Funding & benefits
having other documents/visa label issued by the IMMD showing right to land/ right of abode (check for the symbol “A” or “R” in the HKSAR Smart ID beneath the date of birth; or
having a visa label for “unconditional stay” (check for the symbol “U”in the HKSAR Smart ID);
having a dependent visa/ entry permit and he/she was aged below 18 when first issued with such visa/ entry permit by the Director of Immigration, provided that they have resided in Hong Kong for two years immediately preceding the first day of their respective programmes*^.
Qualified students are eligible for the tuition waiver only within the normative study period: MPhil: 2 years from commencement PhD (with a research master’s degree): 3 years from commencement PhD (without a research master’s degree): 4 years from commencement
Based on the current student information, the University will automatically waive the tuition of eligible students within the normative period of study. No separate application or procedures are required.
If there are any changes of student information which make you qualify for the tuition waiver, students can notify the Academic Registry at progreg@ust.hk.
Students holding a dependent visa/ entry permit and he/she was aged below 18 when first issued with such visa/ entry permit by the Director of Immigration, and do not meet the residency requirement.
Students holding a full-time employment visa/work permit.
“they are not required to pay the tuition.”
Eligible programmes & fields
Use the verified study fields above for subject-fit screening and confirm the exact eligible degree on the provider’s official programme page before applying.
About this opportunity
Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students is an official-source-verified opportunity offered by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong. Eligible academic level: PhD / Doctoral. Recorded funding: Tuition waiver. Application deadline: Not stated by the official source — check the official page. Review the verified eligibility, benefits and official application route below before applying.
Use the programme and eligibility sections below to decide whether the opportunity matches your academic background before opening the official application portal.
Key dates
Eligibility requirements
- Qualified students are eligible for the tuition waiver only within the normative study period: MPhil: 2 years from commencement PhD (with a research master’s degree): 3 years from commencement PhD (without a research master’s degree): 4 years from commencement
- PhD (with a research master’s degree): 3 years from commencement
- PhD (without a research master’s degree): 4 years from commencement
- Based on the current student information, the University will automatically waive the tuition of eligible students within the normative period of study. No separate application or procedures are required.
- If there are any changes of student information which make you qualify for the tuition waiver, students can notify the Academic Registry at progreg@ust.hk.
- For registered new students who are eligible for the waiver and have paid an admissions deposit, the University will arrange for the deposit refund through auto-payment to your bank account. Please ensure that you have provided your bank account details in the Student Information System after your registration.
- Students holding a dependent visa/ entry permit and he/she was aged below 18 when first issued with such visa/ entry permit by the Director of Immigration, and do not meet the residency requirement.
- Students holding a visa/ entry permit for various admission schemes (including the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) or the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents).
- Students receiving postgraduate studentship (PGS) from the University or the HK PhD Fellowship (HKPFS) are eligible for the waiver.
- PhD/doctoral degree
- Age: Up to 18 years
“For registered new students who are eligible for the waiver and have paid an admissions deposit, the University will arrange for the deposit refund through auto-payment to your bank account.”
The following students are NOT eligible for the waiver:
Should you apply?
Applicants should be at PhD / Doctoral level. The decisive requirement, in Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's words, is: "For registered new students who are eligible for the waiver and have paid an admissions deposit, the University will arrange for the deposit refund through auto-payment to your bank account."
Check these against your profile
- Academic level: PhD / Doctoral.
- Prior degree / academic background: PhD/doctoral degree.
- Age rule: Up to 18 years.
- Study destination: Hong Kong.
Review carefully if
- The following students are NOT eligible for the waiver:
- Applicants who do not hold the required prior degree/background may not be eligible.
- Applicants above the stated maximum age may not be eligible.
This is a factual checklist of verified programme requirements, not a personalised eligibility decision. The awarding institution makes the final eligibility decision.
Application process
Application checklist
- Compare your profile with the verified eligibility criteria on this page.
- Use the official application route linked on this page rather than a third-party submission form.
This checklist organises the verified requirements already shown on this page; it does not replace the provider’s official instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What funding comes with Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students?
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology states: "they are not required to pay the tuition."
What are the eligibility requirements?
In Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's own words: "For registered new students who are eligible for the waiver and have paid an admissions deposit, the University will arrange for the deposit refund through auto-payment to your bank account."
Which degree level does Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students support?
It is for PhD / Doctoral level applicants at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong.
Is there a deadline?
The official page does not state a closing date. Confirm timing directly with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology before preparing an application.
Where do I apply?
Directly with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, through the official application page linked from this record.
How was this information verified?
Every fact on this page was read from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's official pages, which ScholarshipFrontier rechecks automatically; the sources and the last check date are listed at the bottom of the page.
Official sources & verification
ScholarshipFrontier checks official scholarship, admissions and programme pages and keeps source evidence separate from the public summary.
Official sources last checked: 28 Sep 2026 · Verified 6 days ago
About Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is based in Hong Kong and publishes this opportunity on its own official pages, which ScholarshipFrontier reads directly.
All verified opportunities from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology