Research

Guidelines for Prospective Visiting Scholars

The School of Chinese at the University welcomes global scholars to conduct short-term research (up to 12 months) and contribute to our international research culture. We have hosted scholars from diverse locations, including China, Japan, UK, and the US.

Eligibility

• Holding a full-time position at a university or similar academic institution.
• Possessing a doctoral degree and having at least one scholarly publication (preferred).
• Proposing research that fits the School of Chinese's academic environment at the University
• We value the intellectual enrichment and collaboration brought by visiting scholars. Hence, scholars with a specific research plan that aligns with our expertise are encouraged to apply.

Special notes

• The Academic Visitor position does not offer financial remuneration from the University. All scholars must be self-funded as per the HK Immigration policy.
• Dependent’s entry (if applicable) is subject to review by the HK Immigration on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits for Visiting Scholars

• HKU Library, Learning Commons, and select computing facilities are available for use free of charge.
• Some of the facilities in the University Sports Centre are granted.
• Depending on the qualifications of the applicants, successful candidates will be granted titles such as Visiting Research Associate, Visiting Assistant Professor, Visiting Associate Professor, and Visiting Professor within the University.

Limitations

• Student registration and extending the stay beyond 12 months are not permitted.
• Our School does not provide office space, academic supervision, or assistance with accommodation.

Application Process

1. Visiting Scholar candidates should secure financial sponsorship from their home institution, evidenced by a sponsorship letter detailing visit duration, sponsorship amount, and commitment to return to the home institution post-visit.
2. Identifying a School member with shared research interests willing to collaborate is a must. The collaboration should be supported by an invitation letter from the member.
3. Delivering a seminar/ talk to the School during the visit is expected. Please include the tentative seminar title in the application.
4. The visit start date should be at least four months after the application date to allow for vetting by the Arts Faculty Board, Hong Kong Immigration, and visa sponsorship. Applications with short notice WILL NOT be considered.
5. Applications are subject to an annual quota and will be closed once the quota is reached.
6. Applications are open twice a year in December and June. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis within the quota.

• Application Submission:
  • Fill in an online application form;
  • Upload your full CV in English in the application system;
  • Upload all necessary documents as per the Application Process to the application system
  • Incomplete submissions or those without the required documents will not be processed. For enquiry, please contact us at sochr@hku.hk.

Guidelines for Prospective Visiting PhD Students

• For visiting students currently pursuing a PhD and intending to conduct research at our school, similar guidelines and policies apply, with the exception that delivering a seminar or talk is not mandatory.
• Visiting students with qualifications below a PhD will not be considered.

Updated 7 November 2024