To encourage collaborative and multidisciplinary research, based on the memorandums of understanding signed by the Faculty of Science of the University of Hong Kong (SCIFAC, HKU) and the Faculty of Earth Science and Technology of Xiamen University (FEST, XMU), the Swire Institute of Marine Science of the University of Hong Kong (SWIMS) and the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science of Xiamen University (MEL) launched the Joint PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow Fellowships Program in 2022, which provides support PhDs and postdoctoral fellows to receive joint training.
Supported fields
Marine environmental sciences and other interdisciplinary research that fits into MEL and SWIMS’ major research scopes, including but not limited to marine biogeochemistry, marine biology and ecology, coastal and ocean dynamics, aquaculture and coastal resources.
Number of places at XMU
The number of PhD places is 1 per year or more.
The number of postdoctoral fellow places is 2 per year.
Program implementation period
PhD students shall receive research supervision from both the home and host universities, and will normally spend between 1-2 years at the host university. It is necessary for students to receive research supervision at their home university for at least half of the standard duration of study which is set by the university.
The research supervision period for postdoctoral fellows at the host university shall be between one to six months.
Program Requirements
Each PhD student must satisfy the program requirements and other graduation requirements as specified by the relevant academic unit/faculty and School of Graduate Studies/Graduate School of the home university. Each student has to follow the coursework requirements of the home university but may also take courses at the host university as deemed appropriate by the joint supervisors. Credit recognition and conversion for courses taken at the host university shall follow the guidelines from the home university. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature and the normal time of completion will follow the expectations and practices of the home university.
Academic thesis review
Each PhD student will submit a single thesis to the home university, which will be examined according to the regulations of the home university. Research supervisors from both home and host universities shall cooperate to review theses and will be involved in the examination process. The final thesis defense will normally be conducted at the home university unless a prior MoU between the host and home universities allows for the examination to take place at the host university. In principle, examiners’ travel and other expenses shall be borne by the students’ home university.
Statement on successful students’ certificates
Each PhD student will, on successful completion, be awarded a single doctoral degree from the home university with both the degree certificate and transcript of PhD. Students will also be issued a certificate from the committee noting that the degree is awarded as a single degree under a joint placement arrangement with the host university.
Support for XMU PhD students and postdoctoral fellows
·While undertaking courses at the HKU, XMU PhD students shall continue to pay tuition and other related fees to XMU. XMU will maintain his or her enrollment status. HKU will waive fees for matriculation and tuition fees for these students.
·Travel expenses and monthly allowance: 12,500 CNY before tax.
·HKU will assist in finding housing for students and fellows in residence halls or other student accommodations.
How to apply?
Please visit the program webpage for application guidelines.
