Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS): High Stipend Award

Are you looking to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)? You have come to the right place, as we will share everything with you.

Between the recurring ASUU strikes, the skyrocketing exchange rate, and the general “shege” that comes with trying to navigate post-graduate studies in Nigeria, the dream of “Japa” is more alive than ever.

But here is the problem: UK and US visas are getting harder to get, and the proof of funds required is enough to give anyone high blood pressure.

But what if I told you there is a path that pays you millions of Naira per month just to study abroad?

Introducing the Hong Kong PhD fellowship Scheme.

This isn’t just a scholarship; it is arguably one of the most generous PhD stipend packages in the world. While everyone is looking West, smart Nigerians are looking East to this prestigious Asian university hub.

If you have a strong academic track record and a hunger for research, this guide is your roadmap to leaving the trenches and entering a world of world-class labs and monthly alerts.

READ ALSO: Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Funding for PhD at Cambridge

What Exactly is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong.

Their goal is simple: they want to attract the brightest minds from all over the world (that includes you, Nigerian genius) to study in Hong Kong.

They don’t care if you finished from UNILAG, FUTO, or ABU Zaria. They care about your brain, your grades, and your potential.

Unlike some scholarships that barely cover your rent, this fellowship treats you like a VIP. They want you to focus 100% on your research without worrying about the price of garri or how to pay for the bus.

What’s Involved Financially?

Let’s talk about the money involved, because that’s often the deciding factor.

1. Monthly Stipend: Roughly HK$27,600 per month.
2. Conference Travel: An allowance to travel for conferences.

To put this in perspective: The cost of living in Hong Kong is high, yes. But this stipend is calculated to allow you to live comfortably, pay your rent, eat well, and still have significant savings.

When you convert your savings back to Naira to support family back home or invest, the value is astronomical.

Campus Hustle Tip: Do not just look at the raw figure. Compare the stipend to the cost of living. In Hong Kong, this PhD stipend places you well above the student poverty line. You will be living comfortably.

READ ALSO: How to Write a Research Proposal for a PhD Scholarship

Participating Universities for this Scheme

You can’t just apply to a random school. You must apply to one of the eight UGC-funded universities. The good news is, these are some of the best in the world.

• City University of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Baptist University
• Lingnan University
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
• The Education University of Hong Kong
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Attending an Asian university like HKU or HKUST puts a massive stamp of quality on your CV. These schools consistently rank in the global top 50.

ALSO: Check out other Asian Scholarship Opportunities

Fellowship Eligibility: Do You Have What It Takes?

The competition is fierce. You are competing with Chinese geniuses, Indians, Europeans, and Americans. But Nigerians shine everywhere we go, so don’t be intimidated.

Here is what they are looking for:

1. Academic Excellence: You likely need a First Class or a very strong Second Class Upper (2:1). If you have a Master’s with Distinction, even better.
2. Research Ability: This is proven through your research proposal and any past publications.
3. Communication Skills: Your command of English must be top-notch.
4. Leadership Potential: Have you led a team? Were you a department president? Put it on the CV.

READ ALSO: Singapore Scholarship (SINGA Award): Fully Funded PhD in Singapore

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

The application process is a bit technical, so follow these steps carefully. It is a dual-application process.

Step 1: The Initial Application (RGC)

First, you must log in to the Research Grants Council (RGC) system and obtain an HKPFS Reference Number.

• Action: Submit an initial application to the RGC system.
• Result: You get a Reference Number (e.g., PF23-XXXXX). You must have this number to proceed.

Step 2: The University Application

Once you have your reference number, you apply directly to your chosen universities. You can usually apply to up to two programmes/universities.

• Action: Go to the university admission portal (e.g., HKUST website).
• Input: Enter your HKPFS Reference Number in the application form so they know you are applying for the fellowship.

Step 3: The Documents

This is where the real work is. You will need:

• Academic Transcripts: Get these from your Nigerian university early. We know how slow the registry can be. Do not wait until November!
• Graduation Certificate.
• English Language Proficiency: While Hong Kong universities teach in English, they often require IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Hack: Some universities may waive this if your university instruction was in English, but for the Fellowship, a high IELTS score boosts your points.
• Two Academic References: Get lecturers who actually know you and can write strong letters, not just generic “he is a good boy” letters.
• The Research Proposal: (See details below).

Preparing Your Research Proposal

If there is one thing that will get you this research grant, it is your proposal.

Most Nigerian students fail here because they write vague topics. A generic topic like “The Effect of Inflation on the Economy” will be rejected immediately.

We wrote an article on it: How to Write a Research Proposal for a PhD Scholarship

How to write a winning proposal:

1. Be Specific: Identify a gap in current literature.
2. Be Relevant: Does this research matter to the world? Or specifically to Hong Kong/Asia?
3. Methodology: Show them you know how to do the research. Are you using Python for data analysis? Are you doing qualitative field interviews? Be precise.
4. Alignment: Check the profile of professors at the university. If you want to study in Hong Kong, your research interests must match a supervisor there.

Pro Tip: Before you apply, find a professor in the department you are interested in. Send them a polite, professional cold email attaching your CV and a brief summary of your research idea.

If a professor likes you, your chances of getting the fellowship skyrocket.

Trust & Verification

While we provide the best tips at Campus Hustle NG, scholarship scams are real.

• Never pay money to anyone claiming to “process” this scholarship for you. The application fee is paid directly to the university portal.
• Official Source: Always verify details on the official Research Grants Council website or the specific university website.

Disclaimer: The financial figures mentioned (stipends/grants) are based on current estimates and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and policy changes by the Hong Kong government.

READ ALSO: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: $50,000/Year for PhDs

FAQs on the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Is IELTS compulsory for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?

In most cases, yes. While some departments might waive it if you have a degree from an English-speaking country (like Nigeria), submitting a high IELTS/TOEFL score significantly strengthens your application for the fellowship specifically.

Can I stay and work in Hong Kong after graduation?

Yes! Hong Kong has a policy called the “Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates” (IANG). This allows you to stay for 12 months after graduation to look for a job without restrictions.

Is the stipend enough to support a family?

The stipend is very generous for a single student. If you live frugally, you might be able to support a spouse, but Hong Kong rent is expensive.

It is best to budget carefully if you plan to bring dependents.

Can I apply if I only have a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a PhD directly with a Bachelor’s degree if you have First Class Honors and a very strong research background, though having a Master’s degree gives you an edge.

READ ALSO: Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University

In Summary

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship is a life-changing opportunity. It moves you from complaining about the system to becoming a globally recognized researcher with a bank account that smiles back at you.

Do not let the “Asian university” tag scare you off because it’s not the UK or Canada. The facilities are better, the funding is higher, and the exposure is world-class.

Dust off that CV, start drafting your research proposal, and go get that bag!

Are you planning to apply for the next intake? Drop a comment below with your intended course of study, and let’s discuss your strategy!