Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships for International Students 2027 | Funded

Dreaming of studying in a vibrant global hub like Hong Kong? The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) offers a world-class education, and for many aspiring international students, the financial aspect can be a significant consideration. Fortunately, CUHK provides a range of scholarships designed to support talented individuals from around the globe.

This guide will walk you through the exciting scholarship opportunities at CUHK, covering everything from undergraduate admission awards to prestigious PhD fellowships. We’ll explore the benefits, who can apply, what you need to prepare, and how to navigate the application process successfully.

CUHK is committed to attracting top talent, and its scholarship programs reflect this dedication. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree or pursuing advanced research at the MPhil or PhD level, there are pathways to help fund your academic journey. Understanding these opportunities is the first step toward making your educational aspirations in Hong Kong a reality.

What are the Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships?

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) offers various scholarships to attract outstanding international students for its undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programs. These awards aim to recognize academic excellence, research potential, and overall merit, making higher education in Hong Kong more accessible. The scholarships vary in value and coverage, with some providing full tuition and living expenses, while others offer partial support.

The primary scholarship routes discussed here include:

• CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to new undergraduate students based on their academic achievements and other merits.
• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at CUHK: This is a highly competitive fellowship for doctoral candidates, offering substantial financial support.
• CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship: This scholarship is for exceptionally strong PhD applicants who may not receive the HKPFS but are still considered outstanding.
• CUHK Postgraduate Studentships: These are awarded to qualified full-time MPhil and PhD students as part of their research and teaching responsibilities.

These scholarships are crucial for international students, helping to alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad and allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits.

Benefits and Coverage of CUHK Scholarships

The financial support provided by CUHK scholarships can significantly ease the cost of studying in Hong Kong. The coverage varies depending on the specific scholarship.

CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships

These scholarships offer financial assistance to undergraduate students, with awards ranging from HK$5,000 to full tuition coverage. Some of the more generous awards also include an annual allowance of up to HK$45,000 to help with living expenses. Scholarship renewal is typically contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress throughout the degree program.

It’s important to note that while these scholarships cover tuition and sometimes living costs, they do not automatically include expenses like international airfare, visa fees, or health insurance. Students should budget for these additional costs separately.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at CUHK

The HKPFS at CUHK is the most comprehensive scholarship package available for doctoral students. For the 2027-2028 intake, the total support can exceed HK$1.81 million over the normal PhD study period. This extensive package includes:

• Annual Stipend: HK$344,400 per year (approximately HK$28,700 per month) to cover accommodation, food, transport, and other living expenses.
• Conference and Research Travel Allowance: HK$14,400 per year, with additional CUHK research travel support, totaling up to HK$87,600 during the study period. This can be used for academic activities like conferences and research visits.
• Tuition-Fee Waiver: Full support for research tuition fees, valued at up to HK$198,000 over the normal study period. The annual research postgraduate tuition fee is approximately HK$49,500.
• Lodging Award: HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 per year for subsequent years, totaling up to HK$100,000.
• University Accommodation: A first-year hostel fee waiver and guaranteed on-campus accommodation during the normal study period.

While this package is very generous, it does not explicitly cover international airfare or family support.

CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for highly qualified PhD applicants. It provides a total scholarship award of HK$80,000 spread over three years (HK$40,000 in the first year, HK$20,000 in the second, and HK$20,000 in the third). In addition to this scholarship, recipients receive an annual Postgraduate Studentship of HK$229,200 (approximately HK$19,100 per month) and a conference and research travel allowance of HK$30,000. This package offers substantial support, though it doesn’t include a separate full tuition waiver or lodging award like the HKPFS.

CUHK Postgraduate Studentships

Qualified full-time MPhil and PhD students can receive a CUHK Postgraduate Studentship, which provides HK$229,200 per year (approximately HK$19,100 per month). This studentship is automatically considered through the research postgraduate application process and is typically announced with the admission offer. While it doesn’t include a separate international airfare payment or automatic tuition waiver, the annual stipend is generally higher than the annual research tuition fee.

Eligibility Criteria for CUHK Scholarships

Meeting the eligibility requirements is the first step in applying for any scholarship. These criteria vary based on the level of study and the specific scholarship program.

Undergraduate Admission Scholarship Eligibility

To be considered for a CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be admitted as new, full-time undergraduate students.
• Apply through the appropriate international or non-local admission channels.
• Hold a recognized secondary-school or international qualification.
• Meet CUHK’s general academic entry requirements.
• Satisfy the university’s English-language proficiency requirements.
• Fulfill any program-specific subject prerequisites.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic or non-academic achievements.
• Submit a complete admission application by the specified deadline.

CUHK evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic qualifications, examination results, program suitability, personal statements, and other evidence of achievement. There is no minimum grade that guarantees a scholarship.

Undergraduate English-Language Requirements

Applicants can meet the general English requirement through various means, including:

• IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: Total score of 80 for the 2026 entry cycle.
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Score of 590.
• ACT English Language Arts: Score of 23.
• GCSE or IGCSE English: Grade C or Grade 4.
• GCE A-Level or AS-Level English: Grade E.
• IB English: Grade 4.
• Other recognized English qualifications accepted by CUHK.

These requirements are subject to review for future entry years, and some programs may have higher English language standards.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) Eligibility

The HKPFS is open to applicants from all countries and regions. To be eligible, candidates must:

• Apply as new, full-time PhD students.
• Seek admission to an eligible doctoral program at CUHK.
• Meet CUHK’s general academic admission requirements for doctoral studies.
• Demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
• Show strong research ability and potential.
• Exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possess leadership potential.
• Complete the initial application through the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC).
• Submit a separate, complete CUHK PhD application.
• Include the HKPFS reference number in their CUHK application.

The selection process for HKPFS considers academic excellence, research capabilities, communication skills, and leadership qualities.

Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Eligibility

This scholarship is intended for the most competitive applicants seeking full-time PhD admission at CUHK. Indicators of a strong application may include:

• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0, or an equivalent.
• Excellent academic or research awards.
• High-quality research publications.
• Strong recommendation letters that highlight research potential.
• Evidence of intellectual curiosity and creativity.
• Potential for academic or professional leadership.

While these are indicators, they do not guarantee selection, as applications are assessed holistically and scholarship availability is limited.

MPhil and PhD Academic Requirements

Generally, applicants for an MPhil program need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with an honors classification not lower than Second Class, or an average grade of at least B. For PhD or MPhil-PhD programs, applicants typically require a relevant master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with honors not lower than Second Class, or an equivalent qualification. Individual graduate divisions may have higher academic standards or specific prerequisites.

Postgraduate English-Language Requirements

International postgraduate applicants usually need to demonstrate English proficiency through previous English-medium university study or an accepted test. Common minimum requirements include:

• IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5.
• TOEFL: 79 out of 120 for internet-based tests.
• TOEFL: 4.5 out of 6 under the applicable testing format.
• GMAT Verbal: Band 21.
• GMAT Focus Verbal: Band 78.

Applicants whose previous degree was taught in English may be exempt from submitting IELTS or TOEFL, subject to approval.

How to Apply for Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships?

The application process differs depending on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

How to Apply for CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships?

1. Choose Your Program: Review the CUHK undergraduate program list and select a program that aligns with your academic background, interests, and career goals. Note any specific subject requirements, interviews, or portfolio submissions.
2. Verify Qualifications: Ensure your secondary-school or international qualification is accepted by CUHK.
3. Prepare Your Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement (up to two A4 pages) explaining your academic background, reasons for choosing CUHK and the program, relevant achievements, and future plans.
4. Complete the Online Application: Create an account and fill out the CUHK undergraduate online application system. Provide all required personal, educational, and program information.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: Submit academic transcripts, certificates, examination results, and any other supporting documents. Documents not in English or Chinese must include certified translations.
6. Arrange for Official Results: Follow instructions for submitting official examination results (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, SAT). CUHK’s TOEFL institution code is 0812.
7. Automatic Scholarship Consideration: No separate application is needed for undergraduate admission scholarships. CUHK automatically assesses eligible international applicants.
8. Attend Interviews (If Invited): Some programs may invite shortlisted candidates for an interview.

How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at CUHK?

1. Select a PhD Program: Browse CUHK’s research postgraduate programs and choose a PhD program that matches your research interests and qualifications.
2. Identify Potential Supervisors (Recommended): For research-intensive programs, it’s advisable to contact potential supervisors to discuss your research proposal.
3. Prepare Your Research Proposal: Develop a strong research proposal outlining your research problem, methodology, expected contributions, and feasibility. Follow departmental guidelines for format and length.
4. Submit Initial HKPFS Application: Complete the initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme electronic system by December 1, 2026. You can select up to two PhD programs.
5. Obtain HKPFS Reference Number: Save the reference number provided after submitting the initial application.
6. Submit CUHK PhD Application: Complete a separate application through the CUHK Graduate School Online Application System by December 1, 2026. Enter your HKPFS reference number.
7. Pay Application Fee: Pay the HK$500 application fee for each CUHK program you apply to.
8. Upload Documents and References: Upload all required documents and arrange for confidential recommendation letters from academic referees.
9. Attend Selection Interview (If Shortlisted): If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview.

How to Apply for the CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship?

1. Apply for a Full-Time PhD Program: Select an eligible full-time PhD program at CUHK and prepare your application materials, including your CV, research proposal, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
2. Submit PhD Application: Apply through the CUHK Graduate School application system. For the strongest consideration, submit your application by December 1, 2026, unless your program has an earlier deadline.
3. Automatic Consideration: No separate application is required for the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship. CUHK automatically considers full-time PhD applicants based on their admission documents.

How to Apply for a CUHK Postgraduate Studentship?

1. Choose an MPhil or PhD Program: Select an eligible full-time MPhil or PhD program and review its admission criteria and deadlines.
2. Submit Research Postgraduate Application: Complete and submit the standard research postgraduate application with all necessary supporting documents.
3. Automatic Assessment: There is no separate application for a Postgraduate Studentship. Qualified applicants are automatically assessed, and the studentship outcome is typically announced with the admission offer.

Documents Required for CUHK Scholarships

Gathering the correct documents is essential for a successful application.

Undergraduate Application Documents

• Completed CUHK online application form.
• Passport or official identity document.
• Secondary-school graduation certificate and expected graduation certificate (if applicable).
• Official secondary-school transcripts and grading system explanation.
• Public examination or standardized test results (e.g., SAT, IB, A-Levels).
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores).
• Personal statement.
• Academic CV (where relevant).
• Certificates supporting awards and extracurricular achievements.
• Programme-specific portfolio or supplementary materials (if required).
• Certified English or Chinese translations for documents not in these languages.

MPhil and PhD Application Documents

• Completed CUHK postgraduate application form.
• Passport or identity document.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts.
• Master’s degree certificate and transcripts (for PhD applicants, if applicable).
• Official grading scale.
• Research proposal.
• Statement of purpose or research interest statement.
• Academic CV.
• Confidential recommendation letters.
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores).
• Evidence of previous degree taught in English (if applicable).
• Publications, conference papers, or research outputs.
• Programme-specific writing samples or portfolios (if required).
• Certified English or Chinese translations for non-English/Chinese documents.

Additional HKPFS Documents and Information

In addition to the standard PhD application documents, HKPFS applicants need:

• The initial RGC application submission.
• The HKPFS reference number.
• Evidence of academic excellence, publications, and research achievements.
• Strong academic references that speak to research potential and leadership.

Application Deadlines for CUHK Scholarships

Meeting deadlines is critical for scholarship applications.

Undergraduate Admission Scholarship Deadline

CUHK has not yet published the complete international undergraduate admission calendar for 2027. However, the application period for CUHK is generally from October to January each year. There is no separate deadline for undergraduate admission scholarships, as applicants are automatically considered when they submit their admission application. Applying during the Advance Offer or Regular Round is strongly recommended.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) Deadline

For the 2027-2028 intake:

• RGC Initial Application Deadline: December 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
• CUHK Full PhD Application Deadline: December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time.

CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Deadline

There is no separate application form or deadline for this scholarship. Applicants must submit a full-time CUHK PhD application by the program’s deadline. For the strongest consideration, applications should typically be submitted by December 1, 2026.

CUHK Postgraduate Studentship Deadline

Applicants do not submit a separate application for a Postgraduate Studentship. The deadline depends on the selected research program, and applicants should apply during the main admission round for their chosen program.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but a well-prepared application can significantly increase your chances.

• Understand the Scholarship: Thoroughly research each scholarship to understand its specific goals, eligibility criteria, and what the selection committee is looking for. Tailor your application to highlight how you meet these requirements.
• Craft a Strong Personal Statement/Research Proposal: This is your opportunity to showcase your unique strengths, motivations, and potential. Be clear, concise, and authentic. For PhD applications, a well-defined research proposal is crucial.
• Highlight Achievements: Don’t just list your accomplishments; explain their significance and what you learned from them. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Secure Strong Recommendation Letters: Choose referees who know you well and can provide specific, positive examples of your academic abilities, research skills, and character. Provide them with your CV, personal statement, and details about the scholarship.
• Proofread Meticulously: Errors in grammar or spelling can detract from an otherwise strong application. Have someone else review your application materials before submission.
• Meet All Deadlines: Ensure all parts of your application, including supporting documents and recommendation letters, are submitted on time.
• Follow Instructions Precisely: Pay close attention to all application instructions, including formatting requirements and document uploads.

By following these tips and thoroughly preparing your application, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for the Chinese University of Hong Kong scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of scholarships does the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) offer to international students?

CUHK offers various scholarships including Undergraduate Admission Scholarships, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), the CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship, and CUHK Postgraduate Studentships for MPhil and PhD programs.

What is the benefit of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at CUHK?

The HKPFS provides comprehensive financial support, including an annual stipend, conference and research travel allowance, a tuition-fee waiver, and a lodging award, totaling over HK$1.81 million over the normal PhD study period.

What are the general eligibility requirements for undergraduate admission scholarships at CUHK?

To be eligible for undergraduate admission scholarships, you must be admitted as a new, full-time undergraduate student, apply through international admission channels, hold recognized qualifications, meet CUHK’s academic and English-language requirements, and demonstrate outstanding achievements.

When is the application deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at CUHK?

The deadline for both the RGC initial application and the CUHK full PhD application for the 2027-2028 intake is December 1, 2026.