Research Focus
Regulatory mechanisms of DNA damage detection and repair, genomic stability and the DNA damage response, molecular control of cell cycle checkpoints, cancer therapeutic targets, and emerging gene editing and gene therapy strategies.
Programme Structure and Funding
This programme is a full-time PhD programme with a duration of 4 years (48 months).
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Study location: Hong Kong
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Application period: Applications for fully funded PhDs are open from 1 September to 1 December; self-funded PhD applications are accepted throughout the year
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Tuition: RMB 40,000 to 45,000 per year
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Language of instruction: English
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong to attract the best students from around the world to pursue postgraduate degree programmes in Hong Kong. The RGC awards approximately 300 fellowships each academic year. All new applicants seeking admission to full-time PhD programmes at Hong Kong government-funded institutions are eligible to apply, regardless of nationality and ethnic background. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and research ability. Fellowship recipients receive a monthly postgraduate fellowship of HK$28,400, plus an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,200, for a maximum of four years. In addition, each awardee receives:
- A cash award to support research and living expenses: HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 per year for the remaining period of study;
- A tuition fee waiver for the entire PhD period;
- For selected outstanding students, additional study funding for one year beyond the normal period of study.
The HKU Faculty of Medicine offers a HK$50,000 entrance scholarship to PhD students admitted with full funding, paid in four instalments every six months starting from the first year of enrolment. Apart from HKPFS awardees, other eligible full-time PhD students can usually receive a Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) during their studies; master’s-level results are also taken into consideration, and the amount is HK$19,135 per month.
Entry Requirements
Academic background: a master’s degree in biology or another highly related field, or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (research experience preferred) Grade requirements: GPA 3.6/4 or 3.6/4.3 or 80/100 (the same applies to bachelor’s degrees) Language requirements:
- IELTS >= 6.5
- or TOEFL total score of no less than 85
- Applicants who obtained a master’s degree from a country where instruction is in English may apply for a language exemption; References: two references from academic referees
Application Period
Applications for fully funded PhDs are open from 1 September to 1 December Self-funded PhD applications are accepted throughout the year
Tuition and Living Costs
Study and Living
- Housing: All newly enrolled non-local postgraduate students and HKU fully funded PhD students can obtain a university-designated hostel place in their first year, at approximately HK$5,000 per month; off-campus rental is estimated at HK$6,000–8,000 per month.
- Daily expenses: The cost of living in Hong Kong is relatively high, with living expenses of approximately RMB 12,000 per month.
Career Prospects
Academic Path
- Faculty and research institutions: Graduates can pursue independent research at universities such as HKU and Cambridge or at the Hong Kong Science Park, and some receive overseas postdoctoral funding (such as the HKU-Cambridge joint programme).
Industry and Government Departments
- Biomedical enterprises: Multinational pharmaceutical companies such as Roche and AstraZeneca have established R&D centres in Hong Kong, and graduates can participate in drug development (annual salary of approximately HK$400,000–600,000).
- Public health and policy: Join the Centre for Health Protection of Hong Kong or government institutions in the Greater Bay Area to participate in infectious disease prevention and control and healthcare policy formulation.
- Entrepreneurship support: The HKU incubator provides seed funding and technology transfer services, and in recent years 3 biotechnology start-up projects have obtained tens of millions in financing.
Employment Data
- Employment rate: Over the past three years, the employment rate of PhD graduates from the School of Biomedical Sciences has exceeded 95%, of whom 60% entered academia, 30% joined enterprises, and 10% chose entrepreneurship or public service.
