Are you an aspiring researcher wishing to gain insights into PhD study opportunities? If so, the International Research Summer School (IRSS) 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) applications are open.

The IRSS 2025 is a two-week intensive summer school designed for outstanding students worldwide who are considering a PhD program at PolyU. Participants will engage with PolyU academics, explore cutting-edge research facilities, discover interdisciplinary PhD pathways, and immerse in cultural experiences.

The program will focus on key interdisciplinary research areas at PolyU, providing students with a broad academic experience. Themes will include:

• Global Challenges of Health and Well-Being
• Artificial Intelligence vs Human Experience
• Sustainable Furuters

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 28 February 2025 (noon, HKT, UTC+8)

• Selection Process: March 2025

• Result Announcement: By 31 March 2025
• Visa Application (if required): March – June 2025 (approx. 10 weeks)
• Arrival in Hong Kong: On or before 29 June 2025
• Program Duration: 29 June – 10 July 2025
• Funding Type: Partial funding
• Host Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Aspiring PhD candidates and research-oriented students
• Fields: Various fields
• Degree Required: Undergraduate (final-year) and Master’s students
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Hong Kong

Program Overview

The program at Galance looks as follows:

• 29 June: Student Hall check-in
• 30 June – 9 July: Welcome, campus tour, workshops, lectures, academic exchange, consultations, cultural activities, and local excursions
• 10 July: Student Hall check-out

Benefits and Financial Aids

Participants will benefit from the following:

• Up to HK$5,000 (~US$640) Travel Allowance for travel costs upon completing the program.
• Free student hall accommodation at PolyU
• Visa/Entry permit fee subsidy
• Potential admission to research programs
• Academic and cultural experience through research workshops, themed lectures, networking events, and cultural excursions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an exceptional international student who intends to pursue a PhD degree at PolyU.
• Be enrolled as a full-time final-year undergraduate student or full-time Master’s student.
• Be able to attend all sessions of the Summer School in person at PolyU, Hong Kong.
• They gave a strong academic record and research interest in interdisciplinary studies.
• Demonstrate English proficiency (official language test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL are preferred but not mandatory).

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents in English, compiled into one single PDF file (under 10MB):

• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s, if applicable), including GPA or class ranking.
• Bachelor’s degree award certificate (for Master’s students only).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and extracurricular involvement.
• Application letter outlining research experience, strengths, aspirations, career goals, and reasons for applying.
• English language test scores (if available, such as IELTS/TOEFL).
• Certificates of international/national awards or recognitions (if applicable).
• Colored passport-size photo (following PolyU’s guidelines).
• Official receipt of application fee payment (HK$500 non-refundable).

How to Apply?

Follow these steps to submit your application:

• Step 1: Complete the online application form and submit it by the deadline. Upon submission, applicants will receive an email with a payment link and document upload link.
• Step 2: Pay the HK$500 application fee online and obtain an official receipt.
• Step 3: Upload the required documents as ONE single PDF file (under 10MB) within 2 days of form submission.
• Step 4: Await application results. Successful applicants will receive notifications by 31 March 2025.

Apply Now

Important Notes:

• Visa/Entry Permit Application: Non-local participants requiring a visa should prepare the necessary documents early, as visa processing takes approximately 10 weeks.
• Mainland Chinese Applicants: Should reserve an additional 2 weeks to obtain an Exit-Entry Permit for Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and the necessary endorsements.

Further details and information regarding the IRSS 2025 are available on the official Hong Kong Polytechnic University website.

Check More Opportunities:

EPFL Excellence Fellowship in Switzerland for International Master Students 2025

IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship for Female Journalists 2025-2026

AJI Reporting Fellowship 2025-2027 in the US

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