Chinese University of Hong Kong scholarships 2027 guide

Scholarship Overview

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) provides comprehensive support for international students across multiple degree levels. The university offers automatic consideration for undergraduate admission scholarships and competitive PhD funding, including the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) and the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship. These opportunities cover various fields, including Arts, Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Science.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply. CUHK welcomes international applicants from all regions to compete for its various scholarships. There are no specific restrictions against Pakistani citizens for these academic awards.

Funding and Benefits

Financial support varies by level:

• Undergraduate: Awards range from HK$5,000 to full tuition coverage. Selected students may receive an annual allowance of up to HK$45,000.
• HKPFS: A high-value package worth over HK$1.81 million. Benefits include a stipend of HK$344,400 per year, full tuition waiver, lodging allowance, and travel funding for research and conferences.
• Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship: Includes an additional HK$80,000 scholarship award plus the standard Postgraduate Studentship.
• Postgraduate Studentship: Provides approximately HK$229,200 per year for MPhil and PhD students.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the specific path chosen:

• Undergraduate: Applicants must be new full-time students meeting academic entry requirements for their chosen programme.
• PhD/MPhil: Applicants require a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized institution with at least second-class honours or a 'B' grade average.
• Language: General requirements include IELTS Academic 6.5 (postgraduate) or 6.0 (undergraduate). Applicants with prior English-medium education may be exempted.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare:

• Passport or identity document
• Official transcripts and grading scales
• Degree certificates
• Research proposal (for research programmes)
• Statement of purpose
• English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Confidential recommendation letters

Application Timeline

The primary deadline for HKPFS and most research programmes is December 1, 2026. Undergraduate scholarships are assessed automatically upon admission application, which typically runs from October to January.

Selection Process

Selection is merit-based. Undergraduates are assessed automatically. PhD applicants are evaluated by the Graduate Division, and HKPFS candidates undergo a two-stage review by CUHK and the Hong Kong Research Grants Council.

How to Apply

1. Identify your programme of interest on the official CUHK portal.
2. Prepare all academic and research documents.
3. Complete the online application, ensuring all forms are submitted before the deadline.
4. For HKPFS, complete the initial RGC application and reference the number in your CUHK application.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Ensure your secondary or university transcripts are certified and include an English translation if they are not already in English. Check if your university is recognized by CUHK during the application stage to avoid delays.

Important Terms and Limitations

Scholarships do not automatically cover airfare, visa fees, or health insurance. Financial support for PhD students is subject to satisfactory progress and fulfillment of research or teaching duties.