PhD Opportunities in Health and Physical Education

Research Cluster Groups 

The Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) encompasses researchers in physical education, sports science, nutrition, and health, with an overarching focus on physical fitness and holistic health across the lifespan and generating knowledge that can be broadly applied in physical/health education and intervention. 

Three research cluster groups have been established to enhance the quantity and quality of research output through developing strategic research themes, identifying potential research areas/directions, and producing solid outcomes to maintain and even uphold the research performance. The groups are: 

1. Physical Activity & Sport Education
2. Biomechanic, Nutrition & Health Performance
3. Applied Physiology & Technology 

PhD Opportunities 

The HPE welcomes high-achieving international candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in the areas of physical literacy, sport pedagogy, adapted physical activity, high-performance physiology, digital physical education, sports nutrition, and preventative health. For other potential areas of research supervision, please browse our academic staff profiles. 

Applicants should hold a strong academic record in relevant fields (e.g., sport science, psychology, PE, or health), ideally with a Master’s degree and publication experience. This opportunity is open to candidates of all nationalities. Strong academic training and a demonstrated capacity for research will be essential for progression to the next stage. 

Applicants with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a university where the programme was not taught and assessed in English are required to attach their TOEFL or IELTS score results with their PhD applications. The TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date and must be valid at the time of application submission to the EdUHK. 

For further details of the PhD application, please visit here. 

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, aims to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong's universities. 

The Fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately US$44,150) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 (approximately US$1,840) per year for each awardee for a period up to three years. 

For details on the HKPFS, please visit here. 

Submission of Application

For Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) applicants:

To submit an initial HKPFS application AND a full EdUHK application (Please quote your HKPFS Reference No.).

(HKPFS’s Application Deadline: 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) 

For non-HK PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) applicants:

To submit a full EdUHK application

(EdUHK’s Application Deadline: 1 December 2026) 

Prospective students are highly encouraged to browse our academic staff profiles and contact potential supervisor(s) in their field prior to submitting their application to confirm that suitable supervision for their proposed research project can be provided. 

Enquiries 

Department of Health and Physical Education

The Education University of Hong Kong

E-mail: hpedrdc@eduhk.hk

Website: https://hpe.eduhk.hk

Advert information