Yimeng Song’s Research Group
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PhD Opportunities in our Research Group

Core application workflow

An invitation to apply is not a formal nomination. Formal nomination follows submission of your HKU application and a positive group interview evaluation.

On smaller screens, swipe horizontally to follow the full workflow.

PhD application, admission and funding flowchartCandidates may contact the group for an interview before applying, or apply directly. After the HKU application is submitted, the supervisor reviews it and interviews candidates not already assessed. Formal group nomination is followed by department review. Admission approval proceeds through the faculty, university and Graduate School. Funding selection proceeds separately. Department-recommended candidates compete for HKPFS and/or HKU-PS: awardees receive the enhanced scholarship, while unsuccessful candidates follow the ordinary PGS pathway. Candidates not recommended for this competition may discuss self-funded study or team project support, subject to agreement, approval and available budget. All funding pathways join the funding arrangements stage. A formal HKU offer follows confirmed admission approval and funding arrangements.Admission reviewFunding selectionRecommendedNot recommendedYesNoContact the groupRecommended: interests + full CVPre-application interviewDiscuss research fit and potentialEncouraged to applyAfter a positive interview assessmentNot a formal group nominationApply without prior invitationDirect applications also consideredSubmit HKU applicationName your proposed supervisorSupervisor reviews applicationDepartment shares submitted applicantsand their proposed supervisorsGroup interview assessmentInterview applicants not yet interviewedNo repeat interview if already passedFormal group nominationAfter submission and interview evaluationSubject to the group’s final assessmentDepartment reviewAcademic evaluation and rankingFaculty reviewAdmission recommendationUniversity approvalAs required for the applicationGraduate School approvalAcademic and language requirementsDocument checksDepartment recommendationEnhanced scholarship nominationRecommended forscholarship competitionHKPFS / HKU-PSCompatible selection routesSelf-funded study orTeam project supportEnhancedscholarshipawarded?Higher-level scholarshipHKPFS and/or HKU-PSOrdinary PGSOrdinary postgraduate scholarshipFunding arrangementsComplete the relevant funding proceduresFormal HKU offer issuedAdmission + funding both confirmed

HKU recommendation procedures · Official application guidance.

We recommend contacting the group for an interview and receiving encouragement to apply before submitting your HKU application. You may also apply directly. Candidates not yet interviewed will be interviewed after submitting their application.

Research collaboration opportunity

We encourage applicants to carry out research collaboration with our team before formal application, though this is not compulsory.

Research collaboration helps both sides assess research fit. Promising collaborators may be encouraged to apply; formal group nomination is considered after application submission.

Scholarship information

Candidates recommended by the department for enhanced scholarships may compete for HKPFS and/or HKU-PS. Those not awarded an enhanced scholarship follow the ordinary PGS funding pathway. For eligibility and scholarship details, see HKU’s official webpages:

Alternative funding options

Applicants not recommended by the department for enhanced scholarship competition may discuss self-funded study or team project support with the group.

Self-funded study or team project support requires mutual agreement and the necessary approvals. Team project support depends on the available budget and cannot be guaranteed.

Disclaimer

Group nomination does not guarantee admission or a scholarship. Final outcomes are determined by HKU and the relevant scholarship bodies. HKU issues a formal offer once admission approval and funding arrangements are confirmed.

Contact

ymsong@hku.hk