Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2010/11

Experience world-class academic facilities and research opportunities in Asia's world city

Dear Student Pharmacists,

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme has been launched by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009. The Fellowship Scheme aims to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD degree programmes in Hong Kong.

The Fellowship will provide an annual stipend of HK$240,000 (approximately US$30,000) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,300) per year for a maximum period of three years.

135 PhD Fellowships will be awarded for the 2010/11 academic year.

Hong Kong's universities offer special strengths amidst a wide choice of disciplines, developing the city into a regional and international hub for higher education and talent development.

Hong Kong's education system fosters lifelong learning and independent research, leading to a motivated, highly skilled and entrepreneurial workforce. Hong Kong welcomes an international workforce, and non-local students can freely seek employment in Hong Kong after graduation.

Eight degree-awarding institutions in Hong Kong are publicly funded through the University Grants Committee (UGC). The UGC advises the Government on the development and funding of higher education, administers grants and plays a major role in promoting research, ensuring Hong Kong is in step with global dynamics. Each UGC-funded institution enjoys a high degree of academic and institutional autonomy.

The UGC-funded institutions participating in the first round of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme are:

• City University of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Baptist University
• Lingnan University
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• The University of Hong Kong

These institutions all are highly supportive of internationalization by promoting student exchanges and establishing academic links with institutions globally.

Who can apply?

Candidates seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in UGC-funded institutions of Hong Kong, irrespective of their country of origin and ethnic background, are eligible to apply.

Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability and/or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership ability.

What are the benefits of the Fellowship?

The Fellowship will provide a monthly stipend of HK$20,000 (approximately US$2,600 monthly/US$30,000 annually) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,300) per year for a maximum period of three years.

How are Awardees selected?

Shortlisted applications, subject to their areas of studies, will be reviewed by one of the two Selection Panels with experts in the following broad academic areas - one panel for the sciences, medicine, engineering and technology and another panel for the humanities, social sciences and business studies.

While candidates' academic excellence is the primary consideration, the Selection Panels will include (but not limit) their evaluation to the four criteria below:

• Academic excellence
• Research ability and potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership abilities

How can I apply?

All applications should be made through the On-line Application System (OAS) at the following website: www.rgc.edu.hk/hkphd.

The application deadline is 1 December 2009.

For enquiries about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, please email HKPF@ugc.edu.hk.
For enquiries about the PhD programmes and admission requirements, please contact the respective institutions directly.