Full Program Details
The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong is taking applications for the 2027/28 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. The scheme funds new full-time PhD students at eight Hong Kong universities, and nationality does not affect eligibility.
Each fellow receives a yearly stipend of HK$344,400 (about US$44,150) plus HK$14,400 a year for conference and research travel, for up to three years.
Details at a glance:
- Host: Research Grants Council of Hong Kong
- Level: new full-time PhD students
- Awards: 400 fellowships for 2027/28
- Location: eight universities in Hong Kong
- Applications opened: 1 September 2026
- RGC deadline: 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
What the Fellowship Covers
- A yearly stipend of HK$344,400, about US$44,150, at the current rate
- A yearly conference and research travel allowance of HK$14,400, about US$1,840
- Support for up to three years. Universities may add support if you need longer to finish.
Some universities add their own extras for fellows. PolyU, for example, offers a tuition fee waiver, a cash award and two years of guaranteed campus housing. Check the package at each university you are considering.
Participating 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
Who Can Apply
- Anyone seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight universities
- Your country of origin, work experience and ethnic background do not affect eligibility
- Selectors look for outstanding academic results, research ability, communication and people skills, and leadership
How to Apply
- Choose up to two PhD programmes at one or two of the participating universities. You cannot change these choices after the RGC deadline.
- Submit the initial application through the RGC's online HKPFS system by 12:00 noon Hong Kong time on 1 December 2026 to get your HKPFS reference number.
- Submit a full PhD application to each chosen university, quoting your reference number. Each university sets its own deadline, and some close on the same day as the RGC.
- Prepare a research proposal, transcripts, CV and referee contacts as required by your chosen programme.
GizPulse Verdict
Who this is for: First-class and strong upper-second graduates from Nigeria and across Africa who want a well-paid PhD in science, engineering, business or the social sciences in Asia.
Who should pause: The noon deadline in Hong Kong is 5:00 am in Lagos on 1 December. Also, the RGC step alone is not enough. Without a full university application, you will not be considered.
One tip to stand out: Contact a potential supervisor at your target university before you apply. A professor who knows your work and backs your nomination makes a real difference in this scheme.
Read the scheme rules and start your application on the official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme website.
