Applications invited for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2011/12
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The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

     Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC), the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is now inviting applications to attract outstanding PhD students all over the world to pursue their studies in Hong Kong.

     "Through the PhD Fellowship Scheme, our outstanding universities offer research opportunities in a broad range of PhD programmes with excellent support for the best and brightest students in the world," Chairman of the RGC, Professor Roland Chin, said.

     Candidates, irrespective of their country of origin and ethnic background, seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in the eight University Grants Committee-funded institutions in Hong Kong are encouraged to apply.

     "The objective of the scheme is to unite the brightest research postgraduate students and Hong Kong's higher education institutions, with the vision of nurturing the best students who excel in their chosen research fields, with advanced knowledge and a global outlook, poised to cope with the challenges of a changing world. We welcome students from all corners of the globe, of course including Hong Kong and Mainland China students," Professor Chin said.  

     The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of HK$20,000 and conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$10,000 per year for the awardees for a maximum period of three years. It is expected that 135 PhD Fellowships will be awarded for the 2011/12 academic year.  Selection panels with experts in the relevant broad areas - one for science, medicine, engineering and technology and another for the humanities, social sciences and business studies - will be formed to assess the shortlisted applicants according to their areas of studies.  

     Candidates should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

     "To develop the city into a regional and international hub for higher education and talent development, the scheme aims at promoting internationalised research collaboration and establishing academic links with institutions globally. Through the dynamics among the top students with different cultural backgrounds, we envisage that educational experiences will be enriched by the blend of diverse cultures, and the academic standard of Hong Kong's higher education and research capability will be substantially advanced," Professor Chin added.   
 
     Applicants should register through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System Initial Application at www.rgc.edu.hk/hkphd to obtain a reference number, and apply for the full-time PhD programmes at their selected institutions direct by quoting the reference number. The deadline for the initial application is  December 1, 2010. For enquiries about the scheme, please  email: HKPF@ugc.edu.hk.

Ends/Monday, September 6, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:01

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