RPg students may apply to change their mode of study during the course of their studies. A Collaborative PhD/Dual PhD student is expected to devote full-time effort to his/her study during his/her stay in Hong Kong. However, applications for a transfer of registration between full-time and part-time modes of study may be proposed jointly by the PolyU Chief Supervisor and the Chief Supervisor of the partner institution, and be endorsed/approved by the D/SRC on an exceptional basis.

Procedures

1. An RPg student should apply for the change of study mode and state his/her reason for the change using Form GSB/45. A Collaborative PhD/Dual PhD student should attach an updated study plan (Form GSB/J4) along with his/her application.
2. The form(s) shall be submitted to the PolyU Chief Supervisor and the Chief Supervisor of the partner institution (if applicable) for consideration.
3. Upon support from the Chief Supervisor(s), the application will be considered/endorsed/approved by the Chair of D/SRC, FRC/SB or GSB as appropriate.
4. Completed application forms should be submitted to the D/SGO (for RPg students admitted from the 2018/19 cohort onwards) or GS (for those admitted in or before the 2017/18 cohort) for processing.
5. Applications from non-local students shall also require the approval of the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government (see Note 2 below) after the endorsement of the D/SRC.
6. Upon approval of the change of study mode, the normal period of study and/or maximum period of study will then be shortened or extended on a pro rata basis.
• For RPg students admitted from the 2017/18 cohort onwards
  The change will be effective from the next semester/term.
• For RPg students admitted in or before the 2016/17 cohort
  The change will be effective on the date of approval

Notes:

1. A FT RPg student may seek FT employment after his/her scholarship or Teaching Postgraduate Studentship has expired or after he/she has submitted his/her thesis to the Chief Supervisor and is awaiting the oral examination. He/She may do so subject to obtaining the prior consent of his/her Chief Supervisor and the D/SRC. The student concerned is advised to change his/her studies to PT mode as the possession of a FT student identity card under such circumstances is not deemed to be appropriate.
2. All non-local RPg students wishing to apply for a change of mode of study from FT to PT or vice versa should seek prior approval from the Director of Immigration via AR (for those admitted from the 2018/19 cohort onwards) or GS (for those admitted in or before the 2017/18 cohort). According to the Immigration Department, each application will be considered on its own merits and most applications can be finalised in one or two weeks' time.
3. A new student identity card will be issued to the RPg student upon his/her successful application for a change of his/her study mode. A fee will be charged for the new student identity card.
4. Tuition fee arrangement after the change of mode of study is available here.