Code of Practice (RPg Studies)

1.1 Stakeholders and governance structure

The roles of various RPg stakeholders and their relationships under the prevailing governance structure are described briefly below.

An RPg student is one who has been admitted to a programme of studies to pursue a higher degree by research and has registered with the Graduate School.  He/She must take timely actions to maintain his/her student status by observing relevant rules and regulations, enrolling for course(s), achieving satisfactory academic performance and progress, and paying fees, according to respective schedules.

An RPg student is expected to be a responsible member of the University community.  He/She has the right to take full advantage of the teaching and learning facilities and support provided by the University, and the obligation to take ultimate responsibility of any of his/her academic output.

Each RPg student is assigned a Supervisor at the time of admission or later on when the student’s field of research is confirmed.  A Co-supervisor can also be appointed for academic or administrative reasons.

The Supervisor/Co-supervisor is a full-time academic staff of a Graduate Division of a specific discipline.  Each Graduate Division structurally forms part of a Faculty.  The Board of the Faculty coordinates the activities of the Departments within the Faculty and considers and deals with the recommendations of the Departments regarding the content of courses for the degree(s) and on the details of syllabuses.  A Graduate Panel is set up for each Graduate Division to take care of matters of postgraduate studies.  The roles of a Graduate Panel are discussed in Section 1.3.

A Thesis Assessment Committee is set up for each RPg student.  The Thesis Assessment Committee acts independently according to a set of well-defined procedures, and makes recommendations to the Graduate School on the final grade of a student’s thesis or on other thesis assessment matters regarding the student concerned.

The Graduate School coordinates all postgraduate programmes leading to higher degrees and postgraduate diplomas/certificates.  The Head of a Graduate Division reports to the Dean of the Graduate School and the Department Chairperson for operations of his/her Graduate Division’s postgraduate programmes.  He/she also bears the responsibility to ensure compliance of all RPg programmes offered by the Graduate Division with University rules and policies.

The Graduate School also provides administrative support to the Graduate Council and its Executive Committee.  The powers and duties of the Graduate Council are (a) to advise the Senate on all graduate programmes of studies; (b) to coordinate the activities of the Graduate Divisions within the Graduate School; and (c) to consider and deal with the recommendations of the various Graduate Divisions on the content of courses and on the details of syllabuses.

The Senate is in control of and regulates (a) instruction, education and research; (b) the conducting of examinations for students; and (c) the award of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions of the University.

RPg students are also supported by various CUHK professional administrative services units, such as the Postgraduate Halls, CUHK Libraries, Office of Student Affairs, and Information Technology Services Centre (ITSC).

The following diagram describes in general the relationships and interactions among various stakeholders.

Among these stakeholders, the relationships and interactions between a student and his/her Supervisor are of prime importance in RPg studies.  Their roles and that of the Graduate Panel are described in more detail in the following sections.

1.2 Interaction between student and Supervisor

The student-Supervisor relation is the crux of high-quality postgraduate student management.  Yet the situation for each student is unique, Supervisors tend to adopt a great variety of supervising styles, and there are differences in culture from discipline to discipline.

While individuality of each student-Supervisor relation should be fully respected, there are some general principles that students and Supervisors could observe in order to make the most out of the relationship.

For an RPg student:

1. The responsibility of producing a quality thesis lies ultimately with the student, not the Supervisor.
    
2. Since professors have to manage many tasks simultaneously in addition to supervising research students, it is advisable for a student to take the initiative in establishing an effective and practical work plan with his/her Supervisor.  Normally, this implies requesting regular meetings with the Supervisor, providing timely and accurate updates to the Supervisor on ongoing research progress, and seeking feedback and advice on a regular basis.
    
3.  A good student-Supervisor relation is based on mutual respect and trust.  Thus, the academic judgment and supervisory recommendations of the Supervisor should be duly respected.  Following this guideline does not imply critical reasoning and objectivity is to be encroached upon, but rather that in case of academic disagreement, frank and respectful communication is always the best approach to take.  In the rare instance of serious and prolonged disagreement with one’s Supervisor, a student could bring the matter to the attention of the Head of the Graduate Division or the Department Chairperson for resolution.
    
4. It is important for a student to understand the expectations of his/her Supervisor.  The annual research progress report is set up for this purpose.  Conversely, it is also important to know the role and responsibilities of a Supervisor as well as his/her limitation.  A student should always remember that while a Supervisor is expected to provide guidance and advice on research direction, no one can guarantee success in any meaningful research endeavour.  In addition, while a Supervisor is expected to offer advice during the thesis writing process, there is no responsibility for the Supervisor to edit or rewrite a thesis for the student.  It is the obligation of a student to submit a well-edited thesis for examination and there should be enough lead time before the deadline to allow for comments and further revision if necessary.

For a Supervisor:

1. A research student is not a research assistant.  Provision of education to the student should be the primary goal.
2. As it takes a significant amount of time to supervise a research student, there is a limit on the number of RPg students that a Supervisor may supervise at any one time.  A Co-supervisor can offer additional support and input to the students and is encouraged.  If a Supervisor is planning to take a leave of absence, a Co-supervisor must be appointed to ensure provision of continuous supervision.
3. A student-Supervisor relation based on mutual respect and trust is more efficient and effective.  In particular, the rights of the student should be fully recognised and protected, including rights protected under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and all the ordinances under the purview of the Equal Opportunities Commission in Hong Kong.
4. A Supervisor should only assign tasks to research students that are directly related to students’ research studies.  Duty assignments related to postgraduate studentship (PGS) are limited to 12 hours per week on average.  Under no circumstances should a student be asked to perform duties unrelated to the University.  Beware of issues that may give rise to a conflict of interest.
5. Communicate expectations clearly to the students.  Review their progress frequently and do provide timely feedback and advice.  Document any unsatisfactory performance of students in detail.  The concerned student should be given sufficient warnings so that he/she can take necessary remedial actions.

6. As the staff in frequent contact with students, a Supervisor is expected to provide invaluable support to the students’ overall educational experience at the University.  Supervisors can offer advice to students facing difficulties in their adjustment to the university life or sound early warning signals for potential problem cases.  A graduating student on the other hand can benefit tremendously from the first-hand knowledge and connections availed by the Supervisor.

    

1.3 Graduate Panel

A Graduate Panel is set up for each Graduate Division with the Graduate Division Head as the Chairperson and at least two other members to be nominated by the Graduate Division Head.  Its responsibility is to endorse or decide on:

• the courses of study to be offered;
• the research field for each student;
• the Supervisor/Co-supervisor for each student;
• the selection of applicants for admission; and
• any other matters related to the Graduate Division.

Regarding the research field and supervision, the Graduate Panel and students act as follows:

1. Each student selects his/her intended field of studies within his/her Graduate Division at the time of application.
2. The student may inform the Graduate Panel of his/her preference for Supervisor; but the final decision rests with the Graduate Panel.
3. The appointment of Supervisors for each student, if possible, is made as soon as the student is admitted. If this appointment is not made at that time, the Graduate Division may arrange to have an advisor or the Graduate Division Head to serve as temporary Supervisor for the student
4. A Supervisory Committee may be set up for each student consisting of one to three persons, including the Supervisor, the Graduate Division Head and/or another teacher in the Graduate Division.

2.1 Research postgraduate programmes

The Graduate School offers through 61 Graduate Divisions a total of 99 research programmes as of September 2025, namely those examined by scrutiny of an extended research dissertation and an oral examination and are leading to the degrees of Ph.D., D.Mus., M.Phil., M.F.A., and M.Mus., with details below:  

New programmes may be proposed by Graduate Divisions/Faculties or initiated by the University in accordance with its strategic development.  Such initiative may be triggered by intellectual pursuits, international and societal developments, academic advancement, technological breakthrough, or available resources.  Graduate Divisions may also propose changes to existing programmes/courses to refresh or revitalise them.  There are well-defined guidelines and procedures and a schedule for submission of programme proposals which are available on the Graduate School website.

2.2 M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes

Any Graduate Division that has an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. programme may choose to convert to the articulated M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes.  New programmes should adopt the new system.

The framework of articulated M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes introduces more flexibility in the entry requirement for Ph.D. programmes, and at the same time imposes formal candidacy requirements.  It also brings more uniformity in the programme structure and requirements in order to enhance quality assurance.

Students applying for admission to articulated M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes should state their intention to pursue either an M.Phil. or a Ph.D.  The minimum requirement for admission to an articulated M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programme is the same as that for an M.Phil. Programme.  Graduate Divisions will steer applicants into the appropriate stream, according to their academic qualification, research ability, potential and interest.

More information about the articulated M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programme can be found in Section 6 of this document.
 

2.3 Strategic goal statement for research postgraduate programmes

As a comprehensive research university, the University places special importance on the RPg programmes offered through different Graduate Divisions.  RPg programmes should be pursued with the following strategic objectives:

1. RPg programmes aim to deliver scholarly values at the quality level of a first-class university. They should be fully in line with the strategic goals of the University as well as the Faculty and Department.
2. RPg programmes have the objective to train first-class researchers who attain national and international leadership positions in their respective fields and who advance scholarly knowledge with the ultimate goal to serve the society.
3. RPg programmes should serve as a two-way link between the University and society.  They are expected to incorporate knowledge gained through research conducted at the University and at other places.  At the same time, they should disseminate knowledge developed and advanced at the University so as to improve the reputation and the standing of the University locally, regionally and internationally.

Policies and plans for RPg programmes should be formulated with these objectives in mind.

2.4 Graduate attributes of research postgraduate programmes

The University has clear expectations of the attributes of its graduates.  The RPg programmes aim to educate researchers to embark on careers that will allow them to become world leaders in their fields, working as university professors, principal investigators in research institutes, senior managers in enterprises, or experts in other professions related to the pursuit and application of knowledge.

Doctoral degree graduates are expected to have acquired in-depth knowledge in a number of major areas of an academic discipline while maintaining a broad understanding of other related fields.  They should have accumulated enough educational experience and background learning to be capable of performing independent research to advance scholarship, with global standards.  In particular, they should have the ability to identify research trends and opportunities, venture into new research areas when appropriate, define long-term research objectives, formulate original research problems, and originate and develop solution methodologies.  They should be capable of producing research output at a level that can lead to publications in high-ranking scholastic venues, or to novel applications in relevant industrial, commercial, or other public sectors, or to other forms of useful knowledge transfer to society.  They should have gained proficiency in techniques of knowledge dissemination through presentation and writing and some teaching experiences through student tutoring.

Master’s degree graduates are expected to have acquired advanced knowledge in major areas of an academic discipline while maintaining a broad understanding of other related fields.  They should have gained enough background knowledge to enable them to perform research with minimal supervision.  In particular, they should have the ability to formulate individual research tasks and develop solution methodologies under minimal supervision.  They should also be capable of producing original, innovative research output, some of which may lead to publication in well-respected scholastic venues.  They should have gained proficiency in techniques of knowledge dissemination through presentation and writing.

For graduates of both research doctoral and master’s programmes, communication and language skills at a level appropriate to university graduates are expected already at the time of admission.  In particular, fluent communication skills are expected in the language(s) essential to their research areas.  In general, a high level of proficiency in English is expected as it is commonly regarded as the default international research language.  Ability in a second language is encouraged.  They are also expected to attain appropriate life-long self-learning skills.

Postgraduate students are expected to possess attributes of holders of first degrees obtained from the University or other leading tertiary institutions in domains such as academic honesty, personal integrity, critical and independent thinking, communication and language skills, global vision, desire to serve the society, and others.  Whole-person development therefore does not form part of the formal educational objectives of most postgraduate programmes offered at the University.
 

2.5 Modes of study

The mode of study of a postgraduate programme may be full-time or part-time.  Unless otherwise specified, classes of part-time programmes may be scheduled in day time as for full-time programmes.  Part-time students have to make their own arrangements to attend day-time classes.

Application for change of study mode is allowed only within the student’s normative period of study and must be recommended by the Graduate Division and approved by the Dean of the Graduate School.

The remaining normative and maximum periods of study for students who change the study mode are computed based on the following principle of ratios of time spent by part-time students as compared with full-time equivalents:

1. 2/3 for M.Phil. students during the normative study period;
2. 3/4 for Ph.D. students during the normative study period.

Conversion tables are published in the Postgraduate Student Handbook for easy reference.  Continuing students, i.e., students beyond the normative study period, are not allowed to change their study mode.
 

2.6 Jointly supervised research postgraduate programmes

Committed to providing world class education and training to researchers, CUHK Departments and Faculties are keen on forming jointly supervised research programmes with strategic research partners outside Hong Kong.  Such collaborative programmes are proposed or formed based on, amongst a number of driving factors, the strength and reputation of the partner institutions, alignment of strategic goals, and availability of resources.  Some features of these collaborative programmes are described below:

1. The partner institutions are research organisations of distinguished standing and of strategic alliance value to CUHK.
2. Such programmes are for Ph.D. students only.
3. Each student should have a CUHK Supervisor. CUHK encourages the appointment of qualified Co­-supervisor from the partner institution which will be considered on a case-­by­-case basis subject to the existing CUHK regulation. Researchers from the partner institution could not serve as external examiners for the student's thesis.

Students who wish to find out more about these collaborative programmes may inquire with their Supervisors/Graduate Divisions.
 

2.7 Courses

An RPg programme is made up of courses on specific topics.  Courses could be lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, seminars, studio-based, field studies, meetings on research progress, etc., which carry a different number of units.  Although research programmes emphasise mainly research and laboratory activities, there are not less than 12 units of course requirements for students of articulated M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes.

Courses are broadly divided into taught courses and research courses.  A typical 3-unit taught course is made up of a two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial per week throughout a teaching term (the number of hours students spent on out-of-class self-studying is not included).  For research courses, arrangements on duration, meeting frequency, and venue are usually made between the student and his/her Supervisor.  The general rule is that each unit of course is regarded as equivalent to approximately three hours of study/research per week by the student.

The fundamental concepts and key principles covered by each course are listed in the course outline.  The content specification is not exhaustive.  Learning outcomes, i.e., capabilities, knowledge, and skills students expected to have developed during the course, are clearly specified in the course outline.
 

2.8 Course code and sequence

Since 2010-11 the course code comprises four letters and four numerals.  The first four letters stand for the subject (e.g., BIOL for Biology) and the first numeral stands for the level of study.  Undergraduate courses are coded 1000 to 4000 while postgraduate courses are coded 5000 to 8000.  Details are given below:

Lower level courses should normally be taken before upper level courses.  However, some flexibility is allowed through opening most courses to students of all years subject to satisfactory fulfilment of prerequisite and co-requisite requirements, unless otherwise stipulated by the Programme.

As resolved by the Senate, double-coding of a single course is not allowed.
 

2.9 Cross-institutional course sharing

In order to enhance RPg students’ access to educational resources available elsewhere in Hong Kong, local universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) have entered into collaboration to share RPg courses.  Students from UGC-funded universities are able to benefit from the exposure gained from the joint teaching offered by collaborating universities and interaction with students from other institutions.  There are two such collaborative schemes:

a. Cross-Institutional Course/Subject Enrolment Scheme

Participating universities are CityU, CUHK, EdUHK, HKBU, HKU, HKUST, LU, and PolyU.  Students who are interested in taking courses offered by other local universities through this Scheme may visit the Graduate School website for announcements regarding courses available for enrolment for each term (Cross-institutional Course/Subject Enrolment for Research Postgraduate Students).

b. Joint Centre for Advanced Study

The Joint Centre for Advanced Study (JCAS) is a joint effort among CUHK, HKU, and HKUST in developing greater and deeper collaboration in response to UGC’s initiative in the development of strategic alliances and deep collaboration in higher education.  The first initiative under this umbrella is the joint offering of courses for RPg students.  Courses in Chemistry, Molecular Medicine, and Mathematics have been offered.

Students who are interested to join may consult their Graduate Divisions.

3.1 Admission process

Postgraduate admissions are coordinated by the Graduate School, which invites applications in September each year. Starting from the 2022-23 intake, there are two admission rounds for research postgraduate admissions, i.e. Main round with an application deadline in December, and Clearing round with an application deadline in March of the following year.  Applications are considered based on their merits.  Local and non-local applications are handled fairly and equally.  Successful applicants are normally admitted to the following Fall Term (beginning in August).  Applications for deferred admission to the Spring Term (beginning in January) or the next academic year will only be considered if students are unable to take up the study due to illness or an unavoidable cause. Application on medical grounds must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner. The maximum period for deferred admission is one year.  Applications for deferred admission should be made to the Graduate Division Head before the start of the academic year.

Each year the Graduate School arranges a briefing on postgraduate admission for staff members of the University.  The Manual on Postgraduate Admissions will be updated and distributed to guide them through the exercise.  The admission and notification processes are summarised in the diagram on the following page.
 

3.2 Entrance requirements

Entrance requirements of different RPg programmes are set out in the General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies.  Graduate Divisions may set additional programme-specific requirements, such as a subject test, or waive such requirements for some special cases.  Applicants are also required to fulfil the University’s minimum English Language requirement for admission to our RPg programmes.  Details are available on the Graduate School Admissions website.

Applicants holding academic qualifications by completing programmes which differed substantially from “traditional” curricula may be required to provide evidence or objective assessment from accreditation bodies, e.g., Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), for further consideration.
 

3.3 Quality of students admitted to research postgraduate programmes

For quality assurance purposes, the entry qualifications of admitted RPg students are closely monitored and verified for authenticity at the time of admission.  The Executive Committee of the Graduate Council (GCExCo) resolved in November 2011 to entrust Faculties with the responsibility of monitoring the quality of RPg admissions.  The entry qualifications of RPg students will be reported to UGC through the annual data collection exercise.  Supervisors and staff members responsible for RPg admissions should uphold the standards for student admissions, as one of the quality assurance measures.

Admission and Notification Processes

4.1 Orientation

Each year in August, OSA arranges an orientation programme for new postgraduate students.  The programme covers matters relating to academic study and campus life.  Some of the topics are listed below:

• Postgraduate Studies at CUHK
• Improving Postgraduate Learning
• Honesty in Academic Work
• Using Your Library for a Successful Study at CUHK
• Mental Wellness and Postgraduate Studies
• Career Planning and Development at HK
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Campus Crime Prevention and Road Safety
• Introduction of Postgraduate Student Association of The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Useful Guide to Living in HK for Non-local Students

New students are strongly advised to participate in the orientation programme to get acquainted with life in CUHK and - for non-local students - also with life in Hong Kong.
 

4.2 Student registration

An applicant who has been offered admission to a course of study at the University shall pay the fees and register at the University by the respective deadlines.  Anyone who fails to pay fees and register by the specified deadline shall be considered to have declined the offer.  

A student shall not be registered simultaneously for another programme of studies leading to the award of a degree, diploma, or certificate at this University or at any other tertiary institution unless an application has been submitted in advance to the Graduate Division concerned, endorsed by the Faculty concerned, and approved by the Graduate Council.  A student in breach of this regulation shall be required to discontinue studies at the University.
 

4.3 Course selection

The Graduate School announces schedules for course selection and course add/drop on its website.  Students are able to complete course selection and course add/drop where applicable through CUSIS.  All relevant materials, such as study schemes and teaching timetables, are available on CUSIS.  If students wish to register course(s) outside their own study schemes, they should make an application to obtain prior approval from the Supervisors and the offering department of the course(s).

Students are able to check their own course register on CUSIS during and after the course selection period.  The course register is tentative until approval has been obtained from the Graduate Division after the add/drop period.  Students will be informed when the final course register is available.  Enrolment of courses with limited quota is subject to the Graduate Division’s confirmation.  Students are therefore advised to check their final course register before attending classes.

Courses of each programme listed in the Postgraduate Student Handbook will be offered according to resources available each year and are subject to approval by respective Faculty Boards.  Students should refer to the “Teaching Timetable” on the Graduate School website for information of course offerings in the current academic year.

According to the Regulations, a student should take at least one course in each term, unless otherwise stated in the study scheme or approved by the Head of the Graduate Division.  Students who have already submitted their theses are not required to take any courses.

Only under special circumstances may a student apply for permission to withdraw from a course or enrol in another course after the add/drop period.  Such an application with justification and supporting documents, if any, should be submitted to the Supervisor and Graduate Division Head for endorsement and the Dean of the Graduate School for approval.  A student who does not complete a registered course without approval to withdraw from it will obtain a failure grade for the course.  Students are not allowed to withdraw from a course after the end of the term concerned.
 

4.4 Residence requirements

Residence requirements as defined below are applicable to all full-time and part-time RPg students:

1. A student is classified as being in residence if he/she is attending courses as prescribed by his/her programme and receiving supervision on a regular basis.
2. A  student who is in Hong Kong except for absences not exceeding three weeks continuously and not exceeding one month aggregate in any one academic year is deemed to be receiving regular supervision, and provided he/she is also attending courses, if required, shall be regarded as in residence.
3. A student who is not in Hong Kong is normally deemed to be not receiving supervision, and is regarded as not being in residence.  In cases where the student would nevertheless receive adequate supervision on a regular basis while away from Hong Kong, or where the absence from Hong Kong is related to an academic purpose, an application should be made beforehand via the Supervisor and Head of the Graduate Division for approval of the Dean of the Graduate School in order to regard the student as being in residence during that period of absence.
4. A student may also be regarded as being in residence while being away from Hong Kong if the programme of studies approved by the Graduate Council and the Senate so provides.

Except for periods of approved leave, and except as provided in (b) and (c) above, all students are required to be in residence during their period of study.  Residence requirements may be waived for part-time students for up to six months in any academic year, upon the written approval of the Supervisor and Head of the Graduate Division.
 

4.5 Normative and maximum study periods

Students are expected to graduate at the end of the normative study period, except for those who have applied and obtained approval for alteration of their periods of study.  Students are normally expected to submit their theses (note: in this document “thesis” shall include – for D.Mus., M.Mus., and M.F.A. students – the student’s portfolio) by the end of the normative study period, i.e., the normal time period allowed for completion of all programme requirements, unless an extension has been granted.  

A student who has not submitted his/her thesis and complete the programme requirements within the normative period of study, or the submission is not passed, will be put on “continuing status” until successful completion of the thesis or upon reaching the maximum study period.  The student concerned shall apply to the Graduate School for continuation of studies beyond the normative study period.  Continuing students shall pay a “continuation fee” per term according to the prevailing policy.

A student must complete the graduation requirements within the maximum study period, which shall include any periods of leave of absence and suspension of studies.  A student who has not completed all requirements for graduation within the maximum study period shall be discontinued from studies at the University.

The normative and maximum study periods of different research programmes shall be as follows:

More details of the study periods can be found in the General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies on the Graduate School website. Students may check their own normative study end date and maximum study end date via CUSIS (https://portal.cuhk.edu.hk).
 

4.6 Shortening of normative study period

A student who wishes to graduate before the end of the normative study period of his/her respective programme may seek endorsement from the Graduate Division concerned for shortening of his/her period of study for approval by the Graduate Council, subject to the statutory minimum of 12 months for master’s programmes and 24 months for doctoral programmes.  The programme requirements must be satisfied by the new end date and in particular the thesis submitted would be graded ‘Pass’ and if revisions would be required, the Supervisor shall confirm that the revised thesis meets the requirements as decided by the Thesis Assessment Committee before the student would be recommended for award of the degree, and by a specified period - no later than three months from the date of official notification of the examination result.  

A student who is approved to shorten the normative study period should settle the full tuition fee for the term (or the 6-month period for Ph.D. students) that he/she has partially attended.  The award of PGS will be automatically withdrawn upon the end of the new normative study period.
 

4.7 Transfer of candidature, change of study programme or study mode

Students may apply for transfer of candidature and/or and change of field of study (or programme) or study mode.

A student who has registered in a research doctoral programme may, on the recommendation of the Graduate Division concerned and with the approval of the Graduate Council, be transferred to a research master’s programme provided that such a transfer takes place before the thesis or portfolio is submitted.

A student who has registered in a research master’s programme and has completed the first year of studies may, on the recommendation of the Graduate Division concerned and with the approval of the Graduate Council, be transferred to a research doctoral programme provided that the student meets the admission requirements of the doctoral programme concerned.

A student admitted under the “M.Phil.-Ph.D. programmes” may be permitted to transfer between M.Phil. and Ph.D. (pre-candidacy) on the recommendation of the Graduate Division concerned. Transfer from the Ph.D. (post-candidacy) to M.Phil. stream may be permitted exceptionally, on the recommendation of the Graduate Division concerned and with the approval of the Graduate Council as shown in the diagram below.

The period of study of a student changing from research master’s to research doctoral in the same field of study shall count from the commencement date of his/her research master’s studies.
 

Considerations for change of study programme shall be as follows:

1. A student may change from one programme of study to another with the permission of the programme into which the student wishes to transfer.
2. The transfer-in programme will decide on the requirements for admission, as well as, where applicable, the candidacy requirements/the courses, the number of unitsand grades the student is required to complete for advancement to post-candidacy/fulfilment of graduation requirement of the new programme; and the exemption of any programme-specific requirements based on the student’s record. 
3. The study period under the new programme should count from the admission date of the original programme the student has been enrolled in and counted toward the maximum duration of study. 
4. A student who passed the candidacy requirements of the original programme should not assume to have fulfilled the candidacy requirements of the new transfer-in programme.
5. If the student is required to sit for the candidacy examination of the new programme which cannot be scheduled before the transfer, or has not already fulfilled any other candidacy requirements of the new programme within the time limit for fulfilment of candidacy requirement, Division/student may submit a request for extending the period allowed for completion of the candidacy requirements and, where appropriate, the PGS suspension deadline. In any case, PGS will not be tenable beyond the normative study period. 

4.8 Leave of absence

In case of illness necessitating absence from classes/required activities exceeding three weeks, a student should submit an application together with a medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner to obtain endorsement from the Graduate Division and permission from the Dean of the Graduate School.

Applications for leave of absence for non-medical reasons are handled as follows:

A student who has been absent without approved leave of absence or who is in breach of the residence requirements for a continuous period exceeding one month will be considered as having withdrawn from studies.
 

4.9 Student visa

As of September 2025, CUHK’s enrolment of postgraduate students is over 17,000, including a substantial portion of non-local students from around the world, who must first obtain a student visa or other forms of permission by the Immigration Department of the Government of HKSAR for studying in Hong Kong.  Under the refinement measures implemented in March 2014 in relation to Hong Kong’s development as a Regional Education Hub, the length of stay for non-local students studying full-time locally-accredited post-secondary local programmes will be aligned with the normal duration of programmes, subject to a maximum of six years.  All non-local students must comply with the conditions and requirements attached to their student visa. Students are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that they hold a valid visa or entry permit from the Immigration Department at all times during their stay in the HKSAR, failing which they may face the risk of being prosecuted for breach of condition of stay.

The following are some highlights of the immigration arrangements applicable to non-local RPg students:

1. Full-time students may take up employment or study-related internships as arranged or endorsed by institutions (Please also refer to Section 4.10 Employment).  All students, local and non-local, are required to comply with the CUHK policy on taking up of employment and internships
2. All non-local students will be allowed to pursue short-term studies in programmes offered by Hong Kong higher education institutions with degree-awarding powers, provided that the cumulative duration of short-term studies should not exceed 180 days within any 12-month period.  All students, local and non-local, are required to comply with the CUHK policy on concurrent registration.
3. Non-local recent graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in Hong Kong after graduation are not required to secure an offer of employment upon application.  They may be granted 24 months’ stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met.

Up-to-date information and further details about student visa can be found on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website at www.immd.gov.hk/.
 

4.10 Employment

I.    Paid or Unpaid Employment
(Same principles apply to HKPFS students, subject to RGC’s final approval ^{(Note 1)})
 

Definition of remunerative engagement

1.    All kinds of work placements (including internships) that carry a remuneration of a monetary value regardless of the amount or form (e.g. salary, reimbursement of costs, accommodation, travel allowance) are considered as remunerative engagements.

2.    Research attachment or study associated with scholarships, fellowship, monetary prizes and awards granted through competitions or merit-based selection processes are not considered remunerative engagement. As such, they do not require employment application or approval. Notably, PGS holders may receive such awards without needing to relinquish their studentship.  Notwithstanding this, students are advised to file leave applications as appropriate.

Residence requirements

3.    All students are required to be in residence during their period of study, except for periods of approved leave. Students registered in taught programmes are not required to be in residence between teaching terms. Residence requirements may be waived for part-time students for up to six months in any academic year, upon the written approval of the Supervisor and the Head of the Graduate Division concerned.

Engagement permissions

4.    No employment application and approval are needed for part-time students taking employment.

5.    Full-time students, except PGS holders, may take up full-time employment outside of term time ^{(Note 2)}. No employment application and approval are required in such cases. Notwithstanding this, students are advised to file leave applications as appropriate.

6.    Without prior approval of the Executive Committee of the Graduate Council (GCExCo) or its delegated authority (“prior approval” hereafter), full-time students are not allowed to take up any full-time employment, paid or unpaid, including full-time internships specified in the study scheme during term time (Note 2) with an exception given in para. 7 below. Hence, the same requirements and procedures on application and approval pertaining to employment set out in the following sections would also apply to non-remunerative engagements of full-time students as far as practicable. Moreover, without prior approval, PGS holders are not allowed to take up full-time or part-time employment.

7.    Exceptionally, full-time students who are approaching the end of the normative study period may take up a full-time employment if the student concerned already completed all programme requirements and submitted the thesis for examination (where applicable), subject to the endorsement of the Supervisor and Head of the Graduate Division, and approval of the Dean of Graduate School.

Application procedure and approval conditions

8.    Full-time research postgraduate students who wish to take up full-time paid or unpaid employment (including internships) unless otherwise specified in paras. 5 and 7, and PGS holders who intend to engage in full-time or part-time remunerative activities, must apply through their Graduate Division. Approval must be obtained from the GCExCo or Dean of Graduate School as appropriate prior to commencing the engagement (Note 3). For cases involving irregularities, such as retroactive applications or remunerative engagements that are not related to research or study, the Dean of Graduate School will forward the application and supporting justifications to the GCExCo for consideration.  

9.    Full-time TPg students are required to apply for and obtain prior approval for full-time employment or internships during term time, regardless of whether the internships are officially included in the study scheme of the programme concerned. These applications must include endorsements from both the Programme Director and the Head of the Graduate Division and will be submitted to the GCExCo for consideration.

10.    Graduate Divisions shall note that applications for approval should be submitted to GSO at least 4 weeks before the starting date of the intended engagements while applications involving HKPFS awardees should be submitted at least 5 weeks in advance for immediate transmission to the UGC Secretariat.

11.    Applications for taking up a remunerative engagement by PGS holders can only be approved on the condition that the students will relinquish their PGS and take in-residence leave during the period concerned, where the amount is less than the PGS, the Dean of Graduate School may decide if the students are allowed to receive partial PGS after netting the remuneration of the engagement.

12.    In order to effectively deter and eliminate unregulated engagements the GCExCo at its Third Meeting (2022-23) on 17 February 2023 resolved to introduce the following new measures with effect from 2023-24:  

Students who repeatedly fail to obtain the said prior approval during the normative study period will be sent to the Graduate School Disciplinary Committee by the GCExCo for possible disciplinary actions in accordance with prevailing guidelines and procedures.

II.    On-Campus Employment by PGS Holders
(Same principles apply to HKPFS students, subject to RGC’s final approval (Note 1))

13.    PGS holders may take up part-time on-campus engagements for up to 50 hours per academic year.  If the engagement concerned was requested by the students’ Graduate Division, the ceiling would be relaxed to a total of 100 hours per academic year. The approval authority rests with the Head of the Graduate Division.

14.    PGS holders who intend to take up part-time employment which exceeds the ceiling working hours should apply via their Graduate Division for approval by the Dean of Graduate School prior to taking up the engagement ^{(Note 3)}.  Graduate Divisions shall note that applications for approval should be submitted to GSO at least 4 weeks before the starting date of the intended engagements while applications involving HKPFS awardees should be submitted at least 5 weeks in advance for immediate transmission to the UGC Secretariat.

15.    In order to effectively deter and eliminate unregulated engagements, the GCExCo at its Third Meeting (2022-23) on 17 February 2023 resolved to introduce new measures in order to effectively deter and eliminate unregulated engagements with effect from 2023-24:  

Students who fail to obtain prior approval will be punishable by a fine that is equivalent to 50% of the pay for the first 50 hours in excess of the ceiling and to 80% of the pay for the subsequent segment. Repeated violators during the normative study period will in addition be sent to the Graduate School Disciplinary Committee for possible disciplinary actions. The fine will be deducted from the student’s PGS or collected from the student in whichever way the University deems fit.

III.    Timely Submission of Change Requests by HKPFS Students and Universities

16.    The UGC Secretariat writes that they have, from time to time, received late submissions of request for its approval.

17.    Approval on part-time engagement ^{(Note 1)} and leave application as well as substantial change (e.g. change of department/supervisor/registration date/fellowship period/start date/end date) in relation to the awardee concerned should be sought from the RGC Secretariat one month in advance of the proposed engagement start date or change effective date.  

18.    In this regard, Graduate Divisions and students should be made aware that such applications should be submitted to GSO (with the appropriate Form and supporting documents) at least 5 weeks in advance as a general rule for our immediate transmission to the UGC Secretariat. Exceptional circumstances for which GCExCo’s approval has to be sought (e.g. leave exceeded the limit or programme change) will take longer than 5 weeks depending on the GCExCo meeting schedule.  Retroactive applications will not be entertained.

Notes:
1)    An awardee is not permitted to undertake any part-time or full-time paid employment during the fellowship period unless exceptional approval has been given by the RGC with strong justification and support from the affiliated university. According to the Circular Memorandum on “Implementation of Student Helper Engagement Scheme and Computerized Student Helper System” dated 29 August 2017, CUHK full-time students would from then on only be engaged as “Student Helpers” for all forms of campus work outside study. For details, please refer to the said memo and visit the “Student Helper Engagement Scheme” website. 
2)    i) Besides the “summer sessions” stipulated in the “Term Dates for Postgraduate Programmes”, all other times are considered “term time”.  For TPg programmes, however, the intervals between the end of one term and the start of the next are not considered term time. 
ii) The operational definition of “full-time employment” refers to a form of employment or engagement that carries 20 or more hours per week. Employment/engagement that carries less than 20 hours per week is considered as “part-time employment”.
3)    GCExCo agreed at its Third Meeting (2023-24) on 23 February 2024 that the Dean of Graduate School shall henceforth undertake the responsibility of accepting or rejecting these applications, irregularities excepted, according to the prevailing policy as reflected in clause 3.5 of the General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies and section 4.10 of the Code of Practice (Research Postgraduate Studies) with immediate effect on behalf of the GCExCo.  In case of irregularities (e.g., applications that are retroactive in nature, remunerative engagements that are neither research nor study related), the Dean of Graduate School will transmit the application and justifications to the GCExCo for approval. 
4)    Research postgraduate students who apply for “no-pay leave” for taking up remunerative/non-remunerative engagements are not required to obtain approval for participating in the engagement, as their student status during the no-pay leave period will be turned inactive and that they are considered as not being in residence during the period. 
5)    The Flowchart “Approval of RPg and TPg Students’ Applications for Taking Up Engagement/Employment” is enclosed for ease of reference. 

Notes:

1. Full-time taught postgraduate students who are approaching the end of the normative study period may take up a full-time employment if the student concerned already completed all programme requirements, subject to the endorsement of the Programme Director and Head of Graduate Division, and approval of the Dean of the Graduate School (DGS). 
2. Leave application is required. RPg students should apply for in-residence leave.
3. (i) Besides the “summer sessions” stipulated in the “Term Dates for Postgraduate Programmes”, all other times are considered “term time”. For TPg programmes, however, the intervals between the end of one term and the start of the next are not considered term time. 
   (ii) The operational definition of “full-time employment” refers to a form of employment or engagement that carries 20 or more hours per week. Employment/engagement that carries less than 20 hours per week is considered as “part-time employment”.
   (iii) Full-time students will only be engaged as “Student Helpers” for all forms of campus work outside study.
4. At the Third Meeting (2023-24) of the GCExCo, it was resolved to delegate the approval authority to DGS to approve or reject applications of: 
   a.    taking up part-time on-campus employment by PGS holders which exceed the ceiling working hours (for details please refer to Section II of the Internal Guidelines); 
   b.    taking up of remunerative engagements (full-time or part-time) by PGS holders; 
   c.    taking up of full-time employment by full-time research postgraduate students who are approaching the end of the normative study period may take up a full-time employment if the student concerned already completed all programme requirements and submitted the thesis for examination (where applicable), subject to the endorsement of the Supervisor and Head of Graduate Division, and approval of DGS. 
   In case of irregularities (e.g. applications that are retroactive in nature, remunerative engagements that are neither research nor study related), DGS will transmit the application and justifications to the GCExCo for approval. 
5. Research postgraduate students who apply for “no-pay leave” for taking up remunerative/non-remunerative engagements are not required to obtain approval for participating in the engagement, as their student status during the no-pay leave period will be turned inactive and that they are considered as not being in residence during the period.

5.1 Assignment of Supervisors

A Supervisor is a full-time academic staff of a Graduate Division who is assigned by the Graduate Panel to supervise a student’s chosen topic or area of research.  The topics/areas available for thesis research, together with the names of the teachers who can supervise these topics/areas are made known to students by the Graduate Divisions.  The student, on the other hand, should make his/her preference known to the Graduate Panel.

A Supervisor is expected to:

1. be familiar with the rules and regulations of the University, in particular those concerning postgraduate studies;
2. participate in activities as requested by his/her Graduate Division in support of the running of programmes of studies;
3. identify eligible and appropriate applicants for admission to his/her programme of studies; and
4. identify problems and difficulties encountered by his/her students and offer advice.

The Graduate Panel has the responsibility and complete authority to appoint and to reassign academic staff for supervision of students, provided that the Supervisor/Co-supervisor(s) meet the eligibility requirements.  There should be only one designated Supervisor.  A Co-supervisor is sometimes also designated to ensure continuity of supervision. In the case of co-supervision, the Graduate Panel shall designate who will be the Supervisor.  All supervisory appointments have to be reported to the Dean of the Graduate School.

If a Supervisor for whatever reason becomes unable to supervise before the student’s thesis/portfolio is completed, the Head of the Graduate Division shall appoint a new Supervisor as soon as possible.  Normally, the Co-supervisor will be deemed one of the suitable candidates.

A Supervisor should not at any one time supervise more than a certain specified number of research students (including Continuing Students).  The Head of the Graduate Division may give approval to a teacher (other than himself/herself) to exceed the limit by two, and all cases have to be reported to the Graduate School Office. Requests for going more than two beyond the stipulated limit and exceptions regarding the Head of the Graduation Division himself/herself will be considered and, where appropriate, approved by the Dean of the Graduate School.
 

5.2 Eligibility requirements of a Supervisor

For master's programmes, the Supervisor should be a full-time academic staff at the rank of Assistant Professor¹ or above at CUHK, and in addition should either

1. have held a Ph.D. degree or equivalent² for at least one year; or
2. have held a master's degree by research or a relevant professional master's degree for at least three years, and have (i) successfully co-supervised an M.Phil. thesis or equivalent³, or (ii) successfully supervised an M.Phil. thesis or equivalent³ at another institution.

For doctoral programmes, the Supervisor should be a full-time academic staff at the rank of Assistant Professor or above at CUHK, and in addition should have held a Ph.D. degree or equivalent for at least three years, and have either

1. successfully supervised an M.Phil. thesis or equivalent³; or
2. successfully co-supervised a Ph.D. thesis or equivalent⁴; or
3. successfully supervised a Ph.D. thesis or equivalent⁴ at another institution.

Student's portfolio conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions are considered as equivalent to M.Phil and Ph.D. thesis in respect of D.Mus., M.Mus., and M.F.A.

Notes:
¹For M.F.A. students, a teacher with an academic title of Assistant Professor or above and with teaching experience of at least five years at this University need not have a higher degree.
²For the Faculty of Medicine, a relevant Membership/Fellowship from a professional college, or research-based M.D. is to be regarded as the equivalent of a Ph.D. degree. For Doctor of Nursing students, a teacher with a relevant Doctor of Nursing degree is regarded as equivalent to having a Ph.D. degree.
³For the Graduate Division of Social Work, M.S.W. is accepted. For Doctor of Education, those who have successfully supervised two M.Ed. projects are accepted.
⁴It refers to Ed.D. for Doctor of Education students, D.Nurs. for Doctor of Nursing students, Psy.D. for Doctor of Psychology students, and D.S.Sc. for Doctor of Social Science students.

Prospective Supervisors for master’s (resp., doctoral) students who do not meet the requirements as specified above may (a) be recommended by the Graduate Division and endorsed by the Dean of the Faculty, considerations of which to be based mainly on experience in research, and approved by the GCExCo; or (b) act only in a co-supervisory capacity together with another Supervisor who satisfies the above conditions or has been exceptionally approved by the GCExCo.

Full-time Research Associate Professors at CUHK who meet the requirements for supervising master’s (resp., doctoral) students as specified above may be appointed as Supervisors for master’s (resp., doctoral) students upon recommendation by the Graduate Division.

Full-time Research Assistant Professors at CUHK who meet the requirements for supervising master’s (resp., doctoral) students as specified above may be appointed as Supervisors for master’s (resp., doctoral) students upon recommendation by the Graduate Division and approved by the Faculty Dean concerned. The appointments have to be reported to the Graduate School.

In the case of a doctoral candidate who is also a full-time academic staff at the rank of Assistant Professor of the University, all Supervisors of the candidate must be teachers of the rank of Associate Professor or above. Exceptions will have to be considered on a case-by-case basis by the GCExCo.  If the candidate is of the rank of Associate Professor or above, the appointment of all Supervisors of the candidate will have to be submitted to the GCExCo for approval.

For details, please also refer to the General Information for Thesis Preparation and Submission - A Guide for Research Postgraduate and Taught Doctoral Students, available on the Graduate School website.

5.3 Induction of new Supervisors

To accelerate the pace for junior faculty members to become eligible RPg supervisors, the Graduate School offers, in collaboration with the Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research (CLEAR), a module in the Professional Development Course titled “Workshop on Research Postgraduate Supervision” for Assistant Professors who are first-time supervisors.  Workshops are held each year with experienced supervisors sharing strategies and techniques to help supervisors support and supervise their RPg students successfully.

6.1 Graduation requirements

All RPg students are required to fulfil a set of graduation requirements as prescribed by the Programme in order to graduate.  Some of the requirements are compulsory for all while some are specific to individual programmes or individual students.  Different types of graduation requirements will be introduced briefly in the following sections.  Students should refer to the Course List, Course Descriptions and Study Scheme of their own programmes in the Postgraduate Student Handbook for details.  Besides, RPg students should report and record the fulfilment of candidacy and graduation requirements in the Study Plan and Progress Report for RPg studies in consultation with the Supervisor.

6.2 Course requirements

The course requirements set out the required courses and elective courses, if applicable, of the Programme.  Taught courses (excluding courses with research elements, such as “Research”, “Thesis Research”, “Thesis Preparation”, etc.) aim to enhance the knowledge in research.  In general, the requirement for different RPg programmes is as follows:

1. Not less than 12 units for research master's;
2. Not less than 12 units for research doctoral students in the pre-candidacy stage, completion of which will be part of the candidacy requirements.

The two requirements can be identical, but a higher requirement can be set for Ph.D. candidacy if the Graduate Division so desires.  Doctoral students without a research master’s degree may be required to take additional courses.  The Graduate Division may specify the minimum grade at which these courses must be passed.

Students should take at least one course in each term, unless otherwise stated in the Study Scheme or approved by the Head of the Graduate Division. In addition, students’ research progress is monitored through taking “Thesis Research” courses.  The minimum number of units to be taken by RPg students in each Term is given below.  Each unit is regarded as equivalent to approximately three hours of study/research per week by the student.

6.3 Postgraduate students taking undergraduate courses

Postgraduate students are allowed to enrol in undergraduate courses (4000 level or below) in the following situations:

1. Taking undergraduate courses as make-up requirements.
   A RPg student with a first degree of a different subject than the postgraduate programme may have to make up for some undergraduate courses as assigned by the Supervisor. 
2. RPg students may take other undergraduate courses, typically in a different subject, purely out of interest (e.g., calligraphy or music), or to develop other skills (e.g., language, including a third language).

RPg students who wish to take undergraduate courses should first consult their Supervisors.

Programmes can include up to 15% of undergraduate courses in the programme requirements.  GCExCo’s approval is required if Graduate Divisions request to include more than 15% undergraduate courses in the programme requirements.
 

6.4 Research thesis and oral examination

All RPg students are required to submit a research thesis and pass an oral examination.  The schedule, procedures, and assessment of the research thesis and oral examination will be described in detail in Section 8 below.
 

6.5 Candidature for doctoral degree

There are two stages of Ph.D. studies: the pre-candidacy stage and the post-candidacy stage.  No student will be admitted directly as a Ph.D. student (post-candidacy); such a status can only be gained by a Ph.D. student (pre-candidacy) upon satisfying all candidacy requirements.  Only a Ph.D. (post-candidacy) candidate can submit a thesis and be examined.

The candidacy requirements are set by the Graduate Division, with administration taken care of by the Graduate School. The candidacy requirements include at least the following components:

1. Course requirements;
2. Candidacy Examination/Qualifying Examination; and
3. Thesis proposal and defence of the proposal for Articulated M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes only.

The Candidacy Examination or Qualifying Examination contains a written component of one or more papers, which cover the basic disciplinary knowledge expected of a Ph.D. student.  The subject coverage is not specific to each student, but is the same for a broad subject category within each Graduate Division.  The Graduate Division may specify that certain papers can be replaced by passing relevant courses at specified grades.  There may be an additional oral component.

Advancement to research doctoral candidature (or Ph.D. (post-candidacy) stage for students admitted under the “M.Phil.-Ph.D. programmes”) is conditional upon fulfilment of the candidacy requirements.  The prevailing procedure takes the Supervisor and the Head of Graduate Division to sign off on a document “Notification of Fulfilment of Candidacy Requirements” to confirm the completion of candidacy requirements of individual students.  
 

6.6 Candidacy Examination and Qualifying Examination

Candidacy Examination and Qualifying Examination are two different terms used in the assessment of Ph.D. students who are admitted under the “articulated” and “non-articulated” programmes, respectively.

Students (pre-candidacy) should refer to the study schemes of their own programmes in the Postgraduate Student Handbook for the detailed requirements.

For “articulated” programmes, the maximum period to pass the Candidacy Examinations, counted from first entry to the programme, is tabulated below, failing which the student concerned will be discontinued from studies at the University:

However, for “non-articulated” programmes, the maximum period to pass the Qualifying Examination is defined by individual Graduate Divisions.  Students should consult the programmes of studies of each Graduate Division in the Postgraduate Student Handbook for details.
 

6.7 Improving Postgraduate Learning

While there is no universally accepted approach for teaching students to be more creative in research, there are some basic principles, methodologies, and skills with which students can equip themselves in the arduous task of doing research.  Most knowledge and skills are imparted by the students’ Supervisors as they work together.  However, some skills are cross-disciplinary in nature and can be taught in a more formal or systematic manner, e.g., laboratory safety, searching for and analysis of information, principles and ethics in documentation, and presentation skills.  

For over the past two decades, the Graduate School has organised related short courses to help postgraduate students do their research. These modules are collectively referred to as the Improving Postgraduate Learning (IPL) programme and are coordinated by CLEAR.

Most IPL short courses are optional for postgraduate students. However, all research postgraduate students should consider seriously taking every module that has potential relevance to their research endeavours. Supervisors and Graduate Division Heads should also promote these modules to their students.

All research postgraduate students are required to complete the following IPL modules in their first year of studies as part of the candidacy and graduation requirements with effect from the 2022-23 intake.  For clarity, note that M.Phil. and Doctor of Nursing students are also expected to fulfill the stipulated IPL requirements within their first year.

1. Research Data Management (RDM) is of increasing interest and importance to the academia. More and more research funders require researchers to submit data management plans as part of grant applications and share their research data to the scholarly community. In light of these policies and requirements, the Research Data Management (RDM) Training is incorporated into an appropriate IPL module offered by the Library.  Students are required to complete the online course Basics of Research Data Management in the first year of study.   Information is available at https://clear.cuhk.edu.hk/web/professional-development-pd/improving-postgraduate-learning.
    
2. The University Safety Office (USO) has stipulated in its notes to students, available at https://clear.cuhk.edu.hk/IPL/IPL-LaboratorySafety.pdf, that students as advised by their supervisors or Graduate Divisions to take safety courses (excluding the Animal Experimentation at CUHK) are required to attend the course(s) and pass the corresponding examination(s) in their first year of study, effective from the 2022-23 intake. The information is also available from the study scheme in the Postgraduate Student Handbook.
    

6.8 Observing Intellectual Property and Copyright Law during Research and Research Ethics Training Module on Publication Ethics

In addition to completing the IPL modules stipulated for partial fulfilment of candidacy requirements, students are also required to complete the following IPL modules for graduation.

The online module Observing Intellectual Property and Copyright Law during Research is compulsory for all RPg students.  Relevant information is available on the CLEAR website at https://clear.cuhk.edu.hk/web/professional-development-pd/improving-postgraduate-learning/.

To strengthen researchers’ awareness of ethical concepts, the Research Office offers Research Ethics Training (RET) which contains four online modules in the following domains: (a) Human Subject Ethics; (b) Laboratory Animals Ethics; (c) Survey and Behavioural Ethics; and (d) Publication Ethics.  All RPg students admitted in 2017-18 and thereafter are required to complete the online RET module on Publication Ethics and obtain a valid Publication Ethics Certificate for graduation.  More information on RET is available at www.research-ethics.cuhk.edu.hk/web/.
 

6.9 Other requirements

Graduate School and Graduate Divisions may prescribe additional term-end assessment and graduation requirements for students.  Examples include:

• Language requirement, e.g., knowledge of spoken Cantonese and written Chinese may be required for some courses taught in Cantonese and English.
• A higher minimum cumulative GPA (e.g., 2.5) for graduation.
• Additional requirements for individual students may be set by the Graduate Division or Supervisor, depending on the academic progress of the students.

All research postgraduate students and taught doctoral students admitted in 2025/26 or thereafter are required to submit a Data Management Plan (DMP).  Relevant information is available at: https://libguides.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/rdm/mandate-support.

• PhD and taught doctoral students (excluding Doctor of Nursing students) must submit a DMP prior to completing the candidacy fulfilment process. The Thesis Supervisor and the Head of Graduate Division will confirm the DMP completion when signing the document “Notification of Fulfilment of Candidacy Requirements” for each student. 
• M.Phil. and Doctor of Nursing students are expected to complete their DMP submission within the first year of study. Compliance will be checked during graduation assessment.
• The final DMP should have been shared to the CUHK community on DMPTool or the relevant platform that CUHK provides when submitting the final version of the thesis/portfolio to the Graduate School.

All RPgs and taught doctoral students admitted in 2025/26 or thereafter are strongly encouraged to preserve their research data. Where data sharing is intended, supervisors and students should work together to develop appropriate implementation plans. Relevant information is available at: https://libguides.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/rdm/mandate-support. 
 

6.10 Course and unit exemptions

Students who have already completed equivalent courses may apply for exemption from taking some courses and/or units by taking the following actions:

1. Check their eligibility by reading the Policy on Course and Unit Exemptions for Postgraduate Students (available in the Postgraduate Student Handbook);
2. Consult the Graduate Division on the possibility of granting course and unit exemptions;
3. Complete the prescribed online application form and attach any required supporting documents for submission to the Graduate Division via CUSIS; and
4. Pay the required fee.

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The decision rests with the Head of the Graduate Division and is subject to approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.
 

6.11 Study Plan and Progress Report for RPg Studies

In order to improve supervision, ensure timely progress, and encourage broader training, the Graduate School requires each RPg student, together with his/her Supervisor or, if no Supervisor has been assigned yet, a divisional adviser, to complete an online Study Plan and Progress Report for RPg Studies on an annual basis.

The report is divided into two parts. The 1st part deals with the requirements of the whole programme.  Students/Supervisors are required to complete this part.  The 2nd part is an annual account on the courses/other requirements completed by the students in each study year.

At the end of each academic year, Supervisors will meet with their RPg students to record the progress of the students’ academic activities and fulfilment of the programme requirements against the study plan.  Students also have the opportunity to read the comments given by their Supervisors.  Supervisors should monitor students’ progress to ensure that the students fulfil the coursework requirements, Candidacy Examination/Qualifying Examination, and any other graduation requirements within the study period.
 

6.12 Departmental duties and teaching assistance

As a condition of the PGS award, RPg students shall carry out assignments relating to teaching and research as part of their postgraduate studies, normally for not more than 12 hours per week on average, as prescribed by the respective Department Chairperson, School Director, or Faculty Dean.  PGS holders are requested to observe at all times the Code of Conduct for Postgraduate Studentship Holders which is enclosed in the Admission Offer and Letter of Award at the time of admission.

RPg students who are Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) awardees and RPg students who are not PGS holders (such as part-time RPg students or full-time RPg students who opt not to receive PGS) do as a matter of principle not have the obligation to carry out the assignments.  However, Department Chairpersons, School Directors or Faculty Deans may assign teaching and research-related duties also to HKPFS awardees and RPg students who are not PGS holders for training purposes.

Undertaking undergraduate teaching in the capacity of a Teaching Assistant (TA) during the study period is one of the common departmental duties which is also regarded by both the RPg students and the Graduate Divisions as part of the students’ education.  PhD students may serve as teaching assistants of postgraduate courses, provided that they have completed the candidacy requirements, are qualified to take up the teaching duties, and are not enrolled in the courses themselves. Course instructors should provide appropriate supervision to the teaching assistants and handle conflicts of interest that may arise due to, e.g., relationships between the teaching assistants and students in their courses. In particular, a teaching assistant should not be involved in the assessment of a student with whom s/he has a conflict of interest.

The Guidelines on the Allocation of Teaching Duties to RPg Students should be observed in assigning duties to RPg students.  RPg students who will take up TA duties are required to attend training courses offered by CLEAR.  Students may refer to the CLEAR website (www.cuhk.edu.hk/clear) for more details.
 

6.13 Language policy

CUHK is a bilingual (Chinese and English) university.  The University has three goals related to language proficiency at the postgraduate level:

1. At the time of admission, ensure a proper alignment of the language proficiency of students with the language of instruction adopted by the programme;
2. After admission, ensure that students have the opportunity to continue strengthening their language proficiency; and
3. Provide students with opportunities to be exposed to Chinese language and culture, particularly those without such exposure prior to admission.

The majority of postgraduate students at the University are proficient in Chinese and English, though there is a small number of overseas students who do not have prior exposure to the Chinese language and culture.  

In addition, postgraduate students may wish to strengthen their proficiency in Chinese (Putonghua and/or Cantonese) and/or English for academic, professional, or other purposes, the programme in which they are enrolled may have specific language proficiency needs (such as proficiency in Japanese in the Japanese Studies programme), or the programme may for general educational purposes have a third language requirement.  The University will continue to ensure that appropriate language courses are offered through the relevant units, including the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Yale-China Chinese Language Academy, English Language Teaching Unit, Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, and other relevant departments.

7.1 Assessment of academic performance

Assessment of a student’s academic performance may take various forms: class work, written work, laboratory performance, field work, research papers, assignments, tests, oral defence, and any other method of academic assessment.  A combination of assessment methods may be used in one course.  The specific course and assessment method(s) and the relative weight of these methods (e.g., written assignment X%, mid-term test Y%, final course examination Z%) should be spelt out in the course assessment scheme as designed by the teacher responsible and approved by the Assessment Panel of each Graduate Division.  The course assessment methods should be announced to students as part of the course outline at an early stage of the academic term.
 

7.2 Course grades

The University adopts the 4-point grade point system for grading students’ performance. A student shall be assessed in every course for which s/he has registered on the basis of his/her performance in the course under the criteria prescribed by the programme concerned.  Course grades, their standards, and converted points to be used in reporting are as follows:

“DI”/“PA”/“FA” or “P”/“U” grades are for specified courses adopting distinction/pass/failure and pass/failure gradings where other grades are not applicable.

GPA of a student’s course work is computed by dividing the total weighted converted points for courses taken by the total number of units attempted inclusive of courses failed, where the weighted converted points are converted points multiplied by the number of units of the course concerned.  Courses graded by “DI”/”PA”/”FA” or “P” and “U” will be excluded from the calculation of GPA.

A student who has gained a grade of “D” or above or “DI”/“PA” or “P” in a course will earn the unit(s) of that course.  The units of courses repeated/retaken shall count only once towards the fulfilment of course units for graduation.  In the event that a student fails to complete the coursework requirement at the Graduate Division specified grade, he/she will have to repeat taking the course and attain the said grade unless the Graduate Division would prescribe a substitute course. 
 

7.3 Assessment Panel

Each Graduate Division should establish an Assessment Panel which is chaired by the Head of the Graduate Division and comprises at least two members from the Graduate Division, apart from the Graduate Division Head himself/herself.  The membership may overlap with that of the Graduate Panel of the Graduate Division.  When handling grade appeals, the Assessment Panel may co-opt other teachers or form ad-hoc panels if necessary.

The terms of reference for the Assessment Panel are as follows:

1. To propose policies on the matters contained in this policy paper (e.g., peer assessment) for approval by the Department/Programme Committee.
2. To monitor and ensure fairness and honesty in all assessment work.
3. To review comments provided by Visiting Committee and programme review panels.
4. To review and define grade descriptors as and when necessary.
5. To endorse course assessment schemes.
6. Be responsible for the quality of examination/test papers. For example, for each course, a colleague within the department/programme could be appointed as an internal reviewer to independently check the paper and model answer/marking scheme.
7. To approve grade boundaries and the assignment of grades recommended by teachers.
8. To arrange make-up examination/assessment for students who have been given approval to be absent from examination/assessment.
9. To endorse requests submitted by teachers for change of marks or grades upon appeal by students, and to help resolve any informal complaints thereon.
10. To ensure that reasonable effort is undertaken to monitor and uphold academic honesty in all assessments.
11. Any other duties as determined by individual Departments/Divisions/Programmes.
     

7.4 Examination administration

Course examinations are administered either by the Registration and Examinations Section of the Registry or Graduate Divisions.  The former is responsible for administration of examinations for undergraduate courses in some of which postgraduate students could have enrolled.  The latter is responsible for administration of examinations for postgraduate courses.

Students who are unable to sit any examination due to illness or other compelling reasons should apply in writing with documentary evidence to the Graduate School as early as possible but in any case not later than five working days from the examination.  The Graduate School will determine in consultation with the Graduate Division the required follow-up action.  An application for absence from examination on medical ground shall be accompanied by a medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner.  A student who is absent from any examination without permission will be given a failure grade in that examination.  

For rules to be observed by candidates during examinations please refer to the Postgraduate Student Handbook available on the Graduate School website and additional/specific rules to be prescribed by the Graduate Divisions/course teachers.  A student who violates any of the rules regarding examinations shall be disciplined in accordance with the nature and gravity of the offence.

No supplementary examination is allowed for students failing an examination.  However, under special circumstances, the Graduate Council may on the recommendation of the Graduate Division approve an exceptional assessment arrangement.
 

7.5 Grade appeal process

Grade appeals are handled by the Assessment Panel of each Graduate Division.  However, it is advisable that students who wish to initiate a grade appeal should first approach the teacher responsible and discuss with him/her the expectations of both parties.  This will provide a chance for both parties to review the examination script or any other form of student work which has been assessed, together with the relevant course assessment scheme and other rules and regimes.  If a resolution acceptable to both parties cannot be achieved through this informal process, the student may submit a formal grade appeal to the Assessment Panel through the Graduate Division or Head of the Graduate Division within two weeks from the grade release date of the course concerned.  No appeal for grade review will be accepted after this period.
 

7.6 Unsatisfactory performance

A student is required to discontinue studies if his/her performance is unsatisfactory.  The definition of unsatisfactory performance is as follows:

1. The cumulative grade point average is 1.0 or below; or
2. The student fails to have probation lifted after being put on academic probation for two consecutive terms of attendance; or
3. Additional requirements laid down by the Graduate Division are not satisfied.

A student shall be put on academic probation if he/she has obtained a cumulative GPA below 2.0 in the preceding term or upon receiving a failure grade in a thesis monitoring course unless he/she is required to discontinue studies.  A student on academic probation shall be reviewed by the Graduate Division at the end of the term in which he/she is put on probation, at which time if he/she has obtained a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above or attained satisfactory progress, probation shall be lifted; otherwise probation shall continue to apply in his/her next term.  

If at any time the Supervisor is of the opinion that a student is not making satisfactory progress or is unlikely to attain the standard required for the degree, and the assessment result is endorsed by the Head of the Graduate Division and Graduate Council, the student shall be required to discontinue studies or may be advised to transfer to a course of study for a master’s degree in the case of a doctoral student.

7.7    Re-instatement and re-admission

A student who has withdrawn from the University for reasons other than academic ones may, under very special circumstances, apply in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School for reinstatement as a student. Such applications shall be considered by the Graduate Division concerned and the Graduate Council. No student who has been required to discontinue studies at the University because of unsatisfactory academic performance or has withdrawn to avoid such discontinuation shall be re-instated.

Consideration for re-instatement may be based on the applicant’s academic status when previously enrolled at the University, activities after discontinuation of studies, the length of absence, perceived capabilities for successful completion of the programme, and the ability of the programme/Graduate Division to support the student academically and in other relevant areas, as well as any other factors or considerations regarded as relevant by the Graduate Division concerned and the Graduate Council.

Under normal circumstances, only applications of students who still have additional graduation requirements to complete and intend to pursue a full course of study in the practicably immediate future will be considered. To substantiate their applications, students are expected to prove that the loss of student status is resulted from circumstances beyond their control and/or that the failure to be reinstated would result in severe impact.

A student who has withdrawn from a programme of studies on grounds of academic failure shall not be considered for re-admission to the same programme in the following academic year, unless permission is granted by the Graduate Council on the recommendation of the Graduate Division concerned. S/he may also apply to the Dean of the Graduate School for exemption from courses previously completed and/or shortening the period of study.

 

8.1 Preparation for research and thesis writing

The main output of an RPg student is the thesis or a portfolio.  In fact, the eligibility of a student for award of a degree is assessed by the Thesis Assessment Committee on the basis of:

1. The thesis or portfolio;
2. An oral examination; and
3. A written examination, if required.

In an attempt to collect and distribute to RPg students key learning and research materials, the Graduate School has published a document titled Research and Thesis Writing, which focuses on the structure of a thesis and provides advice on the areas of research and thesis writing techniques.  The publication comprises six chapters:

Chapter 1: Beginning research – advises how to select a research topic and work with a Supervisor
Chapter 2: Effective use of information – guides students through searching for information online and helps them develop skills and techniques for using library resources
Chapter 3: Structuring a thesis – outlines the main components of the structure of an academic thesis
Chapter 4: Writing a thesis – focuses on the actual writing of a thesis
Chapter 5: Proofreading – focuses on proofreading and suggests a number of ways of checking for inconsistency in thesis content and structure at micro and macro levels
Chapter 6: Guide to thesis formatting – contains information about the requirements for formatting a thesis, based on the regulations of the Graduate School

The publication is the output of a concerted effort of various CUHK departments. RPg students are advised to read the document carefully before they formulate their research plan. It is accessible from the GS Platform (Students) on the Graduate School website.

8.2 Research ethics

The University has an established policy on research ethics which applies to all researchers including students. Please refer to the Research Office and the Knowledge Transfer Office website (https://www.orkts.cuhk.edu.hk/en/about/policies-guidelines)  website for the Policy on Research and the Policy on Intellectual Property (see also section 6.8 above on Research Ethics Training).

8.3 Procedures

The procedure relating to the submission of theses/portfolios is summarised in the following table, with more elaborations available in the ensuing sections.

8.4 Declaration of intention to submit thesis/portfolio

Students have to declare their intention to submit the thesis/portfolio by completing and returning the “Declaration Form on Intention to Submit Thesis/Portfolio” (Form TAS-1) to the Graduate Division and the Graduate School four months before actual submission.  Form TAS-1 includes the proposed date of submission and the thesis/portfolio title (with 1-2 pages of summary/abstract of thesis/portfolio) for approval by the Supervisor and Head of the Graduate Division.

If the intended date of submission is more than three months ahead of the end of the original normative study period, permission of the Graduate Council is required.  Since the normative study period will end three months after the intended date of submission, permission to shorten the normative study period will be handled at the same time.  A separate application for shortening the normative study period is not needed.

A Ph.D. student (pre-candidacy) cannot submit a thesis/portfolio.  He/She must first proceed to Ph.D. (post- candidacy) before he/she can do so.  Students are not allowed to submit theses/portfolios during leave of absence or if the External Examiner(s) has/have not yet accepted the invitation to serve on the Thesis Assessment Committee.
 

8.5 Thesis Assessment Committee

Upon approval of the thesis/portfolio title and the proposed date for submission, the Graduate Division will nominate members of the Thesis Assessment Committee to evaluate the student’s thesis/portfolio for award of the degree sought and provide the student with an opportunity to defend the thesis/portfolio.  The composition of the Thesis Assessment Committee is as follows:

1. Chairperson – the Head of the Graduate Division or his/her representative with an academic title of Associate Professor or above at CUHK. The Supervisor/Co-supervisor should NOT serve as the Chairperson of the Committee.

2. At least three Internal Examiners –

   1. the Head of the Graduate Division or his/her nominee as the Chairperson;
   2. the student's Supervisor; and
   3. a third Internal Examiner from within or outside the Graduate Division.

   The Internal Examiners must be academic staff of the University. An academic staff who left the University may continue to serve as Supervisor/Co-supervisor/Internal Examiner of the student in the said capacity up to three months after his/her retirement/resignation.

3. External Examiner – One for doctoral students and optional for master's students.

   An External Examiner must not be an academic staff of the University.  Anyone who has been a teaching staff of the University or who has taken part in the teaching of the candidate, even in a visiting capacity, within the last three years of the assessment or anyone who is expected to join the University before the assessment is completed is not eligible for appointment as External Examiner.  In addition, an External Examiner must be at least Senior Lecturer in the Commonwealth system or Associate Professor in the American system.  In special circumstances, External Examiners without university affiliation but have the rank of Associate Professor (or equivalent) or above are appointed on the basis of relevant professional experience. Two External Examiners will be appointed to assess the thesis/portfolio of a part-time doctoral student who is a current full-time staff member of the University at the rank of Assistant Professor or above.  All nominations of External Examiners must be approved by the Senate and University Council.

With effect from the 2020-21 academic year, the requirement of appointing External Examiners for assessing theses leading to M.Phil. becomes optional. Graduate Divisions have the discretion to decide if appointing External Examiners as members of the Thesis Assessment Committees for M.Phil. theses is needed. The arrangement also applies to M.F.A. and M. Mus programmes. If an External Examiner will be appointed, the Graduate Division concerned should ensure that the appropriate policy and procedures are properly implemented.

8.6 Thesis proposal and defence of proposal

The thesis proposal and its oral defence can take different forms according to the traditions of different disciplines.  In the areas of humanities and social sciences, it may consist of the submission of a written thesis proposal (which will include a description of the research methodology, possibly with pilot data), a presentation followed by an opportunity to be orally examined by a panel.  In the area of science, it may take the form of an oral presentation of the research planned and undertaken.  Graduate Divisions may also decide on whether the submission of the thesis for acceptance of a journal paper, conference paper or even preprint will satisfy this requirement.

8.7 Submission of thesis/portfolio

Students are not allowed to submit theses for examination unless the External Examiners have accepted the invitation.  Students should not contact the External Examiners on matters related to the thesis.

Students should submit their theses/portfolios to the Graduate School according to the proposed schedule, unless permission for deferment has been obtained.

For details, please refer to the General Information for Thesis Preparation and Submission – A Guide for Research Postgraduate and Taught Doctoral Students. It is important to note that with effect from January 2025, completion of the exit survey for research postgraduate and taught doctoral students is mandatory as part of the final thesis/portfolio submission process. The submission pathway will be available in the Thesis Submission Procedures.

Upon reviewing the student’s thesis and the originality report generated by VeriGuide, the Chairperson of the Thesis Assessment Committee notifies the Graduate School and Graduate Division if the thesis can be sent to the External Examiner for assessment.  If the Supervisor finds that the thesis is not suitable for submission, he/she will forward the thesis to the Internal Examiners for a decision.  If there is any disagreement among the Internal Examiners, the case will be referred to the Head of the Graduate Division.

It is advisable to note the following before a student submits his/her thesis/portfolio:
 

1. Timing

   With effect from the 2021-22 academic year, the University will have three degree conferment dates in each year, i.e. 31 March, 31 July, and 15 October.

   Students are required to submit the final thesis before the deadline as stipulated below in order to have their graduation included in the degree conferment date concerned.  Students who submit the final version of their thesis before 31 August will normally have the degree conferred in the same year. 

   Degree Conferment Date	31 March	31 July	15 October
   Deadline for final thesis submission to GSO	28 February	30 June	31 August

2. Formatting

   There are specific requirements for thesis formatting such as order of contents, margins, paper size, citation styles, etc. For details, please refer to Guide to Thesis Formatting of the Research and Thesis Writing available on the GS Platform (Students) for illustrations and samples.

3. Number of copies

   The number of copies to be submitted depends on the number of members serving on the Thesis Assessment Committee.  Students should check with their Graduate Division the number of copies required.   Except for the copy for External Examiner(s) which should be submitted electronically to the Graduate School, student must submit all other copies directly to the Graduate Division.  The Graduate School will send the thesis to the External Examiner(s) for assessment.

4. Required documents and fees

   The thesis must be submitted together with the completed forms and required fees.  Please study the General Information for Thesis Preparation and Submission – A Guide for Research Postgraduate and Taught Doctoral Students carefully well in advance to familiarize with the requirements.

    

8.8 Oral examination

Upon receipt of the first draft of thesis/portfolio by GSO, Graduate Division to arrange oral examination within two months. Requests for delay should be submitted by the Graduate Division to the Dean of the Graduate School for approval.

The presence of an External Examiner at the oral examination is compulsory for doctoral programmes. It is, however, not compulsory for students of taught doctoral programmes.  Where the External Examiner is unable to be present at the oral examination, a second External Examiner will be appointed to attend the oral examination and undertake the same responsibilities as the first External Examiner. 
The Graduate Division will inform the student of the details of the oral examination at least one week in advance.  The oral examination covers not only the subject matter of the student’s thesis/portfolio but also knowledge in related fields deemed essential to the field of specialisation.  The Chairperson of the Thesis Assessment Committee chairs the oral examination and ensures that questions are fair and that the student is given adequate opportunity to answer them.

Even if the Examiners consider that a student’s thesis/portfolio is not of the standard for the award of the degree sought, a student may, at the discretion of the Thesis Assessment Committee, be given an oral examination to defend his/her thesis/portfolio.
 

8.9 Written examination

Any written examination, if required, will be arranged by the Graduate Division.  The Graduate Division should keep a record of the written examination and provide the record if circumstances require.

8.10 Thesis/Portfolio grades and follow-up actions

Examiners are normally given a period of five weeks for assessment of the thesis/portfolio.  Students may check the progress of this assessment process on the GS Platform (Students).  Upon receipt of all Examiners’ reports, the Chairperson of the Thesis Assessment Committee will decide on a final grade within four weeks and through the “Notification to Student on Results of Thesis/Portfolio Assessment” (Form TAD-6) inform the student of the final assessment result and the required follow-up actions, if any.  If revisions are required, the Supervisor must ensure that corrections are made satisfactorily within a specified period of time not later than three months.

The grading system of the final grades for the thesis/portfolio and follow-up actions on different thesis/portfolio grades are shown in the following table:

8.11 Grade II (Thesis submission NOT passed. Re-submission allowed and re-examination required)

A student whose thesis/portfolio is not passed but re-submission is allowed and re-examination is required must re-write and re-submit the thesis/portfolio to the satisfaction of the Thesis Assessment Committee before being recommended for the award of degree.  The re-submission must be made within 12 months from the date of the official notification of the result of the first examination and within the student’s prescribed maximum period of study.  If the students will have exceeded the maximum period of study, they should submit an application to extend the maximum study end date for the approval of the GCExCo. A research postgraduate student or a taught doctoral student who fails to submit the final version of a thesis within one year from the date as specified by the Thesis Assessment Committee shall be required to discontinue his/her studies at the University, unless special approval is granted by the Graduate Council.

Apart from ruling in regard to thesis re-submission, the Thesis Assessment Committee may decide whether or not the student should be re-assessed by oral examination.

Only one re-submission of thesis/portfolio is allowed unless exceptional approval is granted by GCExCo on extension of the re-submission deadline and/or further re-submission of the thesis/portfolio.

8.12    Grade IV (Research Doctoral student recommended for award of research master’s degree)

Upon approval from GCExCo, the student should be informed to submit the revised version of the M.Phil. thesis/portfolio, with corrections made satisfactorily and confirmed by the Supervisor, to the Graduate School no later than six months from the date the GCExCo approves the recommendation of a final grade of IV and within the student’s maximum period of study. The Graduate School will notify the student of the aforementioned deadline.

If the students will have exceeded the maximum period of study, they should submit an application to extend the maximum study end date for the approval of the GCExCo.

Failure to submit the final version of the M.Phil. thesis/portfolio within one year from above deadline will result in discontinuation of studies at the University, unless special approval is granted by the Graduate Council. 
 

8.13 Deferment of submission of thesis/portfolio

To apply for deferment of submission of a thesis/portfolio beyond the originally proposed date, the form for “Application for Deferment of Submission of Thesis/Portfolio” (Form TAS-3) should be completed and forwarded to the Supervisor and Head of the Graduate Division for approval and then to the Graduate School for record.  Deferment must NOT exceed the maximum study period.  The deferment of the thesis/portfolio submission may result in a delay of the graduation.
 

8.14 Submission of final version of thesis/portfolio

Students are required to submit an electronic copy of the final version of their theses/portfolios.  The arrangement is applicable to both research master’s and doctoral students, including M.D., D.Sc., and other who are required to submit theses in order to fulfil the graduation requirements.  For details, please refer to the General Information for Thesis Preparation and Submission – A Guide for Research Postgraduate and Taught Doctoral Students.

A research postgraduate student or a taught doctoral student who fails to submit the final version of a thesis within one year from the date as specified by the Thesis Assessment Committee shall be required to discontinue his/her studies at the University, unless special approval is granted by the Graduate Council.

It is important to note that with effect from 2 January 2025, completion of the exit survey for research postgraduate and taught doctoral students is mandatory as part of the final thesis/portfolio submission process. The submission pathway will be available in the Thesis Submission Procedures.
 

8.15 Copyright of thesis/portfolio

The University decided that with effect from 2007-08 students should hold the copyright ownership of their theses/portfolios.  However, to make theses accessible for wider scholarly and academic purposes, students are requested to sign an agreement to grant the University a worldwide irrevocable, non-exclusive right in respect of the copyright to the theses/portfolios for the purpose of making copies, abstracts, reproducing or otherwise dealing with the theses/portfolios by whatever means, including but not limited to, digitising, storing, reproducing, and distributing the theses/portfolios in any media and in any format, provided that any and all such acts are only for scholarly and academic purposes and with proper acknowledgment of authorship.

For theses/portfolios submitted before the effective year, the University retains the copyright of each of the theses/portfolios submitted.  A request may be made to the Dean of the Graduate School to grant permission to release this copyright to anyone intending to use a part or whole of the materials in any thesis/portfolio in a proposed publication. Students/graduates are expected to give due acknowledgement of their Supervisors’ guidance (in case of a translation, students should seek the approval of the original author).  Photocopying of theses/portfolios may be made for “fair use” for the purposes of research or private study, without the express permission of the Dean of the Graduate School, in accordance with the prevailing guidelines for copyrighted works.

8.16 Confidentiality of thesis/portfolio

Normally, requests for keeping theses confidential will not be approved.  Students and Supervisors who wish to protect potential patent rights (which will belong to the University if the work is done as part of normal duties) should exercise care to exclude sensitive material from the theses/portfolio.

With effect from December 2014, a one-year “restricted access” is granted automatically to the final version of thesis submitted by a postgraduate student.  The said period is extended to two years and made applicable to students who submit the final version of their theses after the change comes into effect on 22 April 2022.  Access to the table of contents and full text of the thesis will be blocked during this period after which the thesis will be open for public access unless approval from GCExCo is granted.  Students may opt out of the “restricted access” if they wish to release their theses immediately for open access.

Approval for confidentiality for theses for reasons other than patent application may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, normally up to three years (including the “restricted access” period).  Each case will have to be submitted to GCExCo for consideration.

Students (including graduates) are advised to make requests for extending and modifying the restricted access period in writing at least one month prior to the date the restriction shall lapse.  The completed request form, duly signed by the Thesis Supervisor and the Division Head, must reach GSO by the stated deadline.  Retroactive requests for extending the restricted access period received after the said deadline will not be approved.
 

9.1 Postgraduate Studentship

Postgraduate studentship (PGS) is available to full-time RPg students and is awarded to them at the time of admission.  Students awarded PGS will receive stipends in return for assisting in the teaching and research work of the Graduate Division.  The monthly stipend for 2025-26 is HK$19,100 for M.Phil. and Ph.D. (pre-candidacy), and HK$19,660 for Ph.D. (post-candidacy).  This monthly stipend is payable only within the normative study period and is subject to revision by the University from time to time as it considers fit.

The PGS is a form of financial assistance.  Holders of PGS are not employees of the University.  PGS is payable monthly in arrears, except in the following situations:

Any decision for termination/suspension/curtailment of PGS must be endorsed by the Department/Faculty Board and be approved by the Head of the Graduate Division.  The Head of the Graduate Division shall inform the Graduate School about the decision, and the Graduate School shall take follow-up action on financial matters and notify the student concerned.  

Termination/suspension/curtailment of PGS can only be made on the basis of unsatisfactory study performance in relation to academic results and/or teaching assistant related duties. Any violation of University rules which falls within the scope of authority of the Graduate School Disciplinary Committee or the Faculty Disciplinary Committee is not covered by this Section and cannot result in a Graduate Division’s recommendation to terminate/suspend/curtail student’s PGS.  In case of doubt, it is for the Dean of the Graduate School to decide whether the Graduate Division can terminate/suspend/curtail the PGS.

A student may submit his/her appeal within two weeks from the date of notification of the termination/suspension/curtailment to the Dean of the Graduate School for review.  The Dean of the Graduate School has the discretion to take any steps deemed appropriate during the review process. The Graduate School will notify the student of the result of his/her appeal.
 

9.2 Grants for academic travel and Global Scholarship

1. Research Postgraduate Student Grant for Overseas Academic Activities (the Grant) are available for full-time RPg students to conduct academic activities abroad, such as presenting papers at academic conferences or conducting research or academic visits overseas.  Applications for conference grants will be vetted and approved by Graduate Divisions.  Applications for conducting other academic activities will be considered and approved by the Graduate School Bursary Sub-Committee.
    
2. With effect from 2020-21, research doctoral students and research master’s students may reimburse the expenses of approved overseas academic activities including conference travels up to HK$30,000 and HK$10,000 respectively for activities conducting during the whole normative study period.  For attending academic conferences, preference will be given to an applicant who i) has at least one accepted paper in a pre-approved conference determined by his/her Graduate Division; and ii) is the presenting author of an accepted paper in that conference. The applicant may be required to comply with additional requirement(s) determined by his/her Graduate Division.  For other academic activities, higher priority will be given to those which are directly related to the applicants’ research, e.g., field trip for collecting data for thesis, attending workshop/laboratory for acquiring skills which are essential for the applicants’ research work.
    
3. With effect from March 2022, the Grant has been extended to support the registration fee of virtual attendance of academic conferences and the training fee of virtual academic activities (e.g. summer schools, training courses/ workshops, etc.).
    
4. The PhD International Mobility for Partnerships and Collaborations Award (PhD IMPAC Award) sponsors PhD students from CUHK and visiting PhD students for short-term research attachment. The award aims to support research collaboration between CUHK faculty members and their international peers in order to drive research excellence at the University, in addition to enriching the international learning experiences of students. Applications for both the inbound and outbound tracks of the award are to be made by CUHK supervisors. 
    

9.3 Other financial assistance and scholarships

Besides PGS and the grant/scholarship programme mentioned above, there are Government grants and loans, University bursaries and loans, scholarships and prizes, and financial assistance for disabled students.  For more details and application, please consult the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website at http://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/finance.html.
 

9.4 Student fees

Some student fees applicable to RPg students are listed below for reference.  For information on other fees, please refer to the Fees table published in the CUHK Calendar at www.iso.cuhk.edu.hk/english/publications/calendar/. Fees are subject to revision from time to time.

9.5 Payment schedule of tuition fee

Tuition fee notes are issued by the Donations and Projects Management Unit (DPU) of the Finance Office in electronic format by emails to students’ @Link mailboxes two weeks prior to the payment due date.  Students are advised to check their mailboxes according to the following schedules to receive the fee notes and make payments accordingly:

A student who is in arrears shall be subject to fines.  Unless written approval is given by the University to defer payment, a student who is in arrears, whether in part or in full, or who has outstanding fees/fines unpaid for more than two weeks shall be considered to have withdrawn from studies.

Apart from caution money, all fees once paid shall not be refunded, unless exceptionally approved by the Bursar and Director of Finance.
 

10.1 Academic honesty

The University places utmost importance on honesty in academic work and intellectual property, and adopts a policy of zero tolerance on cheating in examinations, plagiarism, and infringement of intellectual property.  Any related offence will lead to disciplinary actions including termination of studies or employment.  As such, the University has prepared Honesty in Academic Work: A Guide for Students and Teachers which is available at www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/.

The content of the Guide is listed below for easy reference:

Section 1: What is plagiarism 
Section 2: Proper use of source material 
Section 3: Citation styles 
Section 4: Plagiarism and copyright infringement 
Section 5: CUHK regulations on honesty in academic work 
Section 6: CUHK disciplinary guidelines and procedures 
Section 7: Guide for teachers and departments in handling cases of academic dishonesty 
Section 8: Recommended statement to be included in course outlines 
Section 9: Electronic submission of assignments via VeriGuide 
Section 10: Declaration to be attached to assignments

CLEAR has prepared a video (English/Cantonese/Putonghua versions) regarding honesty in academic work (www.cuhk.edu.hk/clear/tnl/acad_honesty.html). Students are strongly encouraged to watch the video so as to have a full understanding of the issue.
 

10.2 Infringement of copyright

The law protects creators of original works such as books, newspapers, computer programmes, photographs, films, sound recordings and broadcasts.  The creators hold the exclusive right to use or authorise others to use their work – including reproduction, public performance and broadcasting.  The Copyright Ordinance provides certain limited exemptions for learning purposes.  “Fair dealing” of a work for research or private study, criticism, review, news reporting, or for giving or receiving instruction in a specified course of study provided by an educational establishment is permitted.  Copyright infringement is a serious offence and may lead to civil remedies or even criminal sanctions.  For more information, please visit the University’s website at www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/copyright.

Copyright infringement by the CUHK members, such as excessive downloading of electronic content, violates local laws and University license agreements and will lead to University disciplinary action.  For details of the University’s policy on copyright and confidentiality of theses/portfolios, please refer to the Postgraduate Student Handbook.
 

10.3 Graduate School Disciplinary Committee

The University may take disciplinary action against a student who violates any rule or regulation prescribed by the University authorities, and/or commits any misconduct such as wilful damage to any property of the University, fraud, theft, refusal to comply with regulations, offence of immoral nature, etc.  Disciplinary actions may take the form of reprimand, suspension of rights, termination of studies, etc.  The Graduate School Disciplinary Committee is a sub-committee of the Graduate Council to handle all non-academic disciplinary matters pertaining to postgraduate students and, where appropriate, recommend penalties to be imposed.

Upon receipt of a case involving student discipline, the relevant Disciplinary Committee shall constitute a Disciplinary Panel to examine the case and recommend a course of action.  The Senate Committee on Student Discipline has resolved that with effect from 2015-16, all disciplinary cases of an academic nature involving postgraduate students shall be handled by the Faculties that offer the courses concerned.  The Graduate School Disciplinary Committee will handle non-academic disciplinary matters.  The Panel of the Graduate School Disciplinary Committee normally consists of three members of the Committee who, wherever possible, shall not be from the same Faculty as that of the student who is the subject of the complaint.

The student concerned has the following rights:

1. He/She is allowed to object to any member of the Disciplinary Panel formed for his/her case by giving reasons.  The Chairperson of the Committee is the authority for ruling on such objections.
2. He/She has the right to request a meeting with the Disciplinary Panel before a decision on his/her case is taken.  He/She is also allowed to meet the Panel, as the case may be, with an accompanying person whose identity should be limited to: University staff member, fellow University students, parent, sibling, spouse, or registered guardian.
3. He/She has the right to appeal against the verdict and/or penalty passed by the Panel in writing by giving reasons.  The matter will then be referred to the Senate Committee on Student Discipline. Late requests for appeals are not accepted.

Details on the workflow on handling discipline cases by the Graduate School Disciplinary Committee can be found at www.cuhk.edu.hk/gss/Student_Staff/GSDCworkflow.pdf.

11.1 Course and Teaching Evaluation Questionnaire

Course and Teaching Evaluation (CTE) is a key quality assurance mechanism for teaching and learning and is conducted as a compulsory exercise at the University.  Students’ opinions about the courses they have taken and about the teacher(s) of the course are collected through the CTE Questionnaire.  The results will be used for the enhancement of quality of teaching and learning, and of curriculum design.  The results will also be made known to the students through controlled access.
 

11.2 Feedback via Progress Report for RPg Studies

RPg students meet regularly with their Supervisors and they should make use of these chances to give their feedback to the Supervisors about any facets of their studies and research at the University.  In particular, during their meetings for completing the Progress Report for RPg Studies, their opinions and feedback can be recorded formally for follow-up actions.

Completed Progress Reports of all RPg students will be endorsed by the Head of the Graduate Division and then submitted to the Graduate School.  If there are comments which need special attention, the case will be brought up to the Dean of the Graduate School for perusal and decision on proper actions to be taken.
 

11.3 Exit survey (Survey on Research Postgraduate Programmes)

Upon graduation, all RPg students will be invited by the Graduate School to complete a Survey on Research Postgraduate Programmes.  The survey, which can be regarded as an exit survey, is for the quality assurance of the RPg programmes at the University.  It is not for the assessment of individual performance of teachers or students.  The purpose is to collect feedback from students on the quality of supervision and learning difficulties for the improvement of the RPg programmes.  Individual responses will be kept strictly confidential.

The survey contains questions on admissions, academic supervision, programme of study and campus life, and also personal information without personal identifiers.  Graduating students can make use of this chance to help improve the quality of the RPg programmes and the teaching and learning environments of the University.

As stated at the end of the Survey on Research Postgraduate Programmes, students are most welcome to discuss their problems and/or suggestions with their Supervisor, Department Chairperson, Head of the Graduate Division, Faculty Dean, or the Dean of the Graduate School.

12.1 Academic results

Students can check their academic results (grades and GPA of the courses taken in each term) on CUSIS.  Relevant information about academic results, such as the schedule for releasing grades for each term and the guide to the grading system, is available online via the GS Platform (Students).  Students may also generate an unofficial transcript via CUSIS.  However, it is not an official document and is intended for students’ reference or records of their academic results.  If a student or a graduate needs a formal document as proof of his/her academic achievements, he/she should apply for a transcript to be issued by the Graduate School.
 

12.2 Transcripts

A transcript is an official proof of a student/graduate’s academic achievements. It is a formal document listing the student/graduate’s personal data, all the courses taken (including those before and after programme transfer, if applicable), grades achieved, GPAs and remarks such as period of leave taken, programme transfer, academic exchange, penalty, etc. In short, it is a full record of the academic activities and achievements of the student/graduate during his/her period of study at the University.

Applications for transcripts can be made online via the Graduate School website at a fee.
 

12.3 Letter of Certification

The Letter of Certification is a letter to certify a student’s current status in the University with details of date of admission, programme of study, expected date of graduation, etc.  For graduates, the Letter of Certification also states the conferred degree and the graduate certificate print date.

Applications for Letters of Certification can be made online via the Graduate School website at a fee.  Applicants are advised to state the purpose of their applications and specify the required details in the remarks section to ensure the information is accurately included in the Letter.
 

12.4 Report on Curriculum Details

The Report on Curriculum Details sets out the study scheme and course descriptions of a student/graduate’s Programme.  It is usually requested by bodies of accreditation or institutions which need to verify the level of academic attainments of the student/graduate.  Applications for Reports on Curriculum Details can be made online via the Graduate School website at a fee.
 

12.5 Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate is an official proof of the conferment of degree.  There is no need for students/graduates to apply for it upon degree conferment.  The certificate will be made available for collection at the University specified times as announced by GSO.

The award certificate is an important document. Please keep it in a safe place after collection. Any award certificates uncollected for seven years from the award year will be destroyed without further notification.

The CUHK e-Certification System is available to CUHK graduates of the year 2022-23 and thereafter.  Electronic certificates will normally be available in the e-Certification System two working days before the hardcopy award certificates are ready for collection. No application is required for this free service.
 

12.6 Replacement of Graduate Certificate

In case of loss or damage of the original Graduate Certificate, a graduate may apply for a replacement Certificate from the Graduate School at a fee.  However, an application for replacement due to change of name after graduation will not be accepted.

A graduate shall only be in possession of one valid copy of the Certificate, including the replacement copy, for each degree and/or diploma at any given time.  In other words, if a Certificate previously reported as lost is subsequently found, the graduate concerned is required to return the invalid original copy to the Graduate School.

A replacement Certificate shall follow in general the current format of the Graduate Certificate, with an additional statement “This certificate is re-issued on (DD/MM/YYYY)” [in Chinese:”本證書於YYYY年MM月DD日補發”], and the replacement shall also bear the signatures of the current University Officers.

For details of the application procedures, please visit the Graduate School website at https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/page/ReplacementofGraduateCertificates. 
 

12.7 Certified true copy of the Graduate Certificate

As no duplicate copy of the Graduate Certificate will be issued, graduates may find it helpful to apply for a certified true copy of the Graduate Certificate for various purposes.  Graduates or their representative will need to present the true copy of the Graduate Certificate at the Graduate School and a certified true copy can be prepared immediately at a fee.

13.1 Complaint process

The University is committed to the provision of the highest standard of education to all its students, and to maintaining an environment that facilitates learning to the fullest extent possible.  In so doing, the University has established formal complaint procedures so that any current student who has reasonable ground to believe that he/she might have been treated in an improper manner by a staff member of the University, in an academic or non-academic matter, resulting in his/her being directly affected, may lodge a complaint with the University for an independent investigation.

These procedures are based on the principle that complaints will only be considered on matters of procedure that might have resulted in the complainant being unfairly treated, e.g., a complaint about the grade given by a teacher is admissible on possible procedural errors in determining the grade, but not on a teacher's academic judgment or evaluation with which the student concerned might disagree.

Although no student should be discriminated against or penalised for raising a bona fide complaint on reasonable grounds, the University also recognises the rights of individuals who may be wrongfully accused in the circumstances of a complaint.  Where it is found that a student has raised a frivolous or vexatious complaint, or used false information in lodging a complaint, the complaint will be dismissed and any ongoing investigation will be terminated.  The University reserves the right to invoke its student disciplinary procedure in respect of the student’s conduct.

When a complaint is first lodged, the parties concerned should attempt to resolve the matter by informal means as far as possible.  If an informal resolution cannot be reached, one or more of the following stages in the procedures should be followed:

Stage 1: Formal Complaint
Stage 2: Appeal to the Vice-Chancellor
Stage 3: Appeal to the Council

Students who wish to lodge a complaint should first look at the Procedures for Dealing with Student Complaints, complete the prescribed complaints form, and submit it to the Responsible Authority as set out therein.

Matters related to student discipline and allegations of sexual harassment will be dealt with by the Senate Committee on Student Discipline and in accordance with the University’s prevailing Policy Against Sexual Harassment respectively.
 

13.2 Policy against sexual harassment

Sexual discrimination and sexual harassment are prohibited by law in Hong Kong.  The University is committed to eliminating and preventing sexual harassment and will not condone any act of sexual harassment committed by its students and staff members.

There is a well-defined mechanism for dealing with allegations or complaints of sexual harassment and for providing proper redress if and when harassment occurs.  By clearly stating the University’s stance on sexual harassment and putting an appropriate procedure in place, the University aims to cultivate a sense of justice, fairness, and openness in the University community in relation to gender equality and the furtherance of mutual respect.  For more information on the policy, please refer to the website of the Committee Against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment at http://cadsh.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/.  

Correcting the situation immediately is in everyone's best interests. Ignoring sexual harassment may make the situation worse because the harasser may misinterpret a lack of response as approval or condonation of the behaviour. Delay in making a complaint may also present difficulties for the University in conducting a thorough investigation and establishing the facts of the case. Any staff member or student who believes that he or she is a victim of sexual harassment should act promptly. Any staff member or student of the University who (a) has been sexually harassed by another staff member or student; (b) has witnessed an act of sexual harassment committed by another staff member or student of the University; or (c) has been expressly authorised by a victim to act on his/her behalf may approach the Panel Against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment.  A flowchart summarizing the procedures to handle sexual harassment complaints is available at http://policy-harass.cuhk.edu.hk/images/download-center/Flow_chart.pdf. The current officers designated by the Panel Against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment to deal with enquiries and complaints are:

The designated officers shall inform the staff member or student concerned of the mechanism and options for dealing with allegations or complaints of sexual harassment and may offer assistance, including counseling, to the individuals concerned in the subsequent conciliation or investigation processes.
 

13.3 Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance

As a data user and a responsible public institution, CUHK undertakes to comply with the requirements of the data protection principles set out in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, and to ensure that personal data kept are accurate, securely kept and used only for the purpose for which they have been collected.  All staff members and students of the University who handle identifiable personal data should take extra precaution to ensure that the relevant laws on personal data (privacy) and University Guidelines are complied with and that effective security measures are adopted to protect personal and sensitive data concerning a wide spectrum of data subjects such as staff, students, alumni, patients, clients, donors, job applicants and other data subjects involved in research/experiments/surveys.

Special attention should be paid to protect the identifiable personal and sensitive data by encryption and security password.

Each Faculty/Department/School/Unit should have an effective mechanism in place to assess whether the use of mobile computing devices and removable storage media is truly necessary for handling such data. It is critical to ensure that these devices are securely kept and that all data contained within is properly encrypted and/or password protected. Furthermore, members of the University are recommended to use office-owned mobile/removable devices rather than personal ones when handling identifiable personal or sensitive data.

In the event of any incident or suspected incident of violation of the personal data (privacy) laws, such as the loss of devices or document containing identifiable personal or sensitive data, it is imperative to report the matter to the University immediately. Prompt reporting enables remedial actions to prevent or minimise the damages caused to the data subjects, the University, and all other parties concerned.  For details, please refer to the Information Security Incident Report Policy and complete the “Information Security Incident Reporting Form”

All students are requested to read the Ordinance and the relevant Codes of Practice and Guidelines, especially the six data protection principles outlined on the University’s website: “Protection of Personal Data (Privacy)” at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/pdo/. For other information of the Ordinance, please consult the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (PCPD): http://www.pcpd.org.hk.

For details of the Ordinance and its provisions, please refer to the website of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong at www.pcpd.org.hk.  Students are also requested to observe the “Information Security Best Practices”, especially the “Guidelines for Securely Managing Mobile/Removable Devices” listed on the ITSC website at www.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/user-trainings/information-security-best-practices.  
 

13.4 Whistleblowing Policy

The Whistleblowing Policy is established to enable staff, students, and other relevant parties to report their concern, in good faith and on a strictly confidential basis, about perceived irregularities in the operation of the University and the activities undertaken by its staff members that fall outside the scope of existing University policies and procedures.  Members of the University can be assured that they can report such perceived irregularities without fear of reprisal or retribution.

For further details, please refer to the policy document. 
 

14.1 Chinese University Student Information System (CUSIS)

CUSIS provides a "centralised" interface for students to obtain the following information and services through a personal account:

• Personal record
• Handbooks, Study Schemes
• Course selection and course add/drop
• Academic results
• Online application for programme change, course and unit exemptions, leave of absence, official documents, etc.

Teachers and staff of Graduate Divisions can also login CUSIS for information and functions for their reference and use.
 

14.2 Graduate School Platform

The GS Platform (Students) allows students to obtain the following information and services on the Graduate School website:

• Rules and regulations, guidelines
• Announcements
• Thesis supervision and submission
• Improving Postgraduate Learning (IPL), academic honesty
• Useful forms

Teachers and staff of Graduate Divisions may also login to the GS Platform (Divisions) for information and reference.
 

14.3 Student Advisory System

The University has put in place a Programme/Division-level advisory system, which focuses on academic advising, to support students’ academic development, and to overcome academic problems.  Advisors, apart from giving advice on academic matters, can become resource persons and provide information on other whole-person development opportunities to students.

Under the implementation plan approved by the Senate, every student is assigned one academic advisor (Level I Advisor) by the Graduate Division.  Graduate Divisions are also requested to nominate designated academic advisors (Level II Advisor) for students who need further support.  Graduate Divisions/Programmes will have the flexibility to decide on the details of the appointment of Levels I and II advisors, such as whether Levels I and II advisors are to be the same person for a particular student, and the number of academic advisors for the Graduate Division, etc., so as to suit the different needs of Graduate Divisions/Programmes.
 

14.4 University Library

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library is one of the major academic research libraries in East Asia.  It comprises the University Library and six other Libraries – Ch’ien Mu Library at New Asia College, Elisabeth Luce Moore Library at Chung Chi College, Wu Chung Library at United College, Li Ping Medical Library at the teaching hospital in Shatin, Architecture Library, and Lee Quo Wei Law Library.

With millions of print volumes, ebooks, electronic journal subscriptions and databases, the Library welcomes more than two million visits per year.  Collections reflect CUHK’s bilingual and multicultural environment.  The electronic collections can be accessed and library resources (LibrarySearch) can be searched online at www.lib.cuhk.edu.hk.  Books can be borrowed from any of the libraries.  As part of the Hong Kong Academic Library Link (HKALL) students can also use books from the other seven UGC-funded university libraries in Hong Kong.

In addition to a roving help team, librarians offer specialist support in person, via email or phone.  Library orientation sessions are organised for new students at the beginning of each academic year.  Workshops are held throughout the year, so that students can find, use, and apply the information they need effectively.  Information guides and news about all of the Libraries are available on the Library website.
 

14.5 Language training

Language courses for non-major students are mainly organised by the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) and Yale-China Chinese Language Centre (CLC).  There are practical language courses, such as Postgraduate Presentation Skills and Putonghua/Cantonese for non-native speakers, or courses in special topics like Chinese Reading and Chinese Culture.

A Supervisor may include additional language courses in a student’s study scheme as considered necessary or appropriate to improve the student’s ability to understand the literatures in the student’s field of research as well as in the presentation of his/her own ideas and research outputs.  Students may also take the initiative to request the Supervisor to add language courses in their study scheme.  In both scenarios, the additional workload to be imposed on the students must be considered.

Interested students please visit the websites of ELTU at www.cuhk.edu.hk/eltu/ and CLC at www.cuhk.edu.hk/clc/new/en/.
 

14.6 Independent Learning Centre

The Independent Learning Centre (ILC) offers both academic and career-related support services in both English and Chinese for all CUHK postgraduates. ILC workshops provide practical training in dissertation/ disciplinary-specific journal paper writing, oral/ poster presentations, viva preparation, writing of literature/ systematic reviews and many other areas to assist our PGs in spreading their research far and wide. Further, the ILC engages students in one-to-one consultations on how to improve their written and oral work via giving them expert advice, and recommending specific learning strategies and tools. The Centre has also developed many useful online learning resources based on the needs of our PGs.

Explore the resources and services offered by ILC at www.ilc.cuhk.edu.hk/EN/.
 

14.7 Information Technology Services Centre

The Information Technology Services Centre (ITSC) provides services to the University’s academic, research, and administrative sectors.

MyCUHK, the one-stop University portal, offers personalised access to CUSIS, University administrative systems, cloud email service, library services, a wide range of online services, and campus information.  The User Areas (1/F, Pi Ch’iu Building) and the Learning Commons (6/F, Wu Ho Man Yuen Building) are both equipped with computers, audio visual facilities, and multi-functional printers to provide printing, scanning, and photocopying services.  They also have functional spaces to facilitate students’ individual studies and group works.

For further Information, please visit the ITSC website at www.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk.

14.8 Student services and student activities

CUHK is dedicated to providing a holistic and balanced education for our students. We facilitate all-round personal development and growth, offering quality services and activities. We collaborate with other university units and external resources to support our students’ journey towards success.

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) provides a variety of activities and services. These include supporting student activities and student bodies, services for non-local students, mental-wellness promotion as well as career planning and development. For details of the services, please visit the OSA website at www.osa.cuhk.edu.hk/.
 

14.9 Student hostels

1. On-campus housing - Full-time RPg students are eligible to apply for hostel residence.  Please visit the website at www.pgh.cuhk.edu.hk/ for details.  However, continuing students are not eligible and may consider off-campus housing.
2. Off-campus housing - The information is available on the off-campus housing information website (http://lces.osa.cuhk.edu.hk/non-local-services/housing/off-campus/introduction/), which is managed by OSA.  Students will find useful information such as accommodation for rental in relevant districts, points to note in signing tenancy agreements, FAQ, and useful links on the website.  There is also an online forum for students to share housing information and look for flat-mates.
    

14.10 Student association

RPg students are eligible to join the Postgraduate Student Association of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUPSA), which engages in the following activities:

1. Offering support to postgraduates on academic administrative matters.
2. Organising, co-organising and promoting events and recreational activities for postgraduate students.
3. Providing new postgraduates with useful information to help them adapt to University life and offering support to alumni.
4. Representing CUHK postgraduates at conferences and social events.

Please visit the CUPSA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cuhk.cupsa/ for more information and the latest activities.
 

14.11 University Medical Service Office

The University Medical Service Office (UMSO) provides high-quality primary healthcare services to the University community.

Appointments can be made via the Internet and Phone Booking System or in person.  Medical services are generally free of charge, while the Dental Unit charges a nominal fee.  Please visit the UMSO website at https://www.umso.cuhk.edu.hk/ for more information.

In case of emergency, members of the University should seek prompt treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Prince of Wales Hospital in Shatin or at any Hospital Authority hospital.  To call an ambulance, please dial 999.
 

14.12 Other cultural/recreational/sports facilities and services

There are other sports facilities, cultural and recreational facilities, and services for students:

1. Physical education and sports facilities

   In order to promote students' health and fitness, the University provides a variety of sports facilities and courses for students and staff members, details of which are available at www.peu.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/.

2. Sir Run Run Shaw Hall

   The Sir Run Run Shaw Hall is the biggest and professionally-equipped theatre in the University suitable for holding ceremonies, assemblies, meetings, lectures, and examinations, and for staging concerts, drama and dance performances, film shows, and exhibitions.  Temporary studio setting is possible on request.  Booking for cultural activities is welcomed.  For further information, please visit the Hall’s website at www.srrsh.cuhk.edu.hk/en.

3. The Office of the Arts Administrator

   The Office of the Arts Administrator is responsible for presenting and organising arts programmes, promoting and coordinating campus-wide arts activities, and providing educational opportunities in the arts for students’ holistic development.  For more information of the Office, please visit their website at www.srrsh.cuhk.edu.hk/en.

4. Parking

   Students may obtain parking labels from the Security Office.  Please refer to the University Traffic and Parking Regulations in the Postgraduate Student Handbook or visit the Security Office website at www.scu.cuhk.edu.hk/index.php/en/ for more information.

5. MTR Student Travel Scheme

   Full-time students may apply for the scheme and enjoy the MTR ticket discount.  For details, please refer to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website at  http://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/aid/application.html.
    

14.13 Safety and environmental issues

High standards of occupational safety and health are integral management objectives of the University on a par with excellence in teaching and research. CUHK is devoted to cultivating a positive safety culture through the concerted efforts of all Departments/Units.

To achieve this mission, the University Safety Office (USO) carries both the advisory and regulatory roles to help departments/units in their efforts to comply with applicable ordinances and regulations as well as to conform to the University’s policies and best local and international practices.   To nourish a positive safety culture in the University and to enhance knowledge on occupational safety and health of individuals, USO provides relevant information, guidelines and awareness training regularly in conjunction with Safety Committees and Safety Coordinators. The Office’s website is https://useo.cuhk.edu.hk/.

CUHK is a socially responsible institution of higher education committed to sustainable development. We value university social responsibility (USR) and articulate our USR priorities and connect them to sustainable development in the Strategic Plan.  We are determined to translate USR into action to make a difference.  The Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Office (SRSDO) is charged to advise senior management on key areas of USR and to strategize actions to create social impact and accomplish CUHK’s USR goals outlined in the Strategic Plan. For more details, please visit the office website at https://www.srsdo.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/.
 

CUHK units:

• Academic and Quality Section, the Registry
• Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research
• Communications and Public Relations Office
• CUHK Library
• English Language Teaching Unit
• Independent Learning Centre
• Information Technology Services Centre
• Knowledge Transfer Office
• Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
• Office of Student Affairs
• Postgraduate Halls
• Postgraduate Student Association of The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Physical Education Unit
• Registration and Examinations Section, the Registry
• Research Office
• Security Office
• Sir Run Run Shaw Hall
• Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Office
• The Office of the Arts Administrator
• University Medical Service Office
• University Safety Office
• Yale-China Chinese Language Centre

Websites of other bodies:

• Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data
• Immigration Department of the Government of the HKSAR