Postgraduate Studentships

Postgraduate Studentships (PGSs) are a form of financial support provided to full-time research postgraduate (RPg) students to ensure that they do not need to be concerned with looking for other sources of income to support themselves. Being full-time PhD/MPhil students, PGS recipients are required to act as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). GTA engagement is an integral part of the RPg training and not an employment. As such, PGS should not be mistaken as the remuneration for GTA duties. Given that students receiving PGSs do not enter an employer-employee relationship with the University, the PGS award is not taxable income.

PGSs given are based on academic merit, including English language proficiency, and the suitability of the RPg students for the program of study.

The PGS rate is reviewed annually and may be adjusted upward or downward. Full-time PhD students who have passed the qualifying examination and have done well in their work may receive a higher rate, subject to availability of top-up funding from the respective Department/supervisor.

For PGS rates of this year and other details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions of Postgraduate Studentships.

Scholarships

The University administers various scholarships and awards on behalf of individual and corporate donors. Most are offered to students on the strength of academic merit and the recommendations of a School or Department. Other scholarships may have conditions specified by the donors. Details are available at the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office website.

Government Student Financial Assistance

Students who have the right of abode in Hong Kong are eligible to apply for financial aid from the Student Finance Office (SFO) of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency. Holders of student visas are not eligible to apply for any financial aid from SFO, irrespective of their number of years of residence in Hong Kong. Application forms and further details are available at the SFO website.

Students with financial difficulties are urged to apply for government assistance as soon as it is open for application.

University Loans and Bursaries

Students with additional financial needs may apply for loans and bursaries administered by the University. In general, these funds are used to supplement, but not substitute for, government financial assistance. Details of loans and bursaries are available here.