Application for Admission

ADMISSION IN 2027-28 ACADEMIC YEAR

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Programmes

Applicants who are interested in seeking admission to the MPhil programmes should apply to the University directly. Full-time admittees will normally be awarded with Postgraduate Studentships with a monthly stipend of HK$19,010 (rate for 2026-27).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programmes

Applicants may seek admission to the PhD programmes in the following two ways:

1. Applicants may seek admission via the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) established by the Research Grants Council (RGC). Successful PhD Fellowship awardees will be provided with a Fellowship with a monthly stipend for a maximum period of 3 years.  The monthly stipend for 2026-27 is HK$28,700 (subject to annual review).

2. Applicants may apply to the University directly. Successful applicants will normally be provided with a Postgraduate Studentship with a monthly stipend of HK$19,280*.
   *To be revised to HK$19,660 after confirmation of candidature (rates for 2026-27).
   (Note: US$1=HK$7.8)

Application Periods

For admission to PhD programmes through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, applicants have to make an initial application on the RGC online system by 1 December 2026 (HKT 12:00) and submit a full application to the University by 1 December 2026 (HKT 23:59). [Note: Please select “HK PhD Fellowship Scheme (2027-28)” as the application type in the Online Admission System. NO late application will be accepted.]

For admission to MPhil/PhD programmes through Direct Admissions, applicants please select “Direct Admissions (2027-28)” in the Online Admission System and observe the following timelines when submitting an application: 

*for admission in September 2027 intake
^for admission in January 2028 intake
 

Notes

1. Though applications are received up to the end of August 2027, candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible in the Main Round.
2. Applications will be considered for the 1st Clearing Round subject to availability of places after the September intake Main Round.
3. Applications will be considered for the 2nd Clearing Round subject to availability of places after the September intake Main and 1st Clearing Rounds.
    

Important Notes

1. Each applicant may apply for a maximum of two programmes. This restriction also applies to a PhD applicant submitting applications in both ways, i.e. via Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and via Direct Admissions to the University. It is however expected that applicants will apply through either one of the two ways.

2. It is permissible for an applicant to apply for two PhD programmes, one via the HKPFS and one via Direct Admissions to the University, as long as he/she does not apply for the same programme in two ways. HKPFS applicants who are nominated but are not finally offered the Fellowship, and those not selected for nomination for the Fellowship, will be given consideration for admission as PhD students at Lingnan taking up places assigned to the University with Postgraduate Studentship awards.

3. An applicant is responsible for selecting the correct application type, i.e. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) or Direct Admissions, in the Online Admission System, and ensuring that the information given in support of the application is accurate and complete. Transfer of a submitted application from one to the other type is NOT allowed (e.g. transferring the application submitted via Direct Admissions to HKPFS and vice versa, etc.), and the application fee paid is non-refundable and non-transferable.

4. The University deems it beneficial for those who have pursued a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at Lingnan to gain exposure by studying a PhD programme in another institution. They are therefore advised NOT to submit an application for PhD admission to the University.

5. No Dishonest and Bribery Practices