Why HKU ARTS?
HKU Arts offers world-class research training in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment. With top global rankings, expert supervision, and strong international networks, you'll develop critical, creative, and scholarly skills to lead in academia, the arts, or beyond.
Programmes
The University of Hong Kong's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-intensive degree culminating in a thesis of original research. Admission requires a relevant Bachelor's degree with honors or a Master's degree. The Faculty offers 3-year and 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research degree programmes in both full-time and part-time study modes. It involves coursework and independent research under expert supervision, preparing candidates for high-level careers in research and academia.
For complete details, please refer to the HKU Graduate School's official page: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | HKU Graduate School
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at the University of Hong Kong is a research-based postgraduate degree. The programme's core is the completion of a thesis demonstrating original research. The programme can be taken full-time over two years or part-time over three years. It provides rigorous training for students planning to pursue a PhD or a career in research.
For complete details, please refer to the HKU Graduate School's official page: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) | HKU Graduate School
Scholarship
The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS) is designed to attract top-tier candidates globally to pursue full-time PhD studies at the University of Hong Kong.
This prestigious programme offers a comprehensive scholarship package valued at up to approximately HK$439,500 (~US$56,350) in the first year, and up to approximately HK$422,000 (~US$54,110) in each subsequent year during the normative study period. The package includes a monthly stipend, tuition fee waivers, and travel allowances.
All applicants for a full-time PhD programme are automatically considered for the HKU-PS. Passionate researchers with outstanding academic records are encouraged to apply, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
For complete details, please refer to the HKU Graduate School's official page: HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme | HKU Graduate School
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council, aims to attract the best and brightest students globally to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong.
Successful awardees receive a monthly scholarship of HK$28,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,200 for up to three years. For HKPFS awardees who are admitted to a 4-year PhD programme, HKU will provide the same support in the fourth year of study. At HKU, all HKPFS holders are also awarded the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship, which includes additional cash awards, a waiver of composition fees, and a guaranteed hall place in the first year.
For complete details, please refer to the HKU Graduate School's official page: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme | HKU Graduate School
Apart from awardees of the HKU-PS and HKPFS, other full-time PhD and MPhil students who hold a first degree with second-class honours first division (or equivalent) or above are normally considered eligible to receive a Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) during the normative study period, subject to availability of funding. Candidates' results in Master's degrees may also be considered.
The basic level of scholarship is HK$19,135 per month (wef 1/9/2025). A PGS holder whose PhD probationary candidature has been confirmed will receive a higher PGS rate (HK$19,655, wef 1/9/2025) with effect from the following calendar month after his/her probation is fully confirmed.
For complete details, please refer to the HKU Graduate School's official page: Postgraduate Scholarships | HKU Graduate School
Application
Main Round:
1 September 2025 – 1 December 2025
First Clearing Round:
2 December 2025 – 30 April 2026
Second Clearing Round:
1 May 2026 – 31 August 2026
Applications should be submitted to the Graduate School via the Online Application System.
Applicants who wish to apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) through HKU must quote the reference no. allocated by the Research Grants Council (RGC). Before submitting full application to the University, applicants should file an initial application to the RGC via the HKPFS electronic system to obtain a reference no. on or before December 1, 2025. They will be asked to quote the HKPFS reference no. in making their applications for admission to the University via the Online Application System.
Area of Study
Faculty of Arts
School of Chinese
- Chinese Language
- Chinese Literature
- Chinese History
- Chinese Culture
- Chinese Thought
- Translation
- Hong Kong Studies
School of English
- Postcolonial Literary Studies
- Cross-cultural Writing
- Law, Language and Literature
- Psycholinguistics, Phonetics, and Phonology
- Sociolinguistics, Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics
- Integrational Linguistics
School of Humanities
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
- African Studies
- American Studies
- China Studies
- European Studies
- Global and Area Studies
- Global Creative Industries
- Japanese Studies
- Korean Studies
Centre for Applied English Studies
Centre of Buddhist Studies
Centre for Humanities and Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to the HKU Graduate School's official page:
http://gradsch.hku.hk/prospective_students/application/faq_on_application
