Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy programs are offered by the Department of Government and International Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Study Mode and Tuition Fee

The programs are available in both full-time and part-time study modes. The tuition fees are as follows:

• UGC-funded:
  • AY2026/27: HK$47,000 (approximately US$6,000)
  • AY2027/28: HK$49,500 (approximately US$6,300)
  • AY2028/29: to be confirmed by the University Grants Committee
• Self-funded:
  • Full-time: HK$94,000 per year
  • Part-time: HK$47,000 per year

Funding Nature

The programs are UGC/RGC-funded and self-funded.

Year of Entry and Cut Off Date

The year of entry is 2026, and the cut-off date for application is 15 April 2026.

Fields of Study

The programs offer various fields of study, including:

• China Studies:
  • Government and Politics of the People's Republic of China
  • Social Movements in China
  • Chinese Labour Movement
  • Chinese Local Politics
  • Hong Kong Politics and Transition
  • Taiwan Politics
• European Studies:
  • French/German/British/Polish Politics
  • Central and Eastern European Countries' Politics
  • European Comparative Politics
  • European Integration
  • Government and Governance of the European Union
  • French and German Language and Culture
• International Relations:
  • Chinese Foreign Policy
  • European Foreign Policies
  • Euro-China Relations
  • International Political Economy
  • Security Affairs
  • Relations Across the Taiwan Strait
  • China and Africa
• Political Theory:
  • Theory of International Relations
  • Chinese Political Philosophy in the 20th Century
  • Comparative Western and Chinese Political Theory

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) to attract the best and brightest students from all over the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong. Applicants for admission to the PhD programs via HKPFS will concurrently be considered for the regular research postgraduate programs.

Important Application Dates

• Application start date: 1 September 2025
• Regular round deadline: 1 December 2025
• Clearing round deadline: 15 April 2026