

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Graduate School
About
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university with a strong sense of social responsibility, driven by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”. The University's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned international recognition, consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide.
As a world-leading research university, PolyU has a three-decade history of providing degree education. The establishment of the Graduate School in September 2020 further reinforced PolyU’s dedication to assisting research students in achieving scholarship excellence and success. [Learn about our research excellence and facilities]
PolyU offers a wide spectrum of research postgraduate programmes through six faculties and three schools, covering business, construction and environment, engineering, health and social sciences, humanities, science, design, fashion and textiles, and hotel and tourism management. These programmes are designed to provide a holistic research curriculum that equips students with niche discipline-specific knowledge and fundamental academic training. [Learn about research programmes]
Throughout their research journey, students are set to conduct impactful research at cutting-edge facilities with excellent supervision, student mobility opportunities and supportive resources. Located at the bustling heart of Asia in Hong Kong, the university’s convenient location offers a vibrant and dynamic living environment, enhancing the overall student experience.
General Entrance Requirements
| Normal Study Period | Entrance Requirement |
PhD Programme | FT 3 years / PT 6 years | Holder of an MPhil degree or equivalent (a research postgraduate degree with a dissertation as an award requirement), conferred by a recognised university |
FT 4 years / PT 8 years | Holder of a Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours or equivalent, conferred by a recognised university | |
MPhil Programme | FT 2 years / PT 4 years | At least hold a Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours or above (or equivalent qualification) conferred by a recognised university |
English Language Requirements
The requirements for those who do not have a degree for which English was the language of instruction at a recognised university are:
- An overall score of at least 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); OR
- A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80 or above for the Internet-based test.
All English language test scores are considered valid for two years after the date of the test.
Application
PolyU's research postgraduate programmes have a rolling admissions process with three entry points throughout the year.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowshow Scheme (HKPFS) Admissions (Single Round) |
Preparations 1. Explore research programmes and admission procedures 2. Identify research interest and potential supervisor(s) |
1st September - Application Period Starts 1. Submit an HKPFS application (selecting PolyU as the first choice) through the RGC Application System 2. Obtain an HKPFS reference number |
1st December - Application Deadline 1. Quote the HKPFS reference number to submit a full application through the PolyU eAdmission System |
May - HKPFS Result Announcement by the Research Grants Council (RGC) |
*HKPFS application timeline may vary every year. Please refer to the RGC for the most updated information.
Year-Round Admissions (3 Rounds) |
September 2024 Entry Application Period: 1 September 2023 to 31 May 2024 |
January 2025 Entry Application Period: 1 January to 30 September 2024 |
May 2025 Entry Application Period: 1 May 2024 to 31 January 2025 |
With 85 years of proud tradition, PolyU ranks among the world’s top 100 institutions. Four disciplines ranked among the world’s top 50 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
Rankings Highlight
65th in QS World University Rankings 2024
23rd in QS Asia University Rankings 2024
87th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
14th in Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2023
4th in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023
- Hung Hom
14/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
