Lingnan University Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027-28 Open: Check Funding, Eligibility and Deadline

Lingnan University is accepting applications from international candidates for PhD study through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027-28. The competitive fellowship is open to applicants worldwide seeking admission as new full-time doctoral students in Hong Kong.

Applications for the 2027-28 fellowship opened on September 1, 2026. Candidates planning to select Lingnan University must first complete an initial HKPFS application with Hong Kong's Research Grants Council and then submit a separate full PhD application to Lingnan University.

Lingnan University HKPFS 2027-28: Key Details

How Much Funding Does HKPFS Provide?

For the 2027-28 exercise, the Hong Kong Research Grants Council lists an annual fellowship stipend of HK$344,400, equivalent to HK$28,700 per month, together with an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400.

The central HKPFS funding is provided for up to three years. Lingnan University states that for an awardee whose normal PhD study period is four years, it will provide the same level of fellowship and conference or research-related travel support for the fourth year.

Lingnan Adds a Presidential PhD Scholarship

Lingnan University is offering an additional package specifically for HKPFS awardees admitted in 2027-28. The LU Presidential PhD Scholarship includes:

• HK$40,000 per year for up to four years
• Full tuition-fee waiver for the entire normative study period
• Eligibility for an additional performance-based scholarship worth up to HK$60,000 per year
• Guaranteed hostel accommodation for three years

This support is additional to the core Hong Kong PhD Fellowship benefits for successful Lingnan nominees.

Who Can Apply for HKPFS?

The fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality, ethnic background or previous work experience who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at an eligible Hong Kong university.

Selection considers:

• Academic excellence
• Research ability and research potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership abilities

Applicants must also satisfy Lingnan University's academic and programme-specific PhD admission requirements.

Lingnan University PhD Admission Requirements

A PhD applicant would normally hold a recognised master's degree. Lingnan may also consider applicants with an appropriate honours bachelor's qualification and substantial evidence of research achievement, subject to its admission rules.

Applicants whose qualifying degree was not taught entirely in English may need to provide recognised English-language test results. Lingnan currently specifies IELTS 6.5 or an accepted equivalent, subject to programme and HKPFS requirements.

Research Areas at Lingnan University

Doctoral research opportunities at Lingnan cover areas including:

• Chinese, English, history, philosophy and cultural studies
• Accounting, finance, management and marketing
• Data science
• Environmental science and sustainability
• Economics
• Government and international affairs
• Psychology
• Sociology and social policy
• Urban studies

How to Apply for Lingnan HKPFS 2027-28

1. Complete the initial HKPFS application through the Research Grants Council system.
2. Select up to two programme choices at one or two participating universities.
3. Obtain the HKPFS reference number.
4. Open Lingnan University's online postgraduate admission system.
5. Select “HK PhD Fellowship Scheme (2027-28)” as the application type.
6. Enter the RGC reference number.
7. Complete the PhD application and upload all required supporting documents.
8. Pay the applicable Lingnan application fee.
9. Submit the full application by December 1 at 11:59 PM Hong Kong time.

What Happens After Application?

Lingnan University will assess applicants for PhD admission and nominate its strongest candidates for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship. The RGC's specialist selection panels will then evaluate nominated candidates.

Applicants who are not ultimately selected for HKPFS may still be considered by Lingnan University for regular PhD admission and postgraduate studentship support.

With 400 fellowships available across participating Hong Kong universities for 2027-28, interested applicants should submit both stages well before the December 1 deadlines to avoid last-minute application-system issues.