Research Stories
Impact-oriented research is central to the Faculty. We conduct high quality research that addresses educational, social and policy issues of global significance. Our research impacts the work of teachers, school leaders, and other school employees and is felt within families and communities more broadly.
Building Bridges to Global Academic Excellence through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Hong Kong is rapidly becoming a vibrant global hub for doctoral education. A new project funded by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme and led by Dr Ewan Wright at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) offers the first empirical look into the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). Established in 2009, this flagship initiative aims to attract the “best and brightest” students from around the world with a highly competitive scholarship. Through a comprehensive three-phase, sequential mixed-methods study using surveys and interviews, Dr Wright and his team uncovered vital insights into the motivations, experiences, and career trajectories of HKPFS scholars pursuing a PhD in Hong Kong. The research team also conducted an international comparative study of PhD students at a leading university in the United Kingdom.
A Truly Global Cohort
The HKPFS successfully attracts a diverse and talented student body, with survey respondents representing 43 nationalities, including over half (52.2%) from outside the Chinese Mainland. They also had strong academic backgrounds: 47.8% held master’s degrees from top-100-ranked universities worldwide – a proportion similar to PhD students at the UK-based university in this research (46.7%). For many, the foremost motivator for choosing Hong Kong is the international reputation of host universities and faculty. Chinese Mainland students often prioritise Hong Kong as a first-choice PhD destination due to proximity, safety, and rankings. Conversely, international students more often view Hong Kong as departing from more established pathways to Western universities. However, once aware of opportunities through the HKPFS award, Hong Kong emerged as a highly appealing destination.
High Academic Outputs versus Social Isolation
Academically, the HKPFS scheme is a success. Over 70% of HKPFS students have presented at international conferences, and 44.3% have published in high-impact SSCI/SCI-indexed journals. Interviewees praised the high quality of doctoral training, viewing it as equivalent to leading Western universities.
However, the research identified a critical gap regarding the social experience. Many overseas students reported feeling socially isolated, with limited integration into local university communities and broader society. By contrast, the comparative case in the United Kingdom showed that university- and student-organised events played a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural learning and a sense of belonging.
Career Prospects: A Stepping Stone to Global Academia
While 76.6% of surveyed participants intend to pursue academic careers, retaining this talent locally remains a challenge. Although 68.0% of interviewed graduates secured academia roles worldwide, only 14% were working within Hong Kong universities. Graduates noted that securing local academic positions is highly competitive, often requiring prior degrees from elite universities worldwide, extensive publication portfolios, and ample international experience. Consequently, a Hong Kong PhD frequently serves as a powerful springboard for global academic careers or returning to home countries.
Policy Recommendations for the Future
Dr Wright proposes several key recommendations. First, he suggests establishing “HKPFS Ambassador” roles and enhancing online outreach to raise global awareness of Hong Kong as a PhD destination. Second, formalising an “HKPFS Student Association” would facilitate social networking and cross-cultural exchange among students. Third, supporting career pathways is essential, which can be achieved by providing targeted guidance for local academic careers and creating an “HKPFS Alumni Association” to maintain global connections.
Dr Wright’s study provides a crucial roadmap for policymakers. With EdUHK ranked 7th globally and 2nd in Asia for Education in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the University remains dedicated to ensuring it is a welcoming, highly competitive destination for the next generation of global research leaders
This project, "A Higher Education Hub for Doctoral Education: The Case of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme," is funded by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The research team includes Principal Investigator Dr Ewan Wright, Co Investigators Dr Artem Zadorozhnyy, Dr Benjamin Mulvey, and Dr Suyan Pan, alongside Research Assistant Dr Isha Verma.
To learn more about the research, please visit https://doi.org/10.6017/895b9e0d.531b7384.
For enquiries about the research, please contact Dr Ewan Wright, the Principal Investigator, by email at etmwright@eduhk.hk.
Associate Head (Research and Development),
Department of Education Policy and Leadership, EdUHK
