• Possess excellent academic results from a reputable institution

• Demonstrate research ability or potential

• Show evidence of leadership qualities, and

• Exhibit the potential to contribute to PolyU’s global engagement and international outlook

Applicants from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau are not considered “foreign” and are therefore not eligible for IPFS.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful candidates receive an attractive and comprehensive financial package covering the entire normal study period:

Financial Support

• Annual Stipend:

  • HK$230,640

  • HK$235,920 (after confirmation of PhD registration)

• Conference Grant: HK$25,000

• Research Excellence Scholarship: Tuition fee waiver

• Cash Award for Outstanding Candidates:

  • HK$40,000 in Year 1

  • HK$20,000 per year for the remaining normal study period

• Accommodation: Eligible for a one-year hall place (subject to PolyU hall admission policies and fees)

This generous package is designed to enable fellows to focus fully on their research and professional development.

How to Apply

Applicants who apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) will automatically be considered for the IPFS and the PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS).

After the HKPFS cycle concludes, all foreign PhD applicants are automatically evaluated for IPFS.
No separate IPFS application is required.

For more information click here

Selection Process

Candidates are assessed holistically, with attention to:

• Academic excellence

• Research achievements and potential

• Fit with PolyU’s strategic research priorities

• Leadership qualities and global engagement potential

Only the most promising applicants will be selected for this highly competitive fellowship.