Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering

Key Facts

• Research-focused curriculum combining advanced coursework with independent investigation
• Mentorship from world-class faculty with expertise in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies
• Active engagement with seminars, research presentations, and the academic community

Programme Structure

Courses include:

• Doing Research @ HKU
• Introduction to Qualitative/Quantitative Research Methods
• Thesis Writing
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Stream-based Responsible Conduct of Research
• Transferable Skills

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL iBT: 85 (or a new TOEFL iBT 1-6 score (CEFR-aligned) of 4.5, equivalent to the 0-120 score).

IELTS: 6.5

General requirements

3-year PhD

• a Bachelor's degree with honours and a research Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university

4-year PhD

• a Bachelor's degree with honours and a taught Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or
• a Bachelor's degree with first class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university

English Language Requirements:

An applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to obtain one of the followings:

• an overall score of 85 or above (for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026) or an overall score of 4.5 or above (for tests taken from Jan 21, 2026 onwards) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
• a minimum overall band of 6.5 with no subtest lower than 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic module); or
• grade C or above in the Overseas General Certificate of Education (GCE); or
• grade C or above in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE); or
• grade C or above in the Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language (CPE).

Duration

• Full-time
  • 48 months
    • 3-year PhD programme: 36 months
    • 4-year PhD programme: 48 months
• Part-time
  • 72 months
    • 3-year PhD programme: 54 months
    • 4-year PhD programme: 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

You can apply for and start this programme anytime.

• Applications for admission to the PhD programme and the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme are invited all year round.
• Applications to the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme are usually invited from September to early December.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fees

Fees for both National and International

• Full-time: HK$49,500 per year
• Part-time: HK$63,000 per year

Living costs

Hong Kong (SAR): 2,510-4,285 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR)

Disciplines

Civil Engineering & Construction