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.
What the money is worth
The fellowship pays HK$344,400 a year (about US$44,150) for up to three years, plus HK$14,400 a year (about US$1,840) for conferences and research travel. That is one of the most generous PhD packages in Asia, and it does not depend on your nationality, work history or background.
The two-step application, and the two deadlines
- Initial application to the Research Grants Council (RGC). Submit it on the HKPFS online system by 12:00 noon Hong Kong time on 1 December 2026, which is 5:00 am in Nigeria. Late submissions are not considered. The system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity and does not save unsubmitted entries, so prepare your answers offline first.
- Note your reference number. On submission you receive an email with a reference number in the format PF26-xxxxx and a password. Quote it in every message to the RGC and in your university applications.
- Full application to your chosen universities. Apply to each university you listed, quoting the reference number. University deadlines are separate; the RGC lists 1 December 2026 at 11:59 pm Hong Kong time for each UGC-funded university.
You cannot change your university choices after the initial deadline, so research supervisors before you submit.
How applications are judged
Shortlisted applications go to one of two panels, depending on your field:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies
The panels look for strong academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership. For the 2027/28 year, 400 fellowships will be awarded across the eight universities.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?
Yes. Country of origin does not affect eligibility.
How long does the funding last?
Up to three years. Some universities offer extra support if your PhD takes longer, so ask your chosen university.
Do I need work experience?
No. Prior work experience is not a requirement.
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.
