Are you an international PhD applicant willing to pursue a PhD at a world-class institution with full financial support? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at the Lingnan University (LU) offers a world-class opportunity for passionate students to advance their academic and research pursuits.

The Lingnan University (LU) attracts top doctoral talent worldwide through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009: each academic year, the RGC awards about 400 fellowships for international applicants.

Lingnan University is one of the institutions authorized to nominate outstanding candidates for this prestigious award. The fellowship offers financial support for up to three years, with the possibility of extension, and is designed to provide students with the resources they need to succeed in their academic research.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines:

• RGC Application: December 1, 2025, 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time)
• Lingnan University (LU) Application: December 1, 2025, 11:59 pm (Hong Kong Time)

• Result Announcement Dates: April/May 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: Lingnan University (LU)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Prospective PhD students
• Fields: Various Fields
• Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Duration years (RGC-funded) + 4th year funded by LU at the same rate.
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Hong Kong

Benefits and Financial Aids

The selected candidates will benefit from the HKPFS as follows:

• Monthly Stipend: HK$28,400
• Annual Conference and Research-related Travel Allowance: HK$14,200/year

Eligibility Criteria

Admission is based on academic suitability and potential, with no discrimination on sex, age, race, religion, ethnicity, or disability. PhD applicants should:

• Hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution or
• Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with honors and have one year of master’s study with research experience, or
• Provide evidence of academic and professional attainment.

Note: Exceptional candidates with research qualifications may be admitted directly to PhD study without a master’s degree, but normally, applicants should first register for an MPhil.

English Language Proficiency:
Applicants whose degree was not taught in English must provide proof of English proficiency, such as:

• TOEFL: minimum score of 79 (internet-based)
• IELTS: minimum band score of 6.5
  Other recognized qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Some programs may have additional criteria that applicants must meet.

Postgraduate Programs

Lingnan University offers MPhil and PhD programs across various disciplines as follows:

Arts

• Chinese
• Cultural Studies
• English
• Film and Visual Arts
• History
• Philosophy
• Translation

Business

• Accounting, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations Management, Risk Management, and Insurance

Data Science

• Data Science

Science/Interdisciplinary Studies

• Environmental Science
• Sustainability

Social Sciences

• Economics
• Government and International Affairs
• Psychology
• Sociology or Social Policy
• Urban Studies

Document Required

Applicants must upload a detailed research proposal for each application via the Online Admission System.

Required Documents:

• Academic Records
• Test scores, GMAT, TOEFL, or professional qualifications,
• Details Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Graduation Certificate(s) and Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS (if the degree MOI was not in English)
• GMAT/GRE/Professional Qualifications (if applicable)
• Two Confidential References (Three for Business PhD)

Additional Documents for HKPFS Applicants:

• Brief research plan and past research experience.
• Vision statement.
• Statement of international experience.
• TOEFL/IELTS report (if the degree is from a non-English speaking institution).

Post-Selection Requirements:

If selected, applicants must arrange for:

• Official transcripts will be sent directly from the awarding institution(s).
• Official TOEFL/GMAT/GRE scores will be sent directly (Institution codes: TOEFL: C456, GMAT: 7113, GRE: 9303).

Notes:

• There is no need to upload identity/travel documents.
• Do not mail documents unless specifically requested.
• Original documents and identification (HKID/Passport) must pass verification.

How to Apply?

Step 1: Submit an initial application via the RGC HKPFS Electronic System and obtain an HKPFS reference number by December 1, 2025, 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time)

Step 2: Submit a full application to the CUHK Admission System, providing the HKPFS reference number by December 1, 2025, 11:59 pm (Hong Kong Time)

Apply Now for RGC

Apply to Lingnan

For more details, visit Lingnan University’s HKPFS page.

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The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026-27 at the CUHK

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