Founded in 1937, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public application-oriented research university located in Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is one of the eight statutory public universities in Hong Kong funded by the University Grants Committee. Over more than eight decades of development, PolyU has built a worldwide reputation for research and education of international calibre and is committed to becoming a leading global university. PolyU ranks 54th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 10th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. It also ranks 83rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. PolyU comprises ten faculties and schools with 26 academic departments, together with more than 40 research laboratories, institutes and centres. It boasts a strong portfolio of key disciplines that consistently rank highly across major university ranking systems. For details, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/about-polyu/university-ranking/
Eastern Institute for Advanced Study (EIAS) in Ningbo is a new research-intensive university of high standards, small scale, refined development, innovation focus and international outlook. It is funded by social forces, jointly built by provincial and municipal governments, and supported as a national priority. With the mission of serving national development and advancing social progress, EIAS prioritises fundamental research, frontier interdisciplinary studies and engineering technologies. Its disciplinary framework centres on science, engineering, information studies and business, complemented by distinctive humanities and social sciences. Upholding the educational philosophy of aspiring high and seeking truth from facts, EIAS cultivates top-notch innovative talents with solid foundational knowledge, innovative capacity, a strong sense of national responsibility and global vision.
To jointly nurture high-calibre scientific and technological innovators, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Eastern Institute for Advanced Study (EIAS) have implemented the Joint PhD Programme since 2022.
Students admitted to this joint programme will be registered as full-time PhD students at PolyU and receive joint supervision by supervisors from both institutions. Academic outputs must meet the relevant requirements of both universities. Upon fulfilling PolyU's doctoral graduation requirements and passing the thesis assessment and oral examination at PolyU, candidates will be awarded the Doctoral Degree certificate of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, together with a certificate of programme completion issued by Eastern Institute for Advanced Study.
I. Disciplines Available for Admission
Disciplines open for the 2026 intake are listed below:
Sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences
Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Energy Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Information Disciplines: Electronic Science and Technology, Computer Science and Technology, Automation, Information and Communication Engineering
II. Programme Duration and Admission Quota
The standard duration of this joint PhD programme is four years. Students will study at PolyU in Years 1 and 2, and pursue their studies and research at EIAS in Years 3 and 4. Direct-entry PhD applicants holding only a bachelor's degree normally require five years to complete the programme. The planned admission quota for the 2026 intake is approximately 50 students.
III. Application Rounds
The 2026 intake will be conducted in two rounds.
IV. Eligibility Criteria
Endorse the leadership of the Communist Party of China, love the motherland, abide by laws and regulations, and possess good moral conduct.
Hold a bachelor's or master's degree recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education (either current or past graduates). Applicants who obtained degrees outside mainland China must provide the Verification Report of Overseas Academic Degrees and Diplomas issued by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
Demonstrate a strong passion for academic research, innovative awareness, innovation capacity and solid subject expertise.
Be in good physical and mental health and satisfy the medical examination requirements set by the state and the universities.
English proficiency requirement: IELTS overall score of at least 6.5, or TOEFL iBT total score of at least 80. English test results must remain within the two-year validity period at the time of PolyU's online application. Applicants whose medium of instruction for any completed or ongoing degree was English may be exempted. Applicants who have not yet met the English requirement may still apply; the exact deadline for satisfying the requirement will be specified in the admission offer issued by the relevant PolyU department. Applicants applying to the Faculty of Construction and Environment (comprising four departments) must meet the English admission requirements of the Faculty and its departments by 15 March 2026.
Direct-entry applicants with a bachelor's degree must achieve an average score of at least 85/100 (or equivalent) at the time of application, and must obtain a bachelor's degree with first-class honours or equivalent outstanding honours classification before enrolment.
V. Application Documents
Applications shall be submitted via the portal: http://yjszs.eitech.edu.cn/. Required documents are as follows:
Curriculum Vitae (in English)
Scanned copies of academic transcripts and ranking information (if available) for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, stamped by the academic affairs office of the awarding institution
Scanned copies of degree certificates or academic/student status verification documents
Scanned copy of English language test report
Research Proposal (in English)
Scanned copy of ID card
Supplementary materials to demonstrate academic competence (journal or conference papers, publications, patents, award certificates, professional qualifications, etc.)
Records of national-level or higher awards (e.g. National Scholarship)
VI. Application Procedures
Contact an EIAS supervisor. Before applying, applicants shall reach out to prospective EIAS doctoral supervisors to learn about admission quotas and obtain preliminary acceptance. Each EIAS supervisor has a corresponding PolyU co-supervisor in the relevant discipline, and both supervisors share joint responsibility for guiding the doctoral research. For EIAS supervisor directory, please visit: https://faculty.eitech.edu.cn/
Submit application documents to EIAS.
Deadline for Round 1: 15 December 2025
Deadline for Round 2: 15 March 2026
Preliminary screening. EIAS will conduct eligibility review and shortlisting based on submitted materials. Only successful candidates will be notified.
Interview and PolyU online application. Shortlisted applicants will attend an in-person interview. Candidates who pass the interview will complete the formal online application via the PolyU website.
Admission. Relevant PolyU departments will issue formal admission offers after comprehensive review. Applicants who have submitted the official online application may track progress on the PolyU website.
Enrolment. The intake begins in September 2026. For details, please refer to the PolyU website.
VII. Additional Notes
1. Scholarships and Stipends
During the two-year study period at PolyU, joint PhD students receive scholarships at the same rate as PolyU's own doctoral students for that academic year. While based at EIAS, students will receive competitive stipends and scholarship support in accordance with national regulations, enabling them to focus on study and research. Throughout the programme, both universities will provide funding support for students to attend high-level international academic conferences.
2. Programme Costs
During the study period at PolyU, joint PhD students are responsible for their own tuition fees, accommodation fees, student visa fees, examination fees and other related expenses. While studying at EIAS, joint PhD students shall pay accommodation fees and other related charges at the prevailing rates set by EIAS.
3. Supervision
Applicants may browse supervisor information via the EIAS website. As the EIAS faculty team continues to expand, further enquiries may be directed to the Admission Office of the EIAS Graduate School. Each EIAS supervisor has a corresponding PolyU co-supervisor in the relevant discipline, and both supervisors jointly guide the doctoral student.
4. Authenticity of Application Materials
Applicants must guarantee the authenticity of all uploaded documents and information entered in the system. If any falsification is identified at any stage, the application and admission offer will be revoked immediately, and the applicant shall bear all resulting consequences.
VIII. General Provisions
Application documents are recommended to be submitted as PDF scans. No revision is permitted after submission.
IELTS / TOEFL results must remain within the two-year validity period at the time of PolyU's online application.
The research proposal should be no longer than 2000 words, normally covering research interests, research questions to be addressed, methodology and expected outcomes.
Applicants who are current graduates must obtain their degree and graduation certificates before enrolment.
IX. Enquiries and Contact Information
Graduate School, Eastern Institute for Advanced Study
Website: http://www.eias.ac.cn/
WeChat Official Account: 东方理工 (Eastern Institute for Advanced Study)
Tel: +86 574 8660 3288
Email: pg.admissions@eitech.edu.cn
Address: No. 2911 Haijiang Avenue, Jiaochuan Subdistrict, Zhenhai District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province
Postal Code: 315200
