Life as a PhD student at a global top 100 university

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With a proud history of over 85 years and aspirations to become a world-class research university, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pursuing excellence for the benefit of mankind. This commitment is reflected in the university being ranked in the top 100 of Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings for the last four years.

PolyU is renowned for its excellence in engineering and technology, as well as a range of niche disciplines spanning seven faculties and three schools, including design, fashion and textiles, geoinformatics, hotel and tourism management, maritime studies, optometry, and rehabilitation sciences, to name a few. The university also engages in a wide spectrum of research projects in frontier areas such as deep space exploration, AI and robotics, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, carbon neutrality, healthcare and food security.

In addition to the discipline-specific subjects, PolyU’s PhD curriculum features essential fundamental academic training such as research ethics and research work publication. The university also emphasises the development of students’ transferable skills and career competencies through a series of practical workshops covering topics such as publishing skills, tools for citation management, effective teaching skills, stress management and more. This comprehensive and high-quality PhD curriculum prepares students for diverse career prospects in academia, entrepreneurship and industry.

Throughout their study journey, students are encouraged to engage with the broader research community. Through various enrichment activities such as the flagship PolyU Research Student Conference, student research gatherings, distinguished speaker series, and a range of awards and competitions, students have ample opportunities to enhance their personal and professional development beyond their studies. 

PolyU’s multicultural environment and vibrant campus surroundings foster a rich appreciation for diverse cultures. With over 3,400 research postgraduate students at PolyU, of whom 90 per cent are non-local, the university is a melting pot of experiences and perspectives. On PolyU’s campus, students are encouraged to explore a range of authentic cuisines, from Chinese dim sum to Western dishes, all in a setting where East meets West. Students can also participate in various university-wide events, religious support groups and international student associations. Additionally, nearby student accommodation, which houses more than 4,600 students from diverse cultures, backgrounds and disciplines, is conveniently located at the nexus of living, transportation and attractions, meeting students’ varied needs and providing lavish amenities.

PolyU is committed to providing PhD students with abundant global learning opportunities. With the launch of the PhD Student Internship Scheme in the 2024/25 academic year, PhD candidates can undertake full-time internships for up to three semesters at reputable companies worldwide, enabling them to apply their research skills and knowledge in real-world contexts. Through the Research Student Attachment Programme, students are supported to engage in research attachments with prestigious institutions from all over the world, including the likes of McGill University in Canada, KU Leuven in Belgium, Harvard University in the US, and many others. Leveraging PolyU’s extensive network of partners, PhD students also have the option to pursue a dual PhD programme or a joint PhD supervision programme in order to benefit from the joint supervision of two universities.

Regarding financial matters, PolyU’s international students are well-supported from admissions to postdoctoral stages, with attractive scholarships available. These include the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), the PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS), the International PhD Fellowship Scheme (IPFS), the PolyU Sports Scholarship Scheme (PSSS), and the PolyU Research Postgraduate Scholarship (PRPgS). At PolyU, students are empowered to excel in their research study and unleash their full potential.

International PhD students will connect with a designated faculty, school or department from the moment they arrive on campus – or even before. During student orientation, they will be provided with navigation tips and other useful information, after which they will have time to familiarise themselves with PolyU’s welcoming and advancing environment, along with its energetic campus surroundings. PolyU represents the ideal environment for PhD candidates looking to succeed in the next chapter of their academic trajectory.

Find out more about the PolyU Graduate School.

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