Global perspectives and strong support: Why international students thrive at The Hong Kong Polytechnic Graduate School
From generous scholarships to cultural events, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University creates a welcoming environment where international students can focus, connect and thrive in their academic journey
Sponsored by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Graduate School
International students are extremely important for the higher education sector. They enrich the institutions they enrol at, bringing with them different views, experiences and ideas. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) boasts students from , and the university makes welcoming and supporting international students a priority.
Vincent Tjuatja is a PhD student at PolyU and an awardee of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). “I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia,” Tjuatja explains. “I chose to pursue my graduate studies at PolyU because its civil engineering programme is highly regarded and considered one of the best in Hong Kong. The professors are very experienced and provide excellent guidance, which I believe is essential for good mentorship.”
The financial aid provided to international students was another factor in Tjuatja’s choice to apply to PolyU’s PhD programme. The university offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid, with a standout being . The HKPFS at PolyU provides a total package of up to HKD 1.7 million (?161,000), which includes an annual stipend of HKD 340,800 (?32,000), an annual conference grant of HKD 14,200 (?1,350), a cash award of HKD 100,000 (?9,500), a full tuition fee waiver, and guaranteed university accommodation for up to two years.
“The availability of various scholarships was a significant factor in my decision to apply, as they allow me to focus entirely on my studies without the added pressure of needing to find a part-time job,” Tjuatja says. “The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme also provides a yearly grant specifically for attending international conferences. This is a huge benefit as it allows me to network with peers and make connections with professors from other universities. This is crucial for my academic and professional development.”
“For international students, it's very easy to get homesick because we're far away from our family and friends,” Tjuatja continues. “However, at PolyU, there are a lot of different organisations to help us get to know Hong Kong, our teachers and course mates. Additionally, the university runs cultural nights throughout the year. For example, we have a gathering for the Mid-Autumn Festival where you can meet people from different parts of the world, gather, eat, talk and share our cultures.”
Although Tjuatja is still in the early stages of his PhD, the connections he is making at international conferences, thanks to the university's support, will prove valuable as he embarks on a career path.
“With the grant provided by PolyU, I can attend relevant conferences and meet people from different universities around the world, making connections and sharing my research,” Tjuatja says. “If the next stage of my educational and working journey sees me remain in academia, the university will have given me a great start to life as a postdoctoral researcher.”