The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has solidified its position as a global magnet for top-tier research talent, having admitted more than 1,000 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) recipients since the scheme's inception in 2009. This milestone, announced on September 3, 2026, underscores HKUST's leadership among Hong Kong's University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities and its pivotal role in advancing the city's development as an international hub for high-caliber talent.
According to the university, the 1,000-plus fellowship recipients hail from over 50 countries and regions, representing more than a quarter of all HKPFS awardees to date. In the 2026/27 academic year alone, HKUST welcomed over 100 new HKPFS recipients. Over the next three years, these doctoral students will receive a combined total of more than HK$112 million in fellowships and research allowances from the Hong Kong SAR Government. This achievement not only reflects HKUST's world-class research capabilities but also its commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the city's growth as an international center for post-secondary education, innovation, and technology.
The milestone comes as the HKPFS, established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, saw its annual quota increased to 400 in the 2025-26 Budget. HKUST has consistently been a top choice for fellowship recipients, securing the highest number of awardees among Hong Kong's universities in 14 of the past 17 academic years. Each recipient receives three years of financial support, including an annual stipend and research-related allowance worth around HK$358,800 per year.
Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, emphasized the university's dedication to research excellence and its impact on society. "For 35 years, HKUST has been driven by a commitment not only to advance knowledge, but to generate knowledge that creates meaningful impact," she said. "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."
Beyond the HKPFS support, HKUST offers recipients a comprehensive package, including a full tuition waiver for four years, research and development funding, and guaranteed first-year accommodation. The university also provides additional scholarships and support schemes for other research postgraduate students, such as the Postgraduate Studentship, which offers annual support of over HK$220,000, and the Global Research Award for overseas research and academic exchange. The "HKUST RedBird PhD Award" grants 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 domains of HKPFS recipients at HKUST span frontier areas including artificial intelligence, future computing and electronics, biomedical sciences, translational medicine, materials science, future energy, innovation for business management, fintech, sustainability, and green technology. These doctoral students will engage in cutting-edge research and strengthen their capabilities through scholarly publications, teaching assignments, and international exchanges, building a solid foundation for careers in academia, research institutions, the innovation and technology industry, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Prof. Bert Shi, Dean of the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School, highlighted the diverse and dynamic scholarly community formed by these recipients. "HKUST's diverse pool of HKPFS recipients comes from more than 50 countries and regions, bringing talent from around the world together with home-grown undergraduate and master's graduates," he said. "Upon graduation, many join world-renowned universities and research institutes, while others embark on entrepreneurial paths, transforming their research into innovative solutions that benefit society."
The HKPFS aims to attract outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements and research potential to pursue research postgraduate studies at UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Recipients are selected through a highly competitive process based on academic performance, research capability, communication skills, and leadership abilities. For the 2026/27 academic year, the scheme offers 400 fellowships, underscoring the HKSAR Government's commitment to bolstering the city's talent pool.
This achievement has significant implications for Hong Kong's ambition to become a global hub for high-caliber talent and innovation. By attracting top researchers from around the world, HKUST and the city are well-positioned to drive advancements in key technology sectors, including artificial intelligence and fintech, which are critical to economic growth and competitiveness. The influx of elite doctoral students also enriches the local research ecosystem, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and startup ventures.
For industry leaders, this development signals a robust pipeline of highly skilled researchers and innovators emerging from Hong Kong, which could spur partnerships, investment, and talent acquisition opportunities. As HKUST continues to attract and nurture top-tier talent, the city's position as a leading international center for education and research is further cemented, with far-reaching benefits for business, technology, and AI innovation on a global scale.
