Academic Qualification Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the PhD degree programme should possess:
- a master’s degree from a recognised university or comparable institution; or
- a bachelor’s degree with first-class honours from a recognised university or comparable institution
Language Proficiency Requirements
An applicant seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution where the language of instruction and/or examination is not English must submit an official score report with the scores obtained from either of the following tests (achieved in a single sitting):
| Test | Overall | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing | Remarks |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (iBT)* | ≥79 | ≥18 | ≥18 | ≥18 | ≥19 | For tests taken before 21 January 2026 |
| ≥4.5# | ≥4 | ≥4.5 | ≥4 | ≥4.5 | For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 | |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | ≥6.5 | ≥5.5 | ≥5.5 | ≥5.5 | ≥5.5 | -- |
Test results of TOEFL-iBT Home Edition or IELTS Indicator will not be considered.
(* iBT: Internet-based Test. The TOEFL institution code of the University is 9467).
#Subject to the Senate’s final approval on overall and sub-scores requirements.
Specific Requirements by Faculty/School
For programme-specific entrance requirements, please refer to the respective academic unit's website (Programme Page) for details.
HKPFS Selection Criteria
While the academic excellence is of prime consideration, the Review Panels will take into account, but is not limited to the yardsticks below for the selection of candidates:
- Academic excellence
- Research ability and potential
- Leadership ability and societal responsibility, and
- Communication, interpersonal skills