Welcome to the PhD Program at the School of Accounting and Finance, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Our program is designed for students who are serious about pursuing an academic career and contributing to research at the highest level. We offer rigorous training in accounting, finance, economics, and quantitative methods, helping students build a strong theoretical foundation while developing the analytical and critical thinking skills essential for impactful research.
The PhD program typically takes four years (and possible five years) to complete. One of the hallmarks of our program is our strong commitment to research excellence and academic placement. Our graduates have secured positions at respected universities around the world. From the beginning of the program, faculty members work closely with students to refine research ideas, develop high-quality papers, and prepare for the international academic job market. We are deeply invested in supporting our students’ long-term success as scholars and educators.
We also provide a flexible and interdisciplinary research environment. Students are encouraged to explore innovative questions that connect accounting, finance, and economics, and to collaborate with faculty across different areas of expertise. This openness allows students to approach important and emerging issues from multiple perspectives and with a range of methodological tools.
Located in Hong Kong—one of the world’s leading international financial centers—our School offers a dynamic academic setting with exceptional access to global markets, institutions, top scholars, and data resources.
We warmly invite talented and motivated individuals to join our community and begin a challenging and rewarding journey toward becoming leading researchers and educators.
We look forward to welcoming you to PolyU.
Sincerely,
Qiang (John) Wu
Director, PhD Program
School of Accounting and Finance
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
| Programme Options Note 1
|
4-year Direct-entry PhD |
| General Admission Requirements |
- Excellent undergraduate and/ master degree conferred by a recognised university
|
| Normal Study Period |
4-year PhD |
| Study Programme |
Please refer to PhD programme structure.
|
Amount of Monthly Stipend
(for the entire normal study period) |
HK$19,220 (before confirmation of registration)
HK$19,660 (after confirmation of registration) Note 2
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS):
HK$28,400
For details, please refer to the GS website. |
Annual Tuition Fees
($89,000 per year) |
50% waiver of tuition fees for normal study period
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS):
Full waiver of tuition fees for normal study period |
| Conference Attendance Grant |
HK$25,000 in total for normal study period
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS):
HK$14,200 per year during normal study period |
| Application Procedures |
Full application to PolyU via Web Application System
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS):
- Initial application to the Research Grants Council (RGC) through the HKPFS Electronic System to obtain a HKPFS reference number (Application Period: 1 September 2025 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time to 1 December 2025 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.)
- Full application to PolyU via Web Application System
|
Note 1: MPhil degree (i.e. an exit award of direct-entry PhD) is also provided.
Note 2: PhD students who confirm their registration in one month will start to receive the monthly stipend at the higher rate (if applicable) from the first day of the next month.