The Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is one of the core forms of financial support offered to research postgraduate students, including MPhil and PhD candidates, to enable them to pursue their studies without the need for external income. It helps students focus on research and academic development while receiving regular stipends and associated support.
1. What Is the Postgraduate Studentship (PGS)?
At HKUST, a Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) is a financial support award provided to full-time research postgraduate students to help cover living costs, tuition fees, and related expenses throughout their normative period of study. The PGS is not a loan or employment income — rather, it is support awarded on the basis of academic merit and research suitability. Bmphd
Unlike scholarships that may require separate applications, the PGS is typically awarded automatically to eligible full-time applicants when they are admitted into a research postgraduate program.
2. Eligibility: Who Can Receive the PGS?
To be eligible for the HKUST PGS:
-
Full-time MPhil or PhD students enrolled in research postgraduate programs are considered.
-
It is awarded based on academic merit, English proficiency, and the suitability of the student for their program of study.
-
Students on off-campus or part-time statuses are generally not eligible for PGS.
-
Receiving other scholarships does not automatically preclude PGS eligibility, but final award decisions may be subject to conditions of other funding sources.
3. How Much Is the PGS? (Stipend and Duration)
The amount of the studentship is set by the University and reviewed regularly. Around the 2025–26 academic year, the regular PGS was approximately HK$19,135 per month during the normative study period.
Other school information sources cite amounts such as HK$229,620 per year (~US$29,470) depending on the program and internal accounting.
Normative Studentship Duration
The studentship supports you for the normative duration of study:
| Program | Normative Years | Typical PGS Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time MPhil | 2 years | Studentship for the full 24 months |
| Full-time PhD | 3–4 years | Pays throughout the normative period depending on prior qualifications (3 years if candidate has a relevant research master’s; 4 otherwise) |
This means that eligible students receive PGS for the expected duration of their degree as long as they remain in good academic standing.
4. How PGS Fits into HKUST’s Funding Ecosystem
HKUST postgraduate students often receive financial support from multiple sources:
A. Postgraduate Studentship (PGS)
-
Primary stipend for most research students.
-
Awarded automatically with admission.
B. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
-
A separate competitive government-funded award providing a larger stipend, tuition waiver, travel allowance, and additional awards for excellent candidates.
-
Students can apply for HKPFS in addition to PGS consideration (but typically receive only one funding package).
C. Other Grants and Awards
-
Research travel grants, university scholarships, and special awards like the RedBird PhD Award may supplement a student’s funding.
5. Benefits of the PGS
Primary Financial Support
-
Provides stable monthly allowance to support living expenses (housing, food, supplies).
-
Helps cover or offset tuition fees (directly or indirectly by easing financial pressure).
Academic Freedom
-
PGS allows students to focus on research progress without the need for part-time work outside academic duties.
Research Integration
-
Typical engagement includes graduate teaching assistant duties (GTA) or research assistant duties, which are part of holistic doctoral training, not employment.
Pathway to Advanced Funding
-
PGS awardees may become stronger candidates for larger or external awards (e.g., HKPFS or industry research support).
6. Obligations and Conditions
PGS recipients are not simply passive beneficiaries — there are expectations:
Academic Progress
-
Students must make satisfactory progress in research or coursework to retain funding.
Graduate Teaching or Research Duties
-
Engagement in GTA or research support duties is common and considered part of the academic experience rather than paid employment.
Compliance with University Regulations
-
Students must maintain full-time status throughout the period of PGS.
-
If students take leaves of absence or fall seriously behind academically, PGS payments may be suspended or withdrawn.
7. Application Process for PGS
Interestingly — no separate application is usually required for PGS itself. Instead:
-
You submit your research postgraduate application (MPhil or PhD) to HKUST.
-
The admissions review automatically considers your eligibility for PGS.
-
If successful for admission and meeting eligibility, the studentship is offered as part of the offer letter.
This means the critical application step is securing admission to the research program; the PGS award is linked to that status.
8. Relationship with the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
Many strong PhD applicants also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, a high-prestige award run by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC). It provides:
-
A generous annual stipend (e.g., HK$340,800).
-
Tuition waiver for the fellowship period.
-
Travel and research awards.
HKUST encourages eligible applicants to apply for HKPFS through both RGC and HKUST systems by early December (year before admission) when deadlines fall.
Even if an applicant is not selected for HKPFS, they may be considered for PGS within HKUST’s standard funding framework. Bmphd
9. Strategic Tips for Prospective Applicants
Early and Strong Application
Apply early with a high-quality research proposal and strong academic records to maximize admissions and PGS consideration.
Consider HKPFS Alongside PGS
If eligible (especially PhD applicants with strong research records), also apply for the HKPFS — it can offer significantly greater support and prestige.
Understand Normative Durations
Be aware of the different normative study periods for MPhil vs. PhD; this impacts how long your PGS can be paid.
Maintain Good Academic Standing
PGS renewal each year depends on satisfactory research progress and compliance with university requirements.
10. Conclusion
HKUST’s Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) is a foundational funding pathway for research postgraduate students. It provides a regularly reviewed stipend to support students throughout their normative study period without the burden of seeking external work. It works alongside other awards like the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and travel or research grants, helping make postgraduate research at one of Asia’s leading research universities both financially viable and academically enriching. Bmphd
