Given the breadth and depth of research faculty expertise across departments and schools in HKUST, students in the Public Policy Programmes will have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following key policy area: Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Environmental Policy and Sustainability, Social Changes and Public Policy, and China’s Development Policy. Visit the programme website for more information
A candidate for a PhD degree is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the chosen discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to the discipline.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the PhD in Public Policy from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, graduates will be able to:
- Using analytical tools and substantive knowledge gained on different policy domains to conduct rigorous policy research.
- Acquire the critical thinking and advanced research skills that are essential for policy research.
- Apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods for policy research.
- Develop and master field of specialty in public policy.
- Exercise independent and critical judgements in the debates about public policy.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Public Policy
- Research Methods in Public Policy
- Microeconomics and Public Policy
- Applied Econometrics
- Advanced Analytical Methods for Public Policy
- and more...
Please visit the programme website for further details.
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: 80
IELTS: 6.5
Other Requirements
General requirements:
- Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree programme should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification;
- Applicants seeking admission to a doctoral degree programme should have obtained a bachelor’s degree with a proven record of outstanding performance from a recognized institution; or presented evidence of satisfactory work at the postgraduate level on a full-time basis for at least one year, or on a part-time basis for at least two years.
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in any field with strong academic performance, especially in analytical courses.
- Applicants are highly recommended to have a satisfactory GMAT or GRE score.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
International: 7,888 AUD / year ≈ 44,500 HKD / year
Domestic: 7,888 AUD / year ≈ 44,500 HKD / year
Living Costs
Hong Kong (SAR): 2,432-4,151 AUD / month
Scholarships
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme - Grant: 1,700,000 HKD, Deadline: 01 Dec 2026, Merit-based
- RedBird PhD Award Program (for International Students) - Grant: 147,000 HKD, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based
- Postgraduate Studentship (PGS) - Grant: 229,620 HKD, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based
- Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local MPhil and PhD Students - Grant: 47,000 HKD, Deadline: Anytime, Merit-based
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program - Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship - Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships - Grant: 3,500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility - Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship - Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship - Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students - Grant: 5,000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026, Merit-based
- The PhD Prep Fellowship - Grant: 10,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026, Merit-based
- Dream Chaser Scholarship - Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities - Grant: 3,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria - Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship - Grant: 1,500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme - Grant: 12,000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
