Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 03, 2026
HKUST Celebrates Over 1,000 HKPFS Recipients, Reinforcing Status as Top Choice for Research Talent
TLDR
- HKUST leads Hong Kong in HKPFS awards for 14 years, attracting over 1,000 elite PhDs, securing a competitive edge in global talent.
- HKUST's HKPFS recipients receive HK$358,800 annually for three years, plus tuition waiver, research funding, and guaranteed housing, enabling focused doctoral study.
- By nurturing over 1,000 global PhD scholars, HKUST fosters innovation that addresses societal challenges, contributing to a better future for Hong Kong and the world.
- Since 2009, HKUST has enrolled HKPFS fellows from 50+ countries, with 100+ new recipients in 2026/27, exploring AI, biomedicine, and sustainability.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it highlights HKUST's role in attracting top-tier global talent, which is crucial for Hong Kong's ambition to become an international hub for high-caliber research and innovation. The influx of over 1,000 PhD fellows over 17 years, with more than 100 new recipients this year, brings diverse expertise to address pressing global challenges. The substantial government funding and comprehensive support packages enable these scholars to focus on research that can lead to breakthroughs in AI, biomedicine, sustainability, and more. For the public, this means advancements in technology and knowledge that can improve quality of life, drive economic growth, and position Hong Kong as a competitive player on the world stage. The success of HKUST in this scheme also demonstrates the effectiveness of investment in higher education and research, inspiring future students and fostering a culture of innovation that benefits society as a whole.
Summary
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has solidified its position as the leading destination for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), welcoming over 1,000 fellowship recipients since the scheme's inception in 2009. In the 2026/27 academic year, which began this September, HKUST admitted more than 100 new HKPFS recipients, who will collectively receive over HK$112 million in fellowships and research allowances from the HKSAR Government over the next three years. This milestone underscores HKUST's world-class research capabilities and its pivotal role in attracting international research talent, supporting Hong Kong's development into a global hub for high-caliber talent.
Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, emphasized the university's commitment to advancing knowledge with meaningful impact, fostering a vibrant environment for research, learning, and innovation. Prof. Bert Shi, Dean of the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School, highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the recipients, who come from over 50 countries and regions, enriching the scholarly community. Beyond the HKPFS, HKUST offers a comprehensive support package, including full tuition waivers, research funding, and guaranteed first-year accommodation. The university also provides additional scholarships like the Postgraduate Studentship and the HKUST RedBird PhD Award to support research postgraduate students.
The research domains of the new recipients span frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, materials science, fintech, and sustainability. These doctoral students will engage in cutting-edge research and rigorous training, preparing them for careers in academia, research institutions, or entrepreneurial ventures. The HKPFS, established by the Research Grants Council, aims to attract outstanding students worldwide, with 400 fellowships offered for the 2026/27 academic year. HKUST's success in securing the highest number of awardees for 14 of the past 17 years reflects its global recognition and commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by Media Outreach. Read the original source here, HKUST Celebrates Over 1,000 HKPFS Recipients, Reinforcing Status as Top Choice for Research Talent
