CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€21k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- MPhil: 2 years (full-time), 3 years (part-time)MPhil Duration
- PhD: 4 years (full-time), 6 years (part-time)PhD Duration
- EnglishMedium of Instruction
- PhD Qualifying Exam requiredMilestone
- Thesis, Oral Defence, Written/Practical ExamsAssessment Methods
- Potential for HKPFS fundingScholarship Opportunity
CityUHK School of Law offers research-focused MPhil and PhD degrees designed for students passionate about contributing to legal knowledge. These programs involve a significant research project, a component of coursework, and for PhD candidates, a thesis that must offer a substantial original contribution to the field. Students become active members of a vibrant research community, benefiting from supervision by regional and international experts in various legal specialisms. The School fosters a culture of integrated research and teaching, aiming to produce research that benefits society locally, regionally, and globally. Both theoretical and applied research are encouraged.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the PhD in Law program?
- The tuition fee for international students for the academic year 2026/27 is HK$190,000. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.
- How long does the PhD in Law program typically take to complete?
- The PhD in Law program is designed for 4 years of full-time study, or 6 years of part-time study.
- What are the English language requirements for admission?
- You need to provide proof of English proficiency with a TOEFL score of 97 (internet-based), an IELTS overall band score of 7.0, or a CET-6 score of 520.
- What is the application deadline for the 2026 entry?
- The application deadline for 2026 entry is 1 December 2025.
- Are there scholarship opportunities available for PhD students?
- Yes, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) offers a monthly stipend and travel allowance. Other studentships and scholarships may also be available.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD program?
- To be eligible for the PhD program, you typically need a higher degree by research, a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with first-class honours, or equivalent qualifications.
Entry requirements
MPhilRelevant Bachelor's degree with first or second class honours (or equivalent).
PhDCurrent MPhil student seeking transfer, OR a higher degree by research (or equivalent), OR a Master's degree (or equivalent), OR a Bachelor's degree with first-class honours (or equivalent).
TOEFL97 (internet-based)
IELTS7.0 (overall band)
CET-6520
English proficiency requirements apply if your prior qualification was not taught in English. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. CET-6 scores are valid for three years.
Fees
Tuition (international)HK$190,000 per academic year
Tuition (home)HK$47,000 per academic year (for 2026/27)
LivingHK$50,000 – HK$60,000 per academic year (estimated)
Tuition fees are subject to annual review. Living costs are estimates and can vary based on lifestyle.
How to apply
1. Identify Research Interests and Potential SupervisorsExplore the research expertise of the faculty members and identify supervisors whose research aligns with your interests. Contact them to discuss your research proposal.
2. Prepare a Research ProposalDevelop a research proposal following the provided guidelines. You may also submit up to three published academic works if available, with English abstracts for non-English publications.
3. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary academic transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/CET-6), and any other supporting documents, including your research proposal and publications (if applicable).
4. Submit Initial Application (for HKPFS)If applying for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), submit an initial application to the Research Grants Council (RGC).
5. Submit Full Application to CityUHKComplete and submit the full application form to CityUHK, including all required documents and the research proposal. For HKPFS applicants, this is a follow-up to the RGC application.
Scholarships
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)HK$28,400 monthly stipend + HK$14,200 annual travel allowance (for up to 3 years)
Postgraduate StudentshipsNot specified
Research Tuition ScholarshipsNot specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the PhD in Law program?
+
The tuition fee for international students for the academic year 2026/27 is HK$190,000. Tuition fees are subject to annual review.
How long does the PhD in Law program typically take to complete?
+
The PhD in Law program is designed for 4 years of full-time study, or 6 years of part-time study.
What are the English language requirements for admission?
+
You need to provide proof of English proficiency with a TOEFL score of 97 (internet-based), an IELTS overall band score of 7.0, or a CET-6 score of 520.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 entry?
+
The application deadline for 2026 entry is 1 December 2025.
Are there scholarship opportunities available for PhD students?
+
Yes, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) offers a monthly stipend and travel allowance. Other studentships and scholarships may also be available.
What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD program?
+
To be eligible for the PhD program, you typically need a higher degree by research, a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with first-class honours, or equivalent qualifications.