Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
Use this listing to plan your research, not as confirmation of eligibility. Requirements, funding and deadlines can change. Confirm your course and current application cycle with the official provider. An unknown requirement is not a waiver.
- IELTS
- 6.5
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Study level
- PhD
- Deadline
- September–December
Last verified: 2026-03
About Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a prestigious award established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council. It provides approximately 300 fellowships annually across all eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Fellows receive a generous annual stipend of HKD 331,200, a conference travel allowance, and a full tuition fee waiver.
Listed IELTS requirement
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 80
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1HKPFS requires IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each component. Given the fellowship's prestige and competitiveness (acceptance rate under 10%), aim for 7.0+ to strengthen your application.
- 2Apply between September and December. The two-stage selection process involves initial screening by the university and final selection by the RGC, so submit your IELTS scores well before the deadline.
- 3Focus on IELTS Writing and Speaking, as the HKPFS application includes a research proposal and potential interview. Strong communication skills in these areas directly support your candidacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?
Does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship accept TOEFL?
Can I apply for the HKPFS without IELTS?
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