Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is a competitive, fully funded doctoral scholarship administered by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. The scheme attracts outstanding students worldwide to pursue PhD studies at participating universities in Hong Kong. For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to access world-class research facilities and international academic networks without financial burden.
What the Fellowship Covers
The Research Grants Council has not published specific award amounts for the 2027/28 cycle. The fellowship traditionally provides comprehensive support including tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and conference travel allowances. Successful applicants receive funding for the normal duration of their PhD programme, typically three to four years. The scheme is designed to remove financial barriers, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their research.
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Participating Universities
Applicants may select up to two programmes or departments across one or two of these eight institutions:
- 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
Each university maintains its own admission requirements, programme structures, and research specialisations. Applicants should review individual university websites to identify supervisors and research groups aligned with their interests.
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Eligibility Requirements
The scheme welcomes international applicants, including those from Zimbabwe and SADC countries. Key requirements include:
- First-class honours undergraduate degree or equivalent (or evidence of exceptional research potential)
- Compliance with admission requirements of selected universities and programmes
- Ability to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number through the initial application
- Commitment to full-time PhD study at a participating Hong Kong university
There are no restrictions based on nationality. The scheme specifically seeks candidates with strong academic credentials, research ability, communication skills, and leadership potential.
Application Process
The HKPFS 2027/28 uses a mandatory two-step application process. Both steps must be completed for consideration.
Step 1: Initial Application to Research Grants Council
Submit an online Initial Application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain your unique HKPFS Reference Number.
- Opens: 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
- Closes: 1 December 2026 at 12:00:00 Hong Kong Time
Submit as early as possible. University application deadlines follow immediately, and late initial applications risk missing university deadlines.
Step 2: Full Applications to Proposed Universities
After obtaining your HKPFS Reference Number, submit full PhD applications to your selected universities, quoting your reference number in each application.
All eight universities share the same deadline: 1 December 2026 at 11:59pm Hong Kong Time
Each university sets its own documentation requirements, language proficiency standards, and supplementary materials. Contact your target programmes directly for specific guidance.
Strategic Advice for SADC Applicants
Time zone management is critical. Hong Kong Time (HKT) is UTC+8, six hours ahead of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Mark deadlines in your local time to avoid last-minute submission errors.
Research supervision alignment matters significantly. Identify potential supervisors at your target universities before applying. A supportive supervisor strengthens both your HKPFS and university applications.
English proficiency documentation is typically required. IELTS or TOEFL scores should be obtained early, as test centres in the SADC region may have limited availability.
Academic credential verification takes time. Arrange transcript and degree certificate authentication well in advance, as Hong Kong universities require certified documentation.
Required Documents
The Research Grants Council does not publish a universal document checklist. Based on the application structure, prepare:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Research proposal or statement of research interest
- Curriculum vitae highlighting research experience
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
- HKPFS Reference Number (from Step 1)
Individual universities may require additional materials including writing samples, portfolios, or preliminary supervisor confirmation.
Selection and Timeline
Applications are evaluated on academic excellence, research potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for interviews between January and March 2027. Final awards are announced by the Research Grants Council in coordination with participating universities.
The scheme is highly competitive. Successful applicants demonstrate clear research focus, alignment with Hong Kong’s research priorities, and potential for academic leadership.
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
