Lingnan University is inviting applications for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027–28, an internationally competitive doctoral funding opportunity established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Established in 2009, the HKPFS aims to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue PhD studies at participating universities in Hong Kong. Lingnan University can nominate exceptional applicants for the Fellowship, which provides financial support for doctoral study, research-related travel and additional university benefits. Fellowship Benefits For the 2026–27 award period, HKPFS awardees receive a monthly stipend of HK$28,700, subject to annual review, together with a conference and research-related travel allowance of up to HK$14,400 per year. The Fellowship is normally provided for a maximum of three years. Where a PhD programme has a normative study period of four years, Lingnan University will provide the same level of Fellowship and travel allowance for the fourth year. For the 2027/28 admission intake, HKPFS awardees admitted to Lingnan University may also qualify for the LU Presidential PhD Scholarship, which provides: HK$40,000 per year for the entire normative study period, up to four years; Full tuition fee waiver for the whole normative study period; Eligibility to apply for an additional performance-based scholarship of up to HK$60,000 per year; and A guaranteed hostel accommodation place for three years. These benefits are in addition to the core HKPFS financial support. Additional Financial Support Lingnan University provides several forms of financial assistance to research postgraduate students. Full-time PhD students who are not receiving the HKPFS Fellowship may normally receive a Postgraduate Studentship. For 2026–27, the monthly rate is HK$19,280 for PhD students before confirmation of candidature and HK$19,660 after confirmation. The university also provides research postgraduate students with support for conferences, field trips and other approved academic activities. The overall funding limit is HK$25,000 for a regular PhD student during the period of study, while HKPFS awardees receive an annual sponsorship of HK$14,400 for up to three years, with the same level available in the fourth year where applicable. Selected PhD students can also apply for competitive scholarships supporting overseas research visits of up to six months. Depending on the destination and duration, funding may range from HK$25,000 to HK$50,000. Eligibility and Academic Commitment The HKPFS is intended for outstanding students seeking admission to PhD programmes at participating Hong Kong universities. Applicants interested in Lingnan University must complete the RGC’s initial application and subsequently submit a full application to the university. Successful postgraduate fellowship and studentship recipients are required to undertake supervised teaching and/or research support duties of up to an average of 12 hours per week as part of their postgraduate training. Applicants should review the specific admission and programme requirements for their intended PhD programme before submitting an application. Application Deadline The RGC HKPFS application period runs from 1 September to 1 December 2026, with the initial application closing at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (HKT) on 1 December 2026. After submitting the RGC application, applicants receive a reference number. They must then submit a full application through Lingnan University’s online admission system by 11:59 p.m. HKT on 1 December 2026, quoting the RGC reference number and paying the applicable application fee. Applicants should select “HK PhD Fellowship Scheme (2027-28)” as the application type. Lingnan University states that late applications will not be accepted. Selection Process Lingnan University will assess applicants for admission to its PhD programmes and nominate outstanding candidates for the HKPFS. The RGC will subsequently establish selection panels to evaluate the nominations submitted by participating institutions. Applicants nominated by Lingnan but not ultimately awarded the Fellowship, as well as applicants not selected for HKPFS nomination, may still be considered for admission as PhD students with places supported by the university’s Postgraduate Studentship awards. How to Apply Applicants should first complete the HKPFS application through the Research Grants Council Admission System during the designated application period. After receiving an RGC reference number, they must submit a separate full application through Lingnan University’s online admission system before the university deadline. Prospective applicants should carefully review the PhD programme requirements, prepare their academic and research materials in advance, and ensure that both application stages are completed before the respective deadlines. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Important Information The financial figures stated above are based on Lingnan University’s published information for the relevant academic years and may be subject to annual review. Applicants should confirm current funding levels, programme-specific requirements, eligibility conditions and application procedures directly with Lingnan University and the Research Grants Council before applying. 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