Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering is a research-intensive postgraduate curriculum that integrates cutting-edge technological innovation with real-world application. The PhD programme aims to cultivate competent researchers who would like to develop their career in research, academia, and other professional areas.
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:
- Advanced topics in Solids Mechanics Research
- Mechanical Engineering Research Seminar
- Advanced topics in Fluid Flows and Transport Phenomena Research
- Advanced topics in Materials Research
- Advanced topics in Control Engineering Research
Key information
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.
Language
English
TOEFL iBT: 85 overall score (for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026) or 4.5 or above on the New TOEFL iBT 1-6 score (CEFR-aligned) (for tests taken from Jan 21, 2026 onwards).
IELTS: 6.5 overall band.
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR)
Disciplines
- Mechanical Engineering
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 overall score (for tests taken before Jan 21, 2026) or 4.5 or above on the New TOEFL iBT 1-6 score (CEFR-aligned) (for tests taken from Jan 21, 2026 onwards).
IELTS: 6.5 overall band.
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).
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
International tuition fees: 9,057 AUD / year (≈ 49,500 HKD / year).
Domestic tuition fees: 9,057 AUD / year (≈ 49,500 HKD / 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.