If you want a funded PhD in Asia and you’re applying from anywhere in the world, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme should be high on your list. Known as HKPFS, it is run by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council and pays a yearly stipend plus a travel allowance to new full-time PhD students at eight Hong Kong universities. The scheme is open to applicants “irrespective of their country of origin,” so African applicants are welcome.
This guide explains what the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme pays, who can apply and how the two-step process works. It also covers the mistakes that cost strong candidates their chance.
What Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
HKPFS is a government-backed fellowship for new full-time PhD students. You don’t apply to the RGC alone. You apply for the fellowship and for PhD admission at the same time, then the universities and selection panels do their work.
The official page says the scheme will award 400 PhD Fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year. Candidates are reviewed by one of two panels:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies
The eight participating universities are:
- 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
Key Benefits: What the Fellowship Covers
According to the official page and FAQ, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides:
- An annual stipend of HK$344,400 (about US$44,150)
- A conference and research travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year (about US$1,840)
- Support for up to three years
Universities may provide extra support for awardees who need more than three years. The page tells applicants to contact the universities directly about that.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The official page quotes these figures for a specific academic year, and the RGC can change them. Check the figures for the intake you’re applying to.
- The pages I read don’t say how tuition is handled or what the visa, insurance and housing arrangements are. Ask your target university before you rely on the stipend alone.
- The fellowship is tied to the university in your offer letter. If you leave that university, the fellowship is discontinued or terminated.
Who the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Is For
Master’s graduates aiming for a PhD
This is the main group. If you’ve finished a master’s or strong research-based degree and want to continue to a doctorate, this is built for you.
Final-year bachelor’s students
The FAQ doesn’t state a master’s requirement. Each university sets its own PhD entry requirements, so a strong bachelor’s graduate may qualify at some universities and not at others. Check your target department.
Existing PhD students
You can apply if you’re applying for another PhD as a new full-time student. The selection panel decides whether your earlier PhD study is discounted.
Not for undergraduate or coursework study
The scheme funds PhD study only. If you want an undergraduate degree or a taught master’s, look elsewhere.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
From the official page and FAQ:
- Programme: new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating universities.
- Nationality: open irrespective of country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background.
- Admission: you must meet the admission requirements of each university and programme you choose. Those requirements decide your academic prerequisites.
- English: if you studied at a non-English-speaking university, you must submit TOEFL or IELTS results, unless you can show English was the language of instruction for all your courses. This doesn’t apply to programmes taught in a language such as Chinese. Individual universities may require other tests.
- Choices: you can choose up to two programmes or departments, at one or two universities, and rank them.
- Full-time registration: you must register as a full-time PhD student.
How selection works
The panels weigh:
- Academic excellence (the primary consideration)
- Research ability and potential
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
So a high GPA alone isn’t enough. They also want evidence you can do research and work with people.
Step-by-Step Application Process
HKPFS is a two-step process.
- Pick your programmes and universities. Read each department’s research areas and entry rules. Choose up to two.
- Submit the Initial Application early. You do this through the HKPFS Electronic System. It opens on 1 September 2026 and closes on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. You receive an HKPFS Reference Number.
- Submit your full PhD application to each chosen university. Quote your HKPFS Reference Number, and follow each university’s own deadline.
- Wait for selection. Shortlisted applications go to the relevant selection panel.
- Receive your result. The FAQ says the 2027/28 results will be announced by May 2027.
- Register on time. Registration is normally July to September 2027. It may be deferred to 31 January 2028 at the latest, with well-justified reasons and RGC approval.
Tip: The official page warns that some university deadlines fall right after the Initial Application deadline. Don’t treat 1 December as a single deadline. Do the Initial Application first, then the university forms.
Required Documents Checklist
The official application page doesn’t list the documents, and it refers applicants to the Guidance Notes PDF and each university’s pages. So the safest approach is to prepare the standard PhD package and then match it to the Guidance Notes:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Your CV
- A research proposal or statement of research interests (where the university asks for one)
- Referee reports or letters (check the number each university needs)
- English test results (TOEFL or IELTS), if you aren’t exempt
- Passport details
- Any extra items your department requests
I can’t confirm the exact list, the number of referees or the research proposal rules from the pages I read. Treat the list above as a preparation guide, not the official requirement.
Important Deadlines and Timeline
For the 2027/28 intake, the official pages show:
- Opens: 1 September 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
- Initial Application closes: 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong time
- University application deadlines: 1 December 2026, 11:59 pm Hong Kong time (as listed by the universities)
- Results: by May 2027, according to the FAQ
- Registration: normally July to September 2027
One announcement page gives the closing time as noon and another page lists 11:59 pm for universities. They refer to different steps, but don’t rely on memory. Re-check both.
A realistic plan
- Now to two weeks from now: choose universities and contact potential supervisors.
- Weeks 3 to 5: request transcripts and brief your referees.
- Week 6: submit the Initial Application and get your reference number.
- Final week: submit each university application early.
- After submitting: watch your email and each university’s applicant portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid and Insider Tips
Mistakes
- Treating the Initial Application as optional. Without the HKPFS Reference Number you can’t continue.
- Missing the Hong Kong time zone. A noon deadline in Hong Kong is 5:00 am in Lagos.
- Submitting the Initial Application on the last day. Systems get busy near a deadline.
- Applying to a department that doesn’t match your research. The panel looks for research potential, not just grades.
- Forgetting English evidence. Check whether you’re exempt before the last week.
- Ranking universities without thinking. If two universities nominate you, the RGC processes the one you prioritised.
Insider tips
- Contact supervisors early. A short, specific email about a paper or project can help you shape your proposal.
- Show research evidence. A thesis, publication or lab project carries weight.
- Prepare for the “people” criteria. Communication and leadership count, so give concrete examples in your CV and statement.
- Keep your two choices sensible. Pick two departments that genuinely fit, not two famous names.
- Apply to more than one scheme. Competition is strong, so compare options such as the NUS Research Scholarship, the Singapore International Graduate Award, the KAIST scholarships or the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African students apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
Yes. The official FAQ says applicants may apply irrespective of country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background.
How much does HKPFS pay?
The official page lists HK$344,400 a year as a stipend and HK$14,400 a year for conference and research travel, for up to three years. These figures are tied to a specific academic year, so confirm them for your intake.
Do I need a master’s degree?
The FAQ doesn’t state a master’s requirement. Each university sets its own PhD entry rules.
How many universities can I choose?
Up to two programmes, at one or two universities, with a priority ranking.
Is the English test required?
If you studied at a non-English-speaking university, you need TOEFL or IELTS unless English was the language of instruction for all courses. Some universities may ask for other tests.
When are results announced?
By May 2027 for the 2027/28 intake, according to the FAQ.
Can I defer?
Registration may be deferred to 31 January 2028 at the latest with well-justified reasons and RGC approval. The FAQ doesn’t mention extending the fellowship itself.
What happens if I change university?
The fellowship is discontinued or terminated if you leave the university named in your offer letter.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is one of the most accessible funded PhD routes in Asia, and it doesn’t restrict nationality. It is competitive and the timeline is tight, so move quickly:
- Shortlist up to two programmes.
- Open the HKPFS system and start the Initial Application now.
- Ask your referees today.
- Check each university’s own deadline and documents.
- Submit early.
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be prepared and on time.
Apply HERE: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Author’s note: Amounts, deadlines and requirements can change between intakes. Please confirm everything on the official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme website and your chosen university’s page before you apply.