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PhD Student Internship Scheme

The newly established PhD Student Internship Scheme is specially designed to enable PhD students to integrate their research skills and knowledge in real-world contexts, gain practical experience and enhance their professional competencies. Throughout their studies, PhD students can undertake a full-time research internship once and earn credits towards their studies.

Features
  • Pursue internships at reputable companies or research start-ups of the student’s choice, either in Hong Kong or abroad
  • Engage in a full-time internship for a minimum 3 months and a maximum of 12 months
  • Earn 3 credits towards PhD studies by enrolling in the 3-credit elective, "GS6000 Research and Development Internship"
  • Maintain an “Off Campus (Internship)” status during the internship period, which will not be counted towards the period of study, ensuring sufficient time for PhD programme completion

Eligibility

All PhD students (excluding visiting students) who:

  • have completed the confirmation of registration and are within the normal study period;
  • have completed the Ethics (HTI6081) or one Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE) subject;
  • have not submitted their theses; and
  • are rated satisfactory or above in the latest annual progress review.

Application

Students must obtain approval prior to the commencement of the internship. Any request for retroactive approval will not be considered. Applications for approval should be submitted for the next semester, and students are expected to complete their current semester before commencing the internship. Students should be mindful of the visa processing timeline (if applicable) to ensure they can start their internship on schedule.

Approval should be obtained through the following procedures and timeline:

 

 Step

Action Party

Procedures

1

Internship Identification

Students

Seek internship opportunities and negotiate with the potential employer on internship offer details. 
2

Application Submission

Students

Submit an application form with all required documents to the Director of Research Postgraduate Studies (DoRPgS) via the Chief Supervisor.
3 Endorsement

DoRPgS

Review and endorse the application for submission to GS. 
4 Approval
PhD Internship Coordinator (GS)
Approve the application.
5
Result Notification
GS
Inform the student, Chief Supervisor, DoRPgS and the Department/School General Office (D/SGO) of the application result.

 

Application Timeline

May - July

(for internship starting in Semester 1)

September - November

(for internship starting in Semester 2)

January - March

(for internship starting in Summer Term)


Important Information

Please refer to the guideline for detailed information including appointment and financial arrangements, arrangements for Dual PhD/PolyU Joint PhD Supervision students and HKPFS awardees, as well as information on subject registration, internship change requests, intellectual property arrangements, and more.


FAQs

Engaging in a research internship can provide numerous benefits that complement your academic research. Internships enable you to immerse yourself in practical experiences, develop essential transferable skills such as communication, project management, and problem-solving, and refine your research skills in a professional environment. This hands-on experience can also expand your professional networks, explore potential career paths beyond academia, and enhance your marketability and competitive edge in the job market.
No, internships are not mandatory. You may opt for an internship that aligns with your learning interests and needs.
The internship can be undertaken at any time after meeting the criteria. You should discuss with your supervisor the best timing for your internship.
No, this is not allowed. The GS6000 is only valid for one internship.
No, the internship should be undertaken on a full-time basis. Full-time students interested in taking up part-time jobs should apply via Form GSB/61.
Yes, but not directly. For example, using the same research methods or skills that are not directly related to your thesis research is acceptable. Before seeking an internship, it is essential to set clear goals and determine what you hope to achieve from the experience. Please consult your Chief Supervisor for advice.

You can seek internship opportunities by:

  1. Searching platforms like PolyU Job Portals, JIJIS website, job search engines and company websites; 
  2. Consulting your supervisor; and
  3. Staying updated on internship opportunities shared by GS.
The university offers a variety of interview sessions and training workshops designed to equip students with the skills and competencies needed for interview preparation. For more details, please visit https://www.polyu.edu.hk/sao/careers-and-placement-section/career-advising-and-training-workshops/.

Upon getting an internship offer, you should communicate with the internship companies on:

  1. Description, Scope and Timeline for the Project
  2. Role and Responsibilities
  3. Remuneration package (Salary, Insurance, Accommodation Support, etc.)
  4. Intellectual Property Agreement

Once the details are confirmed, follow the procedures given in the guidelines to submit your application to your Chief Supervisor. Approval must be obtained before commencement of the internship. Any approved internship must begin in the following semester.

Yes, you can. However, if you submit your thesis and pass the oral examination while taking the GS6000 PhD Internship course, your award will only be processed for ratification after GS6000 is graded and finalised. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to complete GS6000 before your oral examination to avoid any potential delays in the approval and conferral of your PhD degree.
Yes, you can, unless you have already submitted your doctoral thesis. However, given the same reason mentioned in Q.10, we strongly encourage you to complete GS6000 before your oral examination.
You are strongly advised to stay committed to completing your internship. If you have genuine reasons to withdraw from the internship, you should follow the prevailing subject withdrawal procedures to submit your application. In such cases, submit your withdrawal application to the D/SGO as soon as possible, and no later than 5 working days from the date the change applies.
No, you are encouraged to look for a paid internship.
No, you cannot publish your internship work unless written consent from the internship company is sought. You should negotiate an IP agreement with the internship company before commencing the internship.
The residence requirement is calculated by adding up the semesters studied in Hong Kong before and after the internship. For Dual PhD/PolyU Joint PhD Supervision students, you may register for this subject only during your study at PolyU.

Last update: 18 Jun 2025 

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