Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

This scheme gives students from around the world the opportunity to study for a PhD in one of Hong Kong’s highly ranked universities. If you are interested in conducting cutting-edge research in one of the following areas, PolyU’s renowned Department of English is the place for you:

• Language and Professional Communication
• Linguistics, English Language and Systemic Functional Linguistics
• Language Teaching and Learning
• Media and Communication
• Area Studies and Intercultural Communication

Key features of the Fellowship Scheme

• Monthly stipend of HK$26,900 (approximately US$3,450)
• Annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,500 (approximately US$1,730) for 3 years
• Tuition scholarship and guaranteed hall accommodation in the two years of study

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

Over the years, PolyU has established an excellent reputation for providing high-quality professional education and for conducting high-impact research with practical value. In the QS World University Rankings 2022, PolyU ranked 65th in the world while ranking 25th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2021. In the area of linguistics, the Faculty of Humanities – of which the Department of English and Communication is a part – ranked 51st in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021. The medium of instruction and administration at PolyU is English, making it the perfect setting for international students wishing to undertake doctoral studies.

Department of English and Communication

With ‘Linguistic Excellence in Professional Contexts’ as our mission, our research in the Department focuses on applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and professional communication. Thematically, our research covers major areas such as health communication, political communication, digital media communication, advertising and (city) branding, and language teaching and learning, as well as core areas in linguistics, including the study of language in society and discourse analysis. Much of our research is conducted under the auspices of our two internationally oriented research centres:

• The Research Centre for Professional Communication in English
• The International Research Centre for the Advancement of Health Communication

We regularly host major international conferences and symposia as well as research seminars featuring leading scholars from around the world. The Department is therefore a very vibrant and congenial setting in which to study for a doctorate.

Recent Awardees

Jamie McKeown, United Kingdom

I have enjoyed life and work in Hong Kong immensely thus far; the city is one of the most vibrant and convenient places I have ever lived in. Studying at PolyU is equally rewarding: first-rate resources coupled with supportive work practices bode well for a comfortable working environment.

Esterina Nervino, Italy

I first came to PolyU as an MA exchange student and I immediately fell in love with this amazing city. Now I am happy to be back and have this great opportunity to do research in a very international and stimulating environment where I have access to all the resources I need for my project and I have the chance to work with world-renowned scholars in my research area.

Didem Aydin, Turkey

Being a post-graduate student at PolyU has been a wonderful and intellectually stimulating experience. There are many local conferences attended by experts from all around the world, not to mention our esteemed faculty in the Department of English. On top of that, the city of Hong Kong is a beautiful place where I can learn about the Cantonese language and culture, which I truly enjoy.

Mark Nartey, Ghana

A number of things make PolyU a suitable destination for doctoral studies: excellent facilities, first-class supervision, elite training, the inspiring staff, and the stimulating academic environment. In addition to the incredibly supportive environment PolyU offers me, I continue to benefit from the diverse sociocultural experiences one finds in this cosmopolitan university and in Hong Kong in general. Studying at PolyU is a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience, providing me with a solid foundation for professional development and social impact.

Selection criteria

The primary consideration is academic excellence, as indicated by the possession of a Master’s degree or, in exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours. Selection panels also take account of the following factors:

• Research ability and potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership ability