Research Postgraduate

Research Postgraduate Programmes

The School of Public Health has an internationally recognized track record of innovative and groundbreaking research in public health, and enjoys a leading regional reputation in postgraduate and professional education and training.

The application period for admissions in 2025-26 commenced on September 1, 2024 and the application dates are as follows:

https://gradsch.hku.hk/prospective_students/application/how_to_apply

	Application Dates
HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS)^#	September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025 Cut-off dates: December 1, 2024; April 30, 2025; August 31, 2025
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (HKPF)*	Initial Application to the Research Grants Council (RGC): September 1, 2024 noon - December 1, 2024 noon Full Application to HKU: September 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024
Main Round	September 1, 2024- December 1, 2024
1st Clearing Round	December 2, 2024 - April 30, 2025
2nd Clearing Round	May 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025

# For further details on the HKU-PS Scheme, please visit the Graduate School’s website (https://gradsch.hku.hk/prospective_students/fees_scholarships_and_financial_support/hku_presidential_phd_scholar_programme)

* For further details on the HKPF Scheme, please visit the RGC's website (http://www.rgc.edu.hk/hkphd)

Research Questions

How does a virus evolve and transmit in different hosts?
How to describe individual and population immunity against influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses?
How do antimicrobial resistant genes in bacteria and fungi emerge and transmit in humans, animals and the environment?
Why do men have substantially shorter lives than women?
Why is it so difficult to find new ways of preventing major chronic diseases?
Why do cancer patients fail to adhere to global recommendations on physical activity and healthy diet?
What are the impacts of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and exercise on health outcomes?
What are the prevailing and emerging social and environmental determinants of mental health?
What have been the health, social, and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic?
What policies should countries adopt to help them achieve Universal Health Coverage?

Major Research Clusters and HKU-Pasteur Research Pole

Departmental Requirements

Three postgraduate courses as specified by the Departmental Research Postgraduate Committee.
Annual seminar presentation on research progress.
Probationary written progress reports.
Active participation in the bi-weekly journal club and annual scientific retreat.
Regular attendance at research seminars and active participation in extra-departmental courses, workshops, symposia and conferences.