Research Postgraduate Programmes

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy / Master of Philosophy

The School invites high calibre students with evidence of academic excellence, research ability and good communication skills to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) studies.

Discover our diverse research areas and read the Prospectus for Postgraduate Studies to learn more about the research journey at PolyU.

RGC Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme KUOK Group Fellowship / PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme / International PhD Fellowship Scheme PolyU Research Postgraduate Scholarship Projects Recruiting Research Students Residency Programme

Full-time PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the RGC Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).

Learn more: Visit the PolyU HKPFS webpage for details.

Student experience: Hear directly from our current HKPFS awardees (here).

Important Dates

Step 1: Submit an Initial application to the RGC HKPFS Application System to obtain a reference number

Period: 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026, HKT 12:00 (GMT+8)

Step 2: Submit your full application to PolyU via RPgAdmission System

Deadline: 1 December 2026, HKT 23:59 (GMT+8)

HKPFS candidates nominated by PolyU to the RGC will automatically be offered a PhD place with the PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS) scholarship package.

KUOK Group Fellowship and PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme are designed for top candidates worldwide who have demonstrated exceptional academic and research achievements. International PhD Fellowship Scheme aims at attracting high-calibre foreign students to pursue their PhD studies.

Successful applicants are offered attractive scholarship package. For more details, please click here.

A limited number of studentship places are available for full-time research postgraduate students. Students will be offered financial support, allowing them to focus fully on their studies. Granting of studentships will be reviewed on an annual basis, subject to satisfactory performance. Recipients of studentships are required to provide support for teaching and professional service. For more details, please click here.

Deadline for application: here

Some projects are currently seeking research students. Interested parties are advised to contact the principal investigator by email.

(Please click here for further information)

The School has established a Residency Programme (Research Stream) for applicants who are interested in clinical research. Eligible candidates must be graduates with an optometric qualification recognized by the Hong Kong Optometrists Board for Part I of the Optometrist Register. They should have good clinical performance in their optometric training. Research students via this route are required to provide quality teaching and eye care services through an appointment under the Residency Programme, as well as devote themselves to PhD study.

Application period for Residency Programme

Details will be announced in due course.

Scholarship
Applicants meeting the selection criteria of Residency Programme (Research Stream) will be awarded the “School of Optometry Scholarship for Residency Programme (Research Stream)”.

How to Apply
1. Find Your Supervisor

Explore our research areas and contact a member of our academic staff (here) to jointly develop your research proposal.

2. Submit Your Application

All applications must be submitted online via the RPgAdmission System. Please note that a non-refundable, non-transferrable application fee applies and must be settled upon submission. Otherwise, your application cannot be processed.

3. Attend an Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a departmental interview, during which you will be asked to present your research proposal.

Programme Structure

Programme	Coursework Requirement	Details
MPhil	9 credits	1 credit from an academic integrity and ethics subject 2 credits from attending seminars 3 credits from a quantitative/qualitative subject or equivalent 3 credits from Guided-study/other subjects
3-year full-time PhD	15 credits	1 credit from an academic integrity and ethics subject 3 credits from attending seminars 2 credits from Practicum 3 credits from a quantitative/qualitative subject or equivalent 6 credits from Guided-study/other subjects

Enquiries
Please address your enquiries to Departmental Research Committee Secretary (email: so.rpg@polyu.edu.hk).

More information on Fellowship & Scholarship Schemes.

Disclaimer: All information here is for reference only. The information provided on this page is subject to change without prior notice. In the case of any dispute or disagreement, the School reserves the right on making any changes/revisions as well as the final decision.