RPG Admission 2025-26

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION

The basic qualification necessary for admission to research postgraduate studies is a good honours degree from this University or an equivalent qualification from a comparable institution.

Applicants from institutions outside Hong Kong where the language of teaching and examination is not entirely in English are required to provide documents to prove their English language proficiency.

APPLICATION PERIOD

Applications for admission to the PhD and MPhil programmes and the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme are invited all year round. Applications to the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme are usually invited from September to early December.

For 2025/26 Admission:

Main RoundSeptember 1, 2024 – December 1, 2024 (HKT 23:59)

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPF)
Deadline for submission of initial application to Research Grants Council:
December 1, 2024 (HKT 12:00 noon)
1st Clearing RoundDecember 2, 2024 – April 30, 2025 (HKT 23:59)
2nd Clearing Round May 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025 (HKT 23:59)

In view of the limited admission quota, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply in the Main Round. Applications will be considered in the clearing rounds only if there are vacancies after the Main Round.

Successful MPhil applicants will commence studies on either September 1, 2025 or January 1, 2026. Successful PhD applicants may commence their studies on the first day of any calendar month during the academic year.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FORM AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

All applications have to be submitted to the Online Application System by the respective closing dates.

Supporting documents:

A. Certificates and complete transcripts of undergraduate and postgraduate studies

B. Statement of research interest or research proposal (Research Proposal Form)

C. Two academic referee’s reports

D. Official score report of one of the following English Language Proficiency Tests:

[For applicants from institutions outside Hong Kong where the language of instruction and examination is not entirely in English]

TOEFL - Internet-based test (taken in one single attempt within 2 years)
An overall score of 85 or above
IELTS (Academic module) (taken in one single attempt within 2 years)Overall score – 6.5; All sub-score – not lower than 6
Overseas General Certificate of Education (GCE)Grade C or above
International General Certification of Secondary Education (IGCSE)Grade C or above
Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English LanguageGrade C or above

E. Writing sample (in PDF format): 

  • For MPhil applicants: The abstract of Bachelor’s thesis of 10 pages OR a sample research paper of 15 pages or less, written in English.
  • For PhD applicants: The abstract of Master’s thesis AND a sample research paper of 15 pages or less, written in English.

F. Documentary proof of proficiency in the language(s) necessary for research OR a written statement outlining current language abilities (including years of formal study), and future course of study.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Please refer to the Supporting Documents at the Graduate School for the submission arrangement and details.