Biomedical Sciences

Program Overview

• Full-time PhD program, duration: 4 years (48 months)
• Location: Hong Kong
• Teaching language: English
• Funding: Multiple scholarships available (see Notes)

Research Areas

• DNA Damage Detection and Repair Mechanisms
• Genome Stability and DNA Damage Response
• Molecular Control of Cell Cycle Checkpoints
• Cancer Therapeutic Targets
• Gene Editing Strategies
• Gene Therapy Strategies

Eligibility

• Academic background: Master's degree in Biology or highly related field, or bachelor's degree in relevant discipline (research experience preferred)
• GPA: 3.6/4, 3.6/4.3, or 80/100 (bachelor's degree same)
• Language: IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL ≥ 85; English-taught master's may apply for language waiver
• References: 2 academic recommendation letters

Application Windows

• Scholarship PhD: September 1 – December 1
• Self-funded PhD: Year-round

Timeline

• Scholarship PhD: Apply between September 1 and December 1
• Self-funded PhD: Apply any time

Source URL

• TBD

Notes

• Funding and scholarships:
  • Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS): ~300 awards/year, open to all nationalities
    • Monthly stipend: 28,400 HKD
    • Annual travel/research allowance: 14,200 HKD
    • Cash award: 40,000 HKD (first year), 20,000 HKD/year (subsequent years)
    • Full tuition waiver for PhD duration
    • Additional year of support for outstanding research
  • HKU Faculty of Medicine entrance scholarship: 50,000 HKD (first year, paid in four installments)
  • Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS): 19,135 HKD/month (for eligible full-time PhD students, subject to conditions)
• Living costs:
  • On-campus housing: ~5,000 HKD/month (guaranteed for first-year non-local and scholarship PhD students)
  • Off-campus housing: ~6,000–8,000 HKD/month
  • Estimated living expenses: ~13000 RMB/month
• Application materials:
  • Copy of academic degree certificates
  • English language transcript (if applicable)
  • Transcripts for all higher education, including full course and exam records, and grading standards
  • 2 academic recommendation letters
  • Copy of Hong Kong ID or other identification
  • Assessment report from evaluation authority (required if degree awarded by overseas university via online/short-term courses)