PhD in Laws Programme

The Faculty of Law of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), one of the world’s leading law schools, is now inviting applications for admission to its prestigious PhD in Laws Programme. Admitted students will receive generous funding for the normative study period of three to four years through one of the following tracks: (1) the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) or (2) the CUHK Postgraduate Studentship. 

HKPFS awardees will receive a monthly stipend of HK$19,100 to HK$28,700 and a full tuition fee waiver. Additional support includes an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years, a lodging allowance (HK$40,000 in the first year of study and HK$20,000 thereafter), and certain benefits related to on-campus accommodation. 

CUHK Postgraduate Studentship awardees will receive a monthly stipend of HK$19,100 for the normative study period of the PhD and, for eligible local students, a full tuition fee waiver. Funding for conferences is also available. PhD applicants who are nominated to the Research Grants Council by CUHK but not selected for HKPFS will be offered an additional award of HK$80,000 over the course of their studies, subject to satisfactory academic progress.  

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply. In addition to demonstrating English proficiency, students must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, or a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, or an equivalent degree (including non-law related), with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above from a recognized university. 

The Faculty welcomes research proposals on a wide range of topics. Details on our professors and their diverse research interests can be found here. 

You can also view the profiles of our current PhD students here. 

Details of the admission requirements and application procedures can be found by clicking the 'Apply' button

To apply for admission starting in the 2027-28 academic year: 

HKPFS applicants

• Submit an initial application to the Research Grants Council at here by 12 noon, 1 December 2026 (Hong Kong time); and
• Submit a full application to CUHK at here by 11:59 pm, 1 December 2026 (Hong Kong time).

CUHK Postgraduate Studentship applicants

• Main round: 1 December 2026 (Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by this deadline. Most, if not all, research students are selected from the main round.)
• Clearing round: 31 March 2027 (Applications in clearing round will only be considered subject to availability of places.)

For enquiries on these admissions tracks, please contact rpg.law@link.cuhk.edu.hk.