Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/2028

The Research Grants Council of Hong Kong is accepting applications for the 2027/2028 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).

The programme aims to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue full-time doctoral studies at participating universities in Hong Kong.

Nigerian applicants who meet the academic and admission requirements can apply.

Scholarship Benefits

The fellowship provides:

An annual stipend of HK$344,400.

An annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400.

Funding for up to three years of doctoral study.

Universities may provide additional support to scholars who require more than three years to complete their doctoral programmes.

The scheme plans to award 400 fellowships for the 2027/2028 academic year.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be applying as new full-time PhD students at a participating Hong Kong university.

Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.

Show strong research ability or potential.

Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Show leadership abilities.

Meet the admission requirements of their selected university and doctoral programme.

Applicants from all nationalities are eligible to apply, provided they satisfy the requirements.

Participating Universities

The scheme supports PhD study at eight universities:

City University of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Baptist University.

Lingnan University.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The Education University of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

The University of Hong Kong.

Applicants may choose up to two PhD programmes at one or two participating universities.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare the documents required by their selected university and PhD programme. These may include:

Academic transcripts and degree certificates.

Research proposal or statement of research interests.

CV.

Academic references.

Other supporting documents required by the university.

Admission requirements vary by programme, so applicants must review their chosen university's instructions.

How to Apply

Identify suitable PhD programmes at participating universities.

Submit an initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System.

Obtain an HKPFS reference number.

Apply separately to the selected university or universities for PhD admission.

Include the HKPFS reference number in the university applications.

Submit all documents before the relevant university admission deadlines.

Completing the initial HKPFS application does not replace the university's PhD admission application.

Official fellowship information: https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/hkpfs/

Initial application portal: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/InitApplication.jsp

Participating universities and programme information: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/institutions.html

Application Deadline

1 December 2026

Important Information: Applicants must also submit their full PhD admission applications to their chosen universities by the applicable deadlines.