RPg students may apply to change their mode of study during the course of their studies. A Dual PhD/PolyU Joint PhD Supervision student is expected to devote full-time effort to his/her study during his/her stay in Hong Kong. However, applications for a transfer of registration between full-time and part-time modes of study may be proposed jointly by the PolyU Chief Supervisor and the Chief Supervisor from partner university (for Dual PhD programmes)/Co-supervisor from partner institution/university (for PolyU Joint PhD Supervision programmes), and be endorsed/approved by the DoRPgS on an exceptional basis.

Procedures

1. An RPg student should apply for the change of study mode and state his/her reason for the change using Form GSB/45. A Dual PhD/PolyU Joint PhD Supervision student should attach an updated study plan (Form GSB/J4B) along with his/her application.
2. The form(s) shall be submitted to the PolyU Chief Supervisor and the Chief Supervisor from partner university (for Dual PhD students)/Co-supervisor from partner institution/university (for PolyU Joint PhD Supervision students) for consideration.
3. Upon support from the Chief Supervisor(s)/Co-supervisor(s), the application will be considered/endorsed/approved by the DoRPgS, D/SRC Chair, FRC/SB or GSB as appropriate.
4. The D/SRC Secretary should send the applications within one week upon endorsement/approval to AR and GS for updating of records.
5. Applications from non-local students shall also require the approval of the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government (see Note 2 below) after the endorsement of the DoRPgS.
6. Upon approval of the change of study mode, the normal period of study and/or maximum period of study will then be shortened or extended on a pro rata basis.
• For RPg students admitted from the 2017/18 cohort onwards
  The change will be effective from the next semester/term.
• For RPg students admitted in or before the 2016/17 cohort
  The change will be effective on the date of approval

Notes:

1. A FT RPg student may seek FT employment after his/her scholarship or Teaching Postgraduate Studentship has expired or after he/she has submitted his/her thesis to the Chief Supervisor and is awaiting the oral examination. He/She may do so subject to obtaining the prior consent of his/her Chief Supervisor and the DoRPgS. The student concerned is advised to change his/her studies to PT mode as the possession of a FT student identity card under such circumstances is not deemed to be appropriate.
2. All non-local RPg students wishing to apply for a change of mode of study from FT to PT or vice versa should seek prior approval from the Director of Immigration via AR (for those admitted from the 2018/19 cohort onwards) or GS (for those admitted in or before the 2017/18 cohort). According to the Immigration Department, each application will be considered on its own merits and most applications can be finalised in one or two weeks' time.
3. A new student identity card will be issued to the RPg student upon his/her successful application for a change of his/her study mode. A fee will be charged for the new student identity card.
4. Tuition fee arrangement after the change of mode of study is available here.