Lingnan University of Hong Kong HKPFS Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at Lingnan University of Hong Kong is a prestigious, fully funded doctoral scholarship established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Launched in 2009, the scheme aims to attract outstanding international and local students to pursue PhD studies at Hong Kong’s top universities. Lingnan University is one of the eligible institutions authorized to nominate exceptional PhD applicants for this highly competitive fellowship. 

Lingnan University is a well‑established public liberal arts university in Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong. Founded with roots going back to 1888 and re‑established in Hong Kong in 1967, Lingnan is known as the city’s only government‑funded liberal arts institution, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs in arts, business and social sciences with a strong emphasis on small class sizes, close faculty‑student interaction, global exchange opportunities and holistic education. It has gained international recognition - including top rankings for international outlook and quality education in global university rankings - and attracts a diverse student body while fostering critical thinking, leadership, community engagement, and research excellence.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme  provides generous financial support:

• Monthly stipend: HK$28,400
• Annual travel allowance: Up to HK$14,200 for conference and research activities
• Total duration: Up to 3 years
• Fourth-year support: Same stipend and travel allowance provided by Lingnan University (for 4-year normative study period)

(Amounts are subject to annual review. Exchange rate: US$1 ≈ HK$7.8)

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Full-time research postgraduate programme

Funding duration: Up to 3 years (4th year supported by Lingnan University if applicable)

Applicants may apply to PhD programmes offered at Lingnan University in areas including:

• Arts and Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Business and Management
• Data Science
• Environmental Studies
• Public Policy
• Digital Humanities

Research areas depend on faculty availability and supervision capacity at Lingnan University.

• Open to all nationalities worldwide
• Local and international students are eligible
• Highly competitive and merit-based selection

To be considered for the HKPFS at Lingnan University, applicants must:

• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance
• Show strong research ability and potential
• Meet the PhD admission requirements of Lingnan University
• Must be able to commence PhD studies in the respective academic year.
• Submit applications through both the RGC and Lingnan University systems

Selection is based on:

• Academic excellence
• Research proposal quality
• Scholarly achievements
• Leadership and communication skills

Applicants must complete a two-step application process:

Step 1: Apply via RGC Portal

• Apply through the RGC HKPFS Online Application System
• Application period: 1 September – 1 December (12:00 HKT)
• Receive a reference number upon submission

Step 2: Apply to Lingnan University

• Submit a full PhD application via Lingnan University’s online system
• Quote the RGC reference number for verification
• Select “HK PhD Fellowship Scheme (Academic Year)” as the application type
• Complete submission by 1 December (23:59 HKT)
• Pay the required application fee

Selection & Nomination

• Lingnan University reviews applications and nominates outstanding candidates
• Final fellowship selection is conducted by RGC selection panels
• Applicants not awarded HKPFS may still receive:

1. PhD admission, and
2. Postgraduate Studentship awards from Lingnan University

Important Dates

• Application opens: 1 September 
• Application deadline: 1 December