Programme Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Laws is the most advanced research degree in law offered at CUHK. This programme is intended for students who aspire to careers in legal academia. PhD candidates are required to write a dissertation that makes a significant contribution to legal scholarship, working under the supervision of CUHK faculty members. Admission is highly competitive, with only a limited number of places available each year.
Application Deadlines for 2026-27
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
Initial application to Research Grants Council (RGC) by 12 noon, 1 December 2025 (Hong Kong time)
Full application to CUHK by 11:59 pm, 1 December 2025 (Hong Kong time)
Regular Admission: Main Round
1 December 2025
You are strongly encouraged to apply by this deadline. Most PhD students are selected from the main round of applicants.
Regular Admission: Clearing Round
31 March 2026
Applications in the clearing round will only be considered if places are available.
Even if you do not plan to apply for HKPFS, application by 1 December is strongly recommended. Most (if not all) research students are selected from the main round. For details about the HKPFS, visit the RGC website and the CUHK Graduate School website.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must fulfill the CUHK General Admissions Requirements and English Language Proficiency Requirements. Details can be found at https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk.
In addition, MPhil applicants must possess:
- a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with first class honours or upper second class honours awarded by a recognised university; or
- a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or a Master of Laws (LLM) degree awarded by a recognised university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above; or
- an equivalent degree (including non-law related) awarded by a recognised tertiary educational institution.
PhD applicants must possess either (b) or (c) mentioned above. Of course, these are only minimum requirements, and actual admission on a competitive basis could demand much more.
Applicants must satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirements by:
- possessing a degree awarded by a recognised university in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country, or taught primarily in the English Language; or
- achieving a result of Band 7.5 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS test results must be obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying for admission to the PhD/MPhil Programme; or
- achieving at least a score of 600 (Paper Based Test) or 100 (Internet Based Test) in the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL test results must be obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying for admission to the PhD/MPhil Programme; or
- providing alternative evidence of English Proficiency equivalent to one of the preceding measures.
HKPFS applicants should visit the HKPFS website for additional admission requirements. All applicants must also meet the General Requirements of the CUHK Graduate School.
Application Materials
Research Plan
Not exceeding 5,000 words, including:
- Title of the research
- Research objectives
- Major problem(s) to be explored
- Outline of subject-matter content
- Literature review
- Research methodologies
- Expected contribution to the field
- Bibliographical references
Personal Statement
Not exceeding 1,500 words, describing:
- Academic experiences
- Professional experiences
- Interests and goals
- Personal credentials relevant to proposed research
Curriculum Vitae
Brief CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Your research plan is a critical component of your application. It must be your own independent work. A well-structured research plan demonstrates your potential for conducting academic research at the PhD level.
Application materials also include references, transcripts, and other documents as detailed in the online application.
Programme Information
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Campus: University main campus in Shatin
- Delivery Mode: Full-time or part-time study modes
Programme Duration
With Research Master’s Degree
Full-time mode:
Normative: 36 months
Maximum: 84 months
Part-time mode:
Normative: 48 months
Maximum: 96 months
Without Research Master’s Degree
Full-time mode:
Normative: 48 months
Maximum: 84 months
Part-time mode:
Normative: 64 months
Maximum: 96 months
The normative study period is the expected timeframe for completing all programme requirements, including coursework and thesis.
The maximum period represents the absolute deadline for programme completion.
Programme Requirements
First Two Academic Terms
- LAWS7001 Orientation to Research Postgraduate Studies
- LAWS7002 Research Methodologies
- LAWS7004 Legal Education Practicum
First Term of Second Year
- LAWS7003 Legal Academic Composition for Research Postgraduate Students
Throughout Enrollment
- LAWS8001 Thesis Research, Writing and Organisation
Students are also required to complete the following modules for graduation:
- Improving Postgraduate Learning (IPL) module on “Observing Intellectual Property and Copyright Law during Research”
- Research Ethics Training module on “Publication Ethics” and obtain a valid Publication Ethics Certificate
- IPL module on “Basics of Research Data Management”
In their graduating year, students must submit a dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to learning in the field of law. The dissertation must be an original piece of work, endorsed by the student’s supervisors. Students are also required to pass an oral examination.
Financial Information
Tuition Fees
HK$47,000 per year for 2026-27 and HK$49,500 per year for 2027-28, for both full-time and part-time PhD and MPhil students.
Student Housing
Full-time research postgraduate students within their normative study period are eligible to apply for on-campus accommodation at the Postgraduate Halls. Further details can be found here.
Studentship
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
The HKPFS was created by Hong Kong Research Grants Council in 2009 to give Hong Kong universities world class financing for our most promising full-time PhD students. It awards a monthly stipend of HK$28,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,200 for up to three years. If a Fellowship winner has a normative study period of four years, CUHK will provide financing at the same level during the fourth year. If you would like to know more about the HKPFS, please visit the following URL for further details:
https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs
CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship
Fellowship winners are offered a tuition fee waiver for their whole normative study period and an award of HK$40,000 for lodging in the first year of study and HK$20,000 in the subsequent years within the normative study period. CUHK guarantees on-campus accommodation during the normative study period to Fellowship winners who submit timely applications. The on-campus hostel fee will be waived in the first year of study.
CUHK Postgraduate Studentship
Even if not awarded a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship, all candidates admitted to the CUHK LAW’s full-time PhD or MPhil Programme still receive a generous stipend during the normative research and writing period that, for the current academic year, amounts to HK$19,100 monthly. Funding for conferences and research-related travel is also available.
CUHK Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarship
Besides CUHK Postgraduate Studentship, PhD candidates who are nominated to the HKPFS by CUHK but not being selected for HKPFS will be offered an award of HK$80,000 in three instalments (i.e. HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 in each of the second and third year of study, subject to satisfactory study progress).
Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students
The Hong Kong Government grants a tuition waiver to all current and newly admitted local full-time PhD and MPhil students enrolled in UGC-funded RPg programmes for their entire normative period of study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit one application for both MPhil and PhD Programmes?
No. You will need to apply separately for each Programme as applications for admission into either MPhil or PhD Programme will be processed independently.
Should I mention my preferred supervisor?
CUHK LAW assigns supervisors based on your areas of interest and supervisor availability. You don’t need to mention a preferred supervisor, but if you have based your application on working with a specific person, it’s helpful to name them.
Can MPhil students transfer to the PhD Programme?
Yes. After completing the first year of studies, MPhil students may be permitted to transfer to the PhD Programme upon recommendation and approval, provided they meet the admission requirements.
For more information about the PhD in Laws programme, please contact the Faculty of Law directly using the contact information below.
Contact Information
Tel: (852) 3943 1681
E-mail: rpg.law@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Address:
Faculty of Law
6/F, Lee Shau Kee Building
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, New Territories
Hong Kong