Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships 2028: Funding for International Students

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Scholarships 2028 provide vital financial support to outstanding international students enrolling in undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programmes in Hong Kong. These scholarships are designed to recognise academic excellence and offer substantial funding packages that make studying at CUHK more accessible and rewarding. New international undergraduates are automatically considered for admission scholarships that range from HK$5,000 to full coverage of tuition fees, with some awards also including an annual living allowance of up to HK$45,000. For doctoral candidates, particularly those with excellent academic records, CUHK offers the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), featuring a comprehensive funding package worth over HK$1.81 million over the typical study period.

A key distinction for applicants is that while undergraduate and Vice-Chancellor’s PhD scholarships do not require separate scholarship applications, candidates for the HKPFS must first apply through the Hong Kong Research Grants Council and subsequently submit a separate CUHK PhD application.

• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
• Hong Kong Baptist University Scholarship
• Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s (MPhil), and PhD
• Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Host Country: Hong Kong
• Programme Duration: Typically four years for undergraduates; varies for MPhil and PhD
• Funding: Ranges from partial tuition to full funding plus living allowances
• Application Deadlines: Vary by scholarship and degree level

The three scholarships covered in this guide are:

1. CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships
2. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK
3. CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship and Postgraduate Studentships

Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships Deadline

Application deadlines differ depending on the scholarship and level of study. It is important to adhere to the specific deadlines for each scholarship to maximize your chances of success.

Undergraduate Admission Scholarship Deadline

The full international undergraduate admission calendar for 2028 has not yet been published. There is no separate deadline for the CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships. Applicants are automatically considered when submitting their undergraduate application. Typically, the application period runs from October to January. Applying during the Advance Offer or Regular Round is strongly recommended to secure both admission and scholarship opportunities.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Deadline

The 2028–2029 HKPFS application deadlines are expected as follows:

• Research Grants Council (RGC) initial application deadline: December 1, 2027, 12:00 noon HKT
• CUHK full PhD application deadline: December 1, 2027, 11:59 PM HKT
• Programme commencement: 2028–2029 academic year

Applicants must complete both stages to be considered. Selecting up to two PhD programmes in the initial HKPFS application is allowed; if both are at CUHK, separate CUHK applications and fees are required.

CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Deadline

There is no separate form or deadline for this scholarship. Candidates must submit a full-time CUHK PhD application by the relevant programme deadline, usually coinciding with the main research admission round (December 1, 2027, for the 2028–2029 intake). Applicants in this round are automatically considered.

Postgraduate Studentship Deadline

No separate application is needed. Eligible full-time MPhil and PhD applicants are assessed during the normal research postgraduate admission process. Deadlines vary by programme; applying during the main round is advised.

Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarship Coverage

CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships

These scholarships reward outstanding local and international undergraduates based on academic and non-academic merit. Awards range from monetary scholarships to full tuition coverage and may include living allowances.

• Scholarship amounts starting at HK$5,000
• Partial to full tuition fee scholarships
• Renewable for the degree’s normal duration
• Annual allowance of up to HK$45,000 with selected awards
• Tuition fees for non-local undergraduates for 2027–2028 are expected to be confirmed; 2026–2027 fees were HK$214,000
• Does not automatically cover airfare, visa, health insurance, accommodation, or books

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK

The HKPFS offers the most generous funding for doctoral students at CUHK, supporting living costs, tuition, accommodation, and research activities.

• Total package worth over HK$1.81 million during the standard study period
• Annual stipend of HK$344,400 (HK$28,700 per month), totaling approximately HK$1.38 million
• Conference and research travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year, with a total of up to HK$87,600
• Full tuition fee waiver, estimated up to HK$198,000 for the study period
• Lodging award: HK$40,000 for the first year, HK$20,000 annually thereafter, up to HK$100,000
• First-year hostel fee waiver and guaranteed on-campus accommodation

CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship

This scholarship supports top doctoral applicants with significant financial awards combined with a postgraduate studentship.

• Total scholarship amount of HK$80,000 over three years (HK$40,000 first year; HK$20,000 second and third years)
• Annual postgraduate studentship of HK$229,200 (2026–2027 rate)
• Conference and research travel allowance of HK$30,000 during the study period
• Stipend supports tuition fees and living expenses; tuition fee waiver is not separately listed

CUHK Postgraduate Studentships

These awards are available to qualified full-time MPhil and PhD students and are linked to research and teaching duties.

• Annual stipend of HK$229,200 (2026–2027 rate)
• Payments continue through the normal study period
• Considered automatically with admission application
• Does not provide separate airfare or full tuition waiver but stipend generally exceeds tuition fees

Tuition Fees for International Students at CUHK

Note: Tuition fees are subject to annual revision. Prospective students should verify the latest fees on the official CUHK website.

Living Expenses for International Students at CUHK

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides an annual stipend of HK$344,400 to cover living costs, which includes accommodation, food, and other personal expenses. This generous allowance ensures that doctoral students can focus on their research without financial stress.

Funding Options and Scholarships at CUHK

• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS): Provides a full tuition waiver, an annual stipend of HK$344,400, a conference and research travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year, and lodging awards, totaling over HK$1.81 million during the normative study period.
• CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship: Offers a total scholarship of HK$80,000 over three years, an annual postgraduate studentship of HK$229,200, and a conference and research travel allowance of HK$30,000.
• CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships: Range from HK$5,000 to full tuition coverage with some awards including living allowances up to HK$45,000 annually.
• Postgraduate Studentships: Annual stipend of HK$229,200 for full-time MPhil and PhD students, linked to research and teaching duties.

How to Fund Your Studies at CUHK

Besides scholarships, international students may explore other funding sources such as education loans, employer sponsorships, or assistantships offered by CUHK. It is advisable to check with CUHK’s financial aid office and external scholarship databases for additional opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships?

New full-time international undergraduate applicants who apply through the official admissions process are automatically considered based on academic and non-academic achievements.

Do I need to submit a separate application for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?

Yes, applicants must first apply through the Hong Kong Research Grants Council’s system and then submit a separate full-time PhD application to CUHK by December 1, 2027.

What does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK cover?

The scheme includes a generous annual stipend, full tuition fee waiver, conference and research travel allowances, a lodging award, and university accommodation benefits.

Is the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship automatically awarded?

Yes, strong full-time doctoral applicants who submit their admission applications by the deadline are automatically considered without a separate scholarship form.

Are international airfare and visa costs covered by these scholarships?

No, these expenses are generally not covered and should be budgeted for separately by applicants.

Can I apply for more than one PhD programme under the HKPFS?

Yes, you can select up to two programmes in the initial HKPFS application, but if both are at CUHK, separate CUHK applications and fees are required.

When will scholarship offers be communicated?

Undergraduate scholarship offers are communicated after admission decisions. PhD fellowship and Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship results are announced along with PhD admission offers.

Software Engineer & Scholarship Consultant with expertise in international education and student advising.

Software Engineer and Scholarship Consultant at Scholarship Roar, focusing on international student mobility, higher education funding, and application strategies.

Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2024 to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information.