The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is open for the 2027/28 academic year. The scheme is run by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council and is designed to attract outstanding students from around the world into full-time PhD study at eight participating universities.
For Kenyan graduates with strong academic records and research potential, HKPFS is a substantial open international PhD funding routes for 2027 entry.
2027/28 application deadline
The official Research Grants Council states that applications opened on 1 September 2026 and the initial HKPFS application closes on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time.
Official scheme page: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
How many fellowships are available?
The 2027/28 exercise will offer 400 PhD Fellowships.
Funding package
The current official scheme information lists an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years. If a PhD requires longer than three years, additional support may be available from the university.
Who is eligible?
Applicants seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at a participating Hong Kong university may apply regardless of country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background, subject to the admission requirements of the selected university and programme.
Participating universities
- 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
How the application works
The HKPFS application has two important layers. First, applicants submit an initial application through the Research Grants Council electronic system and obtain an HKPFS reference number. Second, they must submit their full PhD admission application directly to the selected university or universities.
Applicants may choose up to two programmes or departments across one or two universities.
Selection criteria
The Research Grants Council highlights four core areas:
- Academic excellence
- Research ability and potential
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership ability
Academic excellence is important, but the scheme is not evaluating grades in isolation. Research readiness and the strength of the overall profile matter.
Considerations for Kenyan applicants
Start by identifying research groups rather than simply choosing the highest-ranked university. A strong PhD application shows a clear match between your proposed topic, methods and potential supervisors.
Applicants should translate local grading systems and research experience clearly. If your university uses First Class Honours, Second Class Upper or another system, explain achievements accurately rather than trying to convert them into an unofficial GPA.
Prepare a research-focused CV
Include your thesis, research projects, publications, conference presentations, software, laboratory methods and relevant professional work. Where possible, describe your contribution rather than listing project titles only.
Referee strategy
Choose referees who have observed your academic or research work directly. They should be able to comment on independence, analytical ability, persistence, technical competence and potential for doctoral study.
Application timeline
Use October to shortlist programmes and supervisors. Complete your initial HKPFS submission well before 1 December, then finish university applications immediately. Some university deadlines closely follow the RGC deadline.
Common mistakes
- Submitting the RGC initial application but forgetting the university application.
- Choosing programmes based only on university rankings.
- Using a generic research proposal for two unrelated departments.
- Failing to confirm programme-specific admission requirements.
- Waiting until the final hours to request the HKPFS reference number.
What applicants should know
HKPFS is a strong target for Kenyan applicants with excellent academic evidence and a serious research trajectory. Because the scheme permits applications to two programmes, applicants should use that flexibility strategically rather than submitting broadly without research fit.
Initial deadline: 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong time.
How to shortlist your two HKPFS programme choices
The scheme allows up to two programme choices, but applicants should treat both as serious research applications. Compare faculty expertise, recent publications, facilities, methodology and supervisory fit. Choosing two programmes with a coherent research direction is usually stronger than selecting unrelated departments simply to increase the number of applications.
How to strengthen a research proposal
A strong proposal defines a clear problem, situates it in existing research, explains the method and shows why the work can be completed within a PhD. It should be ambitious enough to matter but focused enough to be credible. Avoid proposals that promise to solve an entire national problem without a realistic research design.
Interview preparation
Participating universities may interview shortlisted candidates. Prepare to explain your proposed methods, potential limitations, why you chose the department and how your previous training prepares you for the project. You should also be ready to discuss alternative approaches if a panel challenges your assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply without publications?
Yes. Publications strengthen a profile but are not listed as a universal eligibility requirement. Strong research projects, academic performance and references can also demonstrate research potential.
Can I apply to two universities?
Yes. The scheme allows up to two programmes or departments across one or two participating universities.