4-Year PhD Programme

1. Uniformed commencement date (beginning of the 1st semester of an academic year, or the 2nd semester for students admitted in the clearing round)

2. A minimum of ^{^}22 units coursework requirement

3. Qualifying examination between 13th and 18th month
   (Students are required to satisfy all coursework requirements including Mandatory Common Core Programme (MCCP) before the qualifying examination, except for Research Seminars which should be taken throughout the course of studies.)

4. Candidature examination by 30th month

5. 1 to 6 months of non-local international research learning experience* (e.g. one non-local international attachment¹ or two attendances at reputable non-local international conferences, workshops, events or exhibitions, featuring either a poster or an oral presentation) 

6. At least 1 physically attendance, an oral/poster presentation, and publication at reputable international conferences, workshops, events or exhibitions before graduation (depending on disciplinary requirements)

Note: Students should also fulfill the specific requirements stipulated by individual Faculty/School.

*Virtual participation will not be counted, except for students who have already been approved for study leave for a virtual event prior to the effective date (i.e. 5 November 2024)

^More units may be required by specific disciplines

¹To cater to the diverse career aspirations, the one-month non-local international attachment could be replaced by one-month research internship with the industry, business, NGO, etc. In this regard, the requirement could either be NIRLE or Internship.

Coursework Requirement	Units
Mandatory Common Core Programme (MCCP)	3
#Research Seminars	*4
#Research Methodology Course	3
Other Courses	^12

*A minimum of 4-8 units in total, that is 0.5/1-unit for each semester.

^#Students are welcome to seek course selection advice from Principal Supervisor/Department.

^More units may be required by specific disciplines

Non-local International Research Learning Experience
Non-local International Research Learning Experience Guideline
Frequently Asked Questions for Arranging Non-local International Research Learning Experience (NIRLE)
For travel insurance, students shall submit the “Overseas Travel Insurance Declaration Form for Official Trip” to Finance Office before departure date. Please visit https://fohome.hkbu.edu.hk/for-students/download-centre/download-centre.html for access to the declaration form and follow the guidelines from Finance Office.