CUHK Graduate School

1. What is the difference between research and taught programmes?

Research programmes (e.g. MPhil, PhD) focus mainly on research work.  These programmes require applicants to have sound research background.  Students need to submit a thesis and pass the oral defence conducted by the Thesis Assessment Committee to graduate.  Taught programmes (e.g. MA, MBA, MSc, MSSc), focus on coursework.  These programmes usually do not require students to submit a thesis.

2. I am a Bachelor's degree holder. Can I apply for Doctoral degree programme?

For all “Taught Doctoral” degree and some Ph.D.degree programmes, applicants should have a Master's degree.  If you want to apply for our Master's degree programme, you should have a Bachelor's degree with Honours not lower than Second Class.  Some of our research programmes offer “MPhil – PhD Programmes” with an “MPhil Stream”and a“PhD Stream”.  You can apply for the PhD stream under the “MPhil-PhD Programmes” offered in our University if you have a Bachelor's degree with Honours not lower than Second Class.  Please refer to our Entry Requirements for the general qualifications for admission.

3. How to fulfil the English Language Proficiency Requirement?

• You may submit the score report of one of the following tests. The scores listed below are for reference only.  Some programmes may have a higher requirement on the score requirement. Please refer to the relevant division leaflet for details.

  - TOEFL (not lower than 550 paper based, 213 computer based, and 79 internet based);

  - GMAT (Verbal not lower than 21);

  - IELTS (Academic) (not lower than Band 6.5);

[The following test result is only applicable to students admitted in 2014-15 or before:

    - College English Test (CET 6) of PRC (not lower than 430);

    - PETS-5 (with pass grades in both written and oral parts)]

• Or possess a pass grade in English in one of the following examinations:

  - Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level);

  - Hong Kong Higher Level Examination; or

  - CUHK Matriculation Examination;

• Or achieve Level 4 or above in the English Language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination;

• Or have a degree from a university in Hong Kong or an English speaking country,

•

Or have obtained a recognized professional qualification awarded in Hong Kong or an English speaking country.

4. Is there any special admission requirement on non-local applicants?

The application requirements are the same for both local and non-local applicants.  However, non-local students need to obtain a valid permit/visa from the Hong Kong Immigration Department before registration.  You may refer to our Entry Requirements for the general qualifications for admission.

5. What kind of financial assistance is available to students? How do they apply?

Students who are admitted to our full-time research postgraduate programmes are eligible to receive Postgraduate Studentships.  The graduate division of your programme will consider you for the award of the Studentship together with your application for admission.  You are not required to submit a separate application.

6.How can I get the application materials and application form?

Application materials will be posted at the homepage of Graduate School during the application period. The webpage for Hong Kong PhD fellowship will be updated in September every year while for taught postgraduate programmes, the webpage will be updated around November/December every year.  

To be environmental friendly, applicants are strongly encouraged to retrieve the electronic copy of Postgraduate Prospectus and submit application online.

7.When should I submit my application, and what documents are required?

Research programmes accept applications from September to January (end of November for HK PhD Fellowship Scheme) while Taught programmes normally start from November to February. Individual programmes may have different application deadlines.  Please refer to our Application Deadlines for details.

You are required to submit the following application documents:

a. Completed application form

b. Official Transcripts of academic records issued by your universities*;

c. Copy of degree certificate;

d. Documentary proof of fulfilling the English Language Proficiency Requirement;

e. Confidential recommendations from 2 referees*;

f. Receipt of application fee (no need to enclose if you submit your application online and had chosen to pay the application fee by credit card);

g. Copy of your HKID card or other identity document;

h. Specific materials required by the relevant Graduate Divisions (please refer to the division leaflet); and

i. Specific materials required by the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (applicable to HKPFS applicants only).

j. Additional information or documentary proof required by the University if deemed necessary.

* The Official Transcript and Confidential Recommendation should be sent directly from the applicant's university and referee to the graduate division, or in sealed envelopes and send by the applicant with other supporting documents to the graduate division.

8. When will I receive the notification of my application result?

Application results will be posted on our website www2.cuhk.edu.hk/gss from April to August.  Successful applicants will receive their offer letters by mail.  Applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful if they do not hear from us thereafter.

9. How can I apply for a valid visa to study in Hong Kong?

If you are admitted to our programme, we will assist you to apply for entry permit from the Hong Kong Immigration Department and send the permit to you by courier.  You are also required to apply for a valid exit permit from your country. Please refer to the section of visa application for details.

10. Where can I find information about on-campus accommodation?

Please go to the website of the Postgraduate Halls for details.  You can also send your enquiries to their email account at enquiry@pgh.cuhk.edu.hk.

11. Where can I seek help if I have further questions?

Please refer to our website www2.cuhk.edu.hk/gss/ for the admission information or to fill in an online enquiry form.