The Hong Kong Polytechnic University accords great importance to developing a strong research degree programme emphasizing collaborative and applied research that can elevate the quality of life and create wealth for the community. Through these programmes, we foster graduates who can apply theories in practice and who may later join a top-quality workforce in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China. Currently, there are about 668 students pursuing the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) under a wide spectrum of disciplines offered by the twenty-five academic departments of the University.

To promote an international environment in the University, we welcome students from different cultural backgrounds to pursue their research studies here. We now invite applications for six international scholarships that will be offered to full-time PhD applicants who are academically strong and who will bring cultural diversity to the University.

Eligibility for the International Postgraduate Scholarships
The applicant should preferably possess a first-class (honours) bachelor’s degree or equivalent (a GPA of 3.75 or above in the US system, or be within the top 10% of graduates in other systems) from a reputable university. Final-year students in bachelor’s degree programmes are also eligible to apply and, if successful, they will be given a conditional offer subject to their obtaining a first-class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants who have produced a number of high quality research output items during their postgraduate studies but are however holders of an upper second-class (honours) bachelor’s degree will also be considered.

Selection Criteria
Selection is based on the following criteria, with (i) being the overriding criterion, and documentary evidence on each must be provided by the applicant:

(i) substantial international exposure and the potential to contribute to the internationalization of the University; applicants who have not resided outside China for five or more years will not be considered;
(ii) records of academic achievements;
(iii) potential to excel in research degree studies;
(iv) letter(s) of reference.

If (ii) and (iii) are not obvious from the curriculum vitae (resumé) of the applicant, then a short statement addressing these criteria should be submitted.

Consideration will also be given to applicants whose research area is in line with the Faculty/School/Departmental research focus, and to those applicants having a proposed Chief Supervisor with substantial supervision experience.

Particulars of Scholarship
Each scholarship consists of a research studentship of between two and four years (depending on the academic qualifications and working experience of the student) comprising HK$12,800* per month, associated money of HK$20,000 per normal study year, and the waiving of the tuition fees for the normal period of study. The waiving of tuition fees for the normal period of study will, however, be subject to satisfactory progress made by the student, as confirmed by the Departmental Research Committee. Successful applicants are expected to commence their studies no later than August 2008.

* 1 US$ = 7.8 HK$ (The University reserves the right to adjust the studentship amount as and when deems appropriate.)

Conditions for obtaining a Study Visa
Successful applicants must have a valid study visa before they can begin studying in Hong Kong. The University will sponsor the applicants, but not their dependents, to apply for a study visa.

Application Procedures
Interested persons should first explore the opportunity with an appropriate department. An application must be made by the faculty member of the University under whose guidance the applicant intends to work (the Chief Supervisor designate), in the form of a research project proposal. Applicants may refer here for details on the major research areas currently being pursued in each academic department and the contact information of the Chair of each Departmental Research Committee. Applicants are required to fill in Form RC/IPS and to attach their certificates of academic attainments and other documents (addressing the selection criteria) with their applications. A non-refundable fee of HK$150 (or US$20) will be charged for each application.# The closing date for applications is 15 January 2008. Applicants may also contact the Research Office in Room M501, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (Fax: (852) 2355 7651, e-mail: roro@inet.polyu.edu.hk) for further information.

# Applicants should settle the application fee in the form of a cheque issued by any bank in Hong Kong or a bank draft payable to “The Hong Kong Polytechnic University”. On the back of the cheque/bank draft, they should write down their names in block letters and send it to the faculty member together with the application materials.

The results will be announced in March 2008. Successful applicants will be notified of the details of offer individually.

VIA: official announcement

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