Scholarship Overview
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
People Also Checked: Young Political Economy Forum Hong Kong 2026: Fully Funded International Forum (Fully Funded)
What Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a competitive, fully funded doctoral scholarship established by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. It supports outstanding students worldwide to pursue PhD studies at participating universities in Hong Kong. The scheme covers tuition fees, living allowances, and research support for the duration of the programme.
For African applicants, including those from Zimbabwe and SADC nations, this represents a significant opportunity to conduct doctoral research at globally ranked institutions without financial burden.
People Also Checked: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28: Complete Application Guide (Fully Funded)
Participating Universities
Eight universities in Hong Kong participate in HKPFS 2027/28:
- 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
Eligibility Requirements
The Research Grants Council has established the following eligibility criteria:
People Also Checked: Czech Republic Government Scholarship 2027/2028: Complete Guide for Developing Countries (Fully Funded)
- Applicants must seek admission as new full-time PhD students
- Candidates must comply with admission requirements of their selected universities and programmes
- Applicants may choose up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities
- Both local and non-local students are eligible
For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, this means you compete on equal terms with candidates globally. No nationality restrictions apply.
Application Process: Two-Step Procedure
Step 1: Initial Application to Research Grants Council
Submit your Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES). This step generates your unique HKPFS Reference Number.
Critical deadline: 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Applications open: 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Step 2: Full Application to Proposed Universities
After obtaining your HKPFS Reference Number, submit full PhD applications to your selected universities. Quote your HKPFS Reference Number in each application.
All eight participating universities share the same deadline: 1 December 2026 at 11:59pm Hong Kong Time.
Important timing note: University deadlines immediately follow the Initial Application deadline. Submit your Initial Application as early as possible to ensure adequate time for university applications.
What the Fellowship Covers
The Research Grants Council has not published specific award amounts for 2027/28 in the available documentation. The scheme traditionally provides:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance
- Research support grant
Exact figures for the 2027/28 cycle have not been released. Check the official HKPFS portal after 1 September 2026 for confirmed stipend rates.
Programme Selection Strategy
You may select up to two programmes or departments across one or two universities. Consider this strategic approach:
- Research faculty expertise aligned with your interests
- Verify programme-specific admission requirements
- Contact potential supervisors before applying
- Diversify across universities to maximise selection chances
Documentation Requirements
The Research Grants Council has not published an exhaustive document list. Based on standard PhD application practices at Hong Kong universities, prepare:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Research proposal
- Curriculum vitae
- English language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL typically required for non-English medium education)
- Two to three academic references
- Statement of purpose
Individual universities may require additional documents. Consult each institution’s PhD admission guidelines.
Selection Process
Applications undergo rigorous evaluation based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research ability and potential
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview. Final selections are announced in 2027.
Practical Considerations for African Applicants
Time zone management: Hong Kong Time is UTC+8. For Zimbabwe (UTC+2), the 1 December 2026 noon deadline equals 6:00am local time. Set multiple alarms.
English requirements: Most Hong Kong universities require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80. Some accept alternatives. Verify specific requirements with your target programmes.
Supervisor contact: Proactive outreach to faculty members significantly strengthens applications. Draft personalised emails demonstrating knowledge of their research.
Research proposal: Invest substantial time developing a coherent, feasible proposal aligned with departmental strengths.
Official scholarship page: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/apply.html
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
