To apply for deferment of studies, an RPg student should submit the completed Form GSB/22 to the DoRPgS for consideration and approval via 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) (if applicable). The D/SRC Secretary should update the student record and send the duly completed application form to GS for updating of student finance record within one week upon approval.

RPg students admitted from the 2017/18 cohort onwards may apply within the normal period of study for deferment of up to 3 semesters/summer terms at a time, for no more than a cumulative total of 6 semesters/summer terms.  If the application is approved, the deferment of study will be effective from the next semester while resumption of study should start at the beginning of a semester. 

RPg students admitted in or before the 2016/17 cohort may apply within the normal period of study for deferment of up to 12 months at a time, for no more than a cumulative total of 24 months. In the application, the student concerned is required to propose the effective date of deferment of study and the date of resumption of study for the DoRPgS’ consideration and approval, in accordance with the prevailing policies. The student concerned should defer and resume his/her studies according to the approved dates. 

1. Important points for all RPg students
   1. Deferment will not count towards the period of study.
   2. The scholarship package which can be inclusive of a monthly stipend, a cash award and a tuition fee waiver, if applicable, will be stopped as soon as the deferment commences. Students will be required to return the stipend overpaid during the deferment period to the University. Subject to the eligibility of the student, the arrangement of the scholarship package following the resumption of study is as follows:
   • monthly stipend: to be paid from the day the semester/term commences or from the first day of the next month;
   • cash award: to be disbursed according to the schedule as decided by GS upon completion of a progress report; and
   • tuition fee waiver: to be arranged from the first semester in which a tuition fee is incurred.
   3. RPg students failing to resume their studies after the end of the deferment period will be considered as having given up their studies at PolyU.
   4. Application for deferment of study within a semester will only be considered before the start of the examination period.
   5. Deferment of study is not permitted after the normal period of study except on the basis of certified health problems.
   6. Tuition fee arrangement for approved application of deferment of study is available here.
   
   
2. Important points for Mainland RPg Students
   To help enhance the control over Chinese mainland RPg students taking deferment of study/personal leave (deferment/leave) while accommodating their needs and concerns, the mainland authorities and the Immigration Department agreed on the following arrangements:
   1. Chinese mainland RPg students who are granted approval for deferment/leave for activities taking place outside Hong Kong should leave Hong Kong as soon as practicable and avoid using the same travel document and student permit to visit Hong Kong during the period of deferment/leave. In case of any compassionate reasons to visit Hong Kong during such a period, the student concerned should write to the Immigration Department for consideration on an individual basis. Approval and specific arrangements would be conveyed to him/her in writing.
   2. Universities granting the deferment/leave should inform the Immigration Department of the details of the deferment/leave, if possible, seven days before commencement of the deferment/leave so that the Immigration Department can monitor the departure and the travel movements of the student concerned during the period of deferment/leave. The Immigration Department should also be informed of any change of the original deferment/leave (e.g., extension or cutting short of the deferment/leave), so that the relevant records can be updated accordingly.
   3. Chinese mainland RPg students taking deferment/leave for six months or less may return to Hong Kong on the current student endorsement if it remains valid and there is no change of circumstances, i.e., university and programme of study.
   4. Chinese mainland RPg students taking deferment/leave for more than six months should apply to the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office or the Foreign Affairs Office of the provincial government for a new student permit, irrespective of the validity of their current student endorsement.
   5. Chinese mainland RPg students granted approval for deferment/leave who seek to re-enter Hong Kong to continue the same study after the expiry of the current student permit, to study at another university, or to take up another study programme should apply for a new student permit.