For the PhD programme, the applicant shall have:

- Education background in international relations, political science, public administration, economics, sociology, or other social science-related subjects;

- A Master's degree holder from a recognized university; Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B"; or Completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.

- To fulfill the University's minimum English language requirements for admission:

• obtained a degree from a university in Hong Kong or taken a degree programme of which the medium of instruction was English; or
• achieved scores in the following English Language tests as indicated:
  • TOEFL: 79 of 120 / 4.5 of 6 (Internet-based/Home Edition)
  • IELTS (Academic): 6.5(Test Centre based/Online);
  • GMAT: Band 21 (Verbal);
  • GMAT Focus Edition: Band 78 (Verbal).

Note:

1）This is based on the understanding that English is the medium of instruction of degree programmes offered by universities in Hong Kong. Moreover, graduates from universities in Hong Kong should have fulfilled the English language requirements of the institution concerned when they were admitted to the degree programmes. The CUHKSZ Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency.

2) TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date. GMAT scores are considered valid for five years from the test date. “MyBest Score” of TOEFL or “IELTS One Skill Retake” are not accepted.

3) GMAT (Verbal) scores at or above the threshold value of 21 will be kept until the score validity phases out.

4) For more information on language and entry requirements for admission, please visit the Graduate School official website.

Application Fee

RMB 600 (Please note application fee once submitted is non-refundable and non-transferable).

Applicants are required to provide true, accurate and complete information in support of their applications. Any misrepresentation in the documents or information submitted will result in the disqualification of their applications and, if admitted, the cancellation of their enrolment at the University.

Applicants should upload electronic versions of all required documents to the Postgraduate Programmes Application System.

1. Official transcript(s) issued by your home university
   • Scanned copy of original official transcript(s), showing a complete record of courses taken, and examination results, and the grading scheme for all tertiary level studies.
2. Scanned copy of certificates of academic/professional qualifications (e.g., graduation certificate, the degree certificate, and certifications of other relevant qualifications)
   • Applicants with degrees from Mainland China must provide both the degree certificate (学位证书) and graduation certificate (毕业证书) ;
   • For applicants enrolling in AY 2026-27 and beyond: Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate, or Certificate of Authentication for Foreign Academic Degrees and Qualifications issued by the Ministry of Education Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CDGDC).
3. Documentary evidence demonstrating fulfillment of English language proficiency requirements.
4. Confidential recommendations from two referees.
   • Applicants can input the information of the referees through the Online Application System. After successfully submitting the application, the University will send invitations for confidential recommendations to the referees.
   • Both Confidential recommendations must be accompanied by the referee's signature.
5. Copy of identity card or other identification documents.
6. Personal Statement and Curriculum Vitae.
7. Research Proposal.
8. Published Works (if any).
9. Completed application form (via the Postgraduate Programmes Application System).
10. The University may require applicants to submit additional information or documentary proof if deemed necessary.
     

Admission Procedure

The screening of all applications will begin after the application deadline. Applicants with a complete application will enter the screening process. Those who are qualified for an entrance interview will be notified via email.

Applications close on 31 March 2027.

The normal period of study for the PhD programme is four years, with a maximum period of six years. Tuition fees are RMB 162,000 per year.

CUHK-Shenzhen PhD programmes may offer scholarships and teaching/research assistantships to outstanding applicants. Final arrangements are subject to the terms set out in the formal offer letter.

Notes:

1.The maximum period for fulfilling the PhD candidacy requirements, calculated from the date of enrolment.
2.Students who do not fulfil the PhD candidacy requirements within the maximum pre-candidacy period will be required either to withdraw from the programme or to transfer to the MPhil programme.

Q1: How many students are expected to be admitted?
A1: The intake will be determined based on the overall application profile. Admission is competitive and based on merit.

Q2: Is there a word limit or any specific requirement for the personal statement?
A2: The personal statement should be written in English and be approximately 1,000 words in length.

Q3: Is there a word limit or any specific requirement for the research proposal?
A3: There is no prescribed format or word limit. Please prepare the proposal independently and upload it under “Supplementary Information – Other Supporting Documents” in the online application system.

Q4: Are the MPhil and PhD separate programmes?
A4: Yes. They are separate programmes. At present, the PhD programme only admits applicants who have obtained a master’s degree.

Q5: Can students in the third year of a master’s degree apply?
A5: Yes. If admitted, you must meet all admission conditions before enrolment.

Q6: Are publications required for application? Are conference papers considered publications?
A6: Publications are not compulsory. However, applicants with research outputs or published work may receive favourable consideration. Conference papers will also be taken into account during the application assessment.

Q7: How are PhD scholarships awarded, and what proportion of students receive them?
A7: PhD scholarships are assessed and awarded by the Programme Committee. Scholarships may be available to eligible applicants.

Q8: What factors are considered during the application assessment?
A8: The assessment considers, but is not limited to, applicants’ undergraduate and master’s academic backgrounds, language proficiency, academic experience, research outputs or publications, and the quality of the research proposal.

Q9: Do I need to contact a potential supervisor before applying?
A9: No. You do not need to contact a potential supervisor in advance.

Q10: Is the interview conducted by a committee, or through communication with a prospective supervisor?
A10: Admission and scholarship decisions are made following a holistic assessment by the PhD Admissions Committee.

Q11: Are supervisors allocated according to applicants’ rankings?
A11: Supervisor selection is a dynamic and mutually agreed process between students and supervisors.