UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · HONG KONG
PhD and MPhil at the Institute for the History of Science and Technology (IHSS)
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Institute for the History of Science and Technology (IHSS) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) offers PhD and MPhil research degrees. These programs are designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in various historical fields. Admission is based on academic merit and research potential. The university welcomes applications from candidates with strong undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. For international applicants whose previous academic instruction was not primarily in English, proof of English proficiency is required. The application process involves submitting an online form along with supporting documents such as academic transcripts, research proposals, and referee reports.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic requirements for the PhD and MPhil programs at IHSS?
- You need a good honours degree from HKU or an equivalent qualification from a comparable institution. Applicants whose previous academic instruction was not primarily in English must provide proof of English proficiency.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- For TOEFL (Internet-based), a score of 85 overall is required. For IELTS (Academic), a minimum of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in all sub-scores is needed. Test scores must be obtained within two years prior to application.
- How do I apply for the PhD and MPhil programs?
- Applications are submitted through the HKU Graduate School's online application system. You will need to create an account, complete the application form, and upload supporting documents such as transcripts, a research proposal, and referee reports.
- What are the application deadlines?
- The Main Round application period is from September 1, 2025 to December 1, 2025. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPF) initial application deadline is December 1, 2025.
- What are the tuition fees for these research degrees?
- Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes vary. Direct confirmation with the Graduate School is recommended as the provided fee information is for specific Master's programs and may not apply to research degrees.
- What kind of careers can I expect after completing a PhD or MPhil at IHSS?
- Graduates typically pursue careers in academia, research institutions, policy analysis, or specialized roles within industries requiring advanced analytical and research skills.
Entry requirements
Good honours degreeFrom HKU or an equivalent qualification from a comparable institution.
TOEFL (Internet-based)85 overall
IELTS (Academic)6.5 overall, with minimum 6.0 in all sub-scores
GCE (Overseas)Grade C or above
IGCSEGrade C or above
Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English LanguageGrade C or above
English language test scores must have been obtained within two years prior to application. Applicants from institutions where English was not the primary language of teaching and examination must provide proof of proficiency.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes vary. Please refer to the Graduate School website for the most current information.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes vary. Please refer to the Graduate School website for the most current information.
LivingEstimated living costs for students at HKU should be confirmed via the Graduate School website.
The fees provided on the supporting pages (HKD 250,000 per year for full-time taught postgraduate programmes) are for specific Master's programs and may not apply to research degrees. Direct confirmation with the Graduate School is recommended.
How to apply
1. 1. Visit the Online Application SystemAccess the HKU Graduate School's online application portal.
2. 2. Create an AccountRegister an account with your full name and a valid email address. This account will be used to track your application.
3. 3. Complete the Application FormFill in all required sections of the online application form accurately. You can save your progress and return later.
4. 4. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload or submit required documents, including certificates, transcripts, a research proposal, referee reports, English proficiency test scores (if applicable), and a writing sample. Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations.
5. 5. Pay the Application FeePay the non-refundable application fee online. Your application cannot be finalized until this fee is paid.
6. 6. Submit Your ApplicationEnsure all information is correct before final submission. An acknowledgement email with an application number will be sent upon successful submission.
Scholarships
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPF)Details on funding provided by the fellowship should be checked on the HKPF website.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic requirements for the PhD and MPhil programs at IHSS?
+
You need a good honours degree from HKU or an equivalent qualification from a comparable institution. Applicants whose previous academic instruction was not primarily in English must provide proof of English proficiency.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
For TOEFL (Internet-based), a score of 85 overall is required. For IELTS (Academic), a minimum of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in all sub-scores is needed. Test scores must be obtained within two years prior to application.
How do I apply for the PhD and MPhil programs?
+
Applications are submitted through the HKU Graduate School's online application system. You will need to create an account, complete the application form, and upload supporting documents such as transcripts, a research proposal, and referee reports.
What are the application deadlines?
+
The Main Round application period is from September 1, 2025 to December 1, 2025. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPF) initial application deadline is December 1, 2025.
What are the tuition fees for these research degrees?
+
Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes vary. Direct confirmation with the Graduate School is recommended as the provided fee information is for specific Master's programs and may not apply to research degrees.
What kind of careers can I expect after completing a PhD or MPhil at IHSS?
+
Graduates typically pursue careers in academia, research institutions, policy analysis, or specialized roles within industries requiring advanced analytical and research skills.