5 March 2026
Hong Kong is emerging as a highly competitive destination for doctoral education, driven by flexible post-study immigration pathways, strong funding support, and a dynamic research environment, according to a new comparative study by The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK). Among the first of its kind, the study systematically examines doctoral education policies and student experiences across major higher education hubs.
Drawing on comparative policy analysis and in‑depth interviews with 50 doctoral students and university leaders in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom from September 2025 to February 2026, the study offers new insights into how global doctoral candidates decide where to pursue and continue their research careers. Early findings indicate that Hong Kong performs strongly in attracting and retaining high‑calibre PhD students amid intensifying international competition for research talent.
Flexible Immigration Pathways a Key Advantage
The study finds that immigration policies and post-study work opportunities are among the most decisive factors influencing international doctoral students’ choices.
Hong Kong stands out for its flexible post-study arrangements, including the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG), which allow graduates to remain in the city for up to 24 months without a prior job offer. Interviewees described this flexibility as a critical advantage that enables them to explore academic, research, or industry careers with greater security.
By comparison, the United Kingdom offers multiple post-study visa routes but faces concerns over high visa and healthcare costs. Singapore provides strong employment opportunities but typically requires a job offer and salary threshold, while Malaysia’s work visa system relies more heavily on employer sponsorship.
Across all locations, doctoral candidates emphasised that clear, predictable, and affordable immigration pathways play a crucial role in long-term career and settlement decisions.
Competitive Funding Attracts Global Talent
Funding competitiveness also emerged as a major draw. Hong Kong’s PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was widely recognised as internationally competitive, offering full tuition waivers and generous stipends. Interviewees noted that financial security allowed them to focus on research excellence rather than economic pressures.
While Singapore, the UK, and Malaysia also offer strong funding schemes, interviewees perceived Hong Kong’s overall package as particularly attractive. At the same time, the study highlights that funding alone is not sufficient — doctoral candidates also consider supervision quality, institutional reputation, research culture, and long-term career prospects.
Research Environment and Family Policies Matter
The study confirms that research reputation and academic environment remain powerful magnets for doctoral talent. The UK continues to benefit from long-established global prestige, while Hong Kong and Singapore were frequently described as rapidly rising research hubs, especially in engineering, business, technology, and applied sciences.
Family-friendly policies also influence long-term retention. Hong Kong allows dependants to accompany doctoral students, with spouses permitted to work without restriction — an advantage cited by many interviewees, despite concerns about high living costs.
Strategic Implications for Hong Kong
Overall, the findings suggest that Hong Kong is well positioned among global doctoral education hubs but must continue to innovate to stay competitive. The research team identifies four strategic priorities:
Strengthening post-study immigration pathways to support long-term talent retention
Sustaining globally competitive doctoral funding schemes
Deepening investment in research infrastructure and industry collaboration
Enhancing global promotion of Hong Kong’s doctoral strengths, particularly in emerging and interdisciplinary fields
Titled “Strategies to Attract and Retain High-calibre Talents to Pursue Further Studies at Doctorate Level in Hong Kong for Nurturing Specialised Talents that will Contribute to Hong Kong’s Development”, the project is funded by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme of the Government of the HKSAR (Project No. E2025.B12.011).
The Principal Investigator of the project, Professor Mok Ka‑ho, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) of HSUHK, said, “Doctoral education plays a pivotal role in building a knowledge-based economy. Hong Kong has developed strong foundations, but in an increasingly competitive global landscape, sustained policy commitment and strategic refinement are essential to attract and retain the world’s best research talents. Our findings also show that global talents are deeply interested in researching issues related to Hong Kong and the development of the Greater Bay Area, and are keen to explore future career and innovation opportunities not only in Hong Kong, but across the wider region.”
This project adopts a four-phase sequential mixed-methods design and is currently in progress.
Phase 1: Comparative policy analysis of doctoral education and talent attraction strategies (completed).
Phase 2: 50 in-depth interviews with PhD students and university leaders across Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK (completed).
Phase 3: Survey of non-local PhD students in Hong Kong (in progress).
Phase 4: Social media analysis examining broader perceptions of pursuing a PhD in Hong Kong (forthcoming).
The project runs from June 2025 to June 2026. Further findings from Phases 3 and 4 will be released upon completion.
Project Team
| Role | Name | Affiliation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Principal Investigator | Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho | Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong |
| 2. | Co-Investigators | Dr Zhen Tian | Research Assistant Professor Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong |
| 3. | Co-Investigators | Dr Rainie Ke | Lecturer School of Transdisciplinary Studies, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong |
| 4. | Co-Investigators | Dr William Lo Yat-wai | Associate Professor School of Education, Durham University, United Kingdom |
| 5. | Co-Investigators | Dr Ayomide Oluwaseyi Oladosu | Senior Research Associate School of Transdisciplinary Studies, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong |
Click here for PowerPoint presented at the press briefing.
For details about the project, please visit the project’s website: https://sts.hsu.edu.hk/en/hong-kong-doctoral-talent-development-project/
Disclaimer
Any information, opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material/event (or by members of the research team) do not represent the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and/or the Assessment Panel.
