Overview

The PhD Programme in Public Policy from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology seeks to train students in original research in public policy and to cultivate the independent, interdisciplinary and innovative thinking that is essential for a successful career in public policy research and formulation.

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.

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.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

21 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR)

Disciplines

Public Policy

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

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.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and/or in Hong Kong (SAR), please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

44500 HKD / year

≈ 44500 HKD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

44500 HKD / year

≈ 44500 HKD / year

Living costs

Hong Kong

Hong Kong (SAR)

13720 - 23419 HKD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Public Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Hong Kong

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners