Background of University of Toronto
The University of Toronto was founded in 1827. It is made up of a wide range of Schools/Faculties including Applied Science & Engineering, Architecture, Landscape & Design, Arts and Science, Dentistry, Education, Forestry, Global Affairs, Information, Kinesiology and Physical Education, Law, Management, Medicine, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Public Policy & Governance, and Social Work. It is one of the top 40 universities in the world according to latest QS World University Rankings. The University is one of the most important research institutions in Canada and has gained an international reputation for its research.
The joint educational placement, introduced since 2012/13, offers students the opportunities to benefit from shared research excellence in a wide range of disciplines between HKU and the University of Toronto. Students will acquire enriching international experience in learning and research, which is an invaluable asset in their career development.
Programme Features
Students admitted under the joint educational placement arrangement will:
- be registered as full-time students at both universities and be able to enjoy their full range of academic and various facilities;
- be guided in their work by faculty members from both universities, and be examined to the standards of both; and
- normally split their time of study equally between the two universities and spend the last 6 months of study in the home university.
Admissions
Interested applicants should first contact the Faculty concerned:
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at HKU with Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto
- Faculty of Science at HKU with Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto
Students are required to meet the entry requirements of both universities:
- University of Toronto Graduate Programme entry requirements
- The University of Hong Kong research postgraduate entry requirements and English Language proficiency requirements
Students applying through the University of Hong Kong are also required to meet the English Language proficiency requirements of the University of Toronto.
Applicants can apply through either university, and they are required to submit one application only. The admission decision will, however, be made jointly by both universities.
To apply through the University of Hong Kong (i.e. HKU as your home institution):
- Please submit an on-line application to HKU. Your application will be reviewed by the supervisor, Department, Faculty and the Joint Doctor of Philosophy Degree Committee (JDP Committee) members at HKU, where appropriate.
- If your application is supported by HKU for putting forward to the University of Toronto for consideration, you will be requested to submit an on-line application to the University of Toronto, and complete the relevant parts of the 'Agreement for a Joint Educational Placement-Doctorate' for submission to the University of Toronto for consideration.
To apply through the University of Toronto (i.e. UofT as your home institution):
- You only need to submit an on-line application to the University of Toronto. The University of Toronto will pass your application to HKU for consideration, where appropriate. You do not need to submit a separate application to HKU.
Fees and Scholarships
Candidates will pay tuition fees to the admitting university for the whole period of candidature. Applicants applying through the University of Hong Kong can apply for Postgraduate Scholarships. Candidates who have outstanding academic performance or proven research records may apply for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship and Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
Award of Degree
Upon successful completion of the programme, a student will be conferred a single doctoral degree from the lead institution. The transcript will have a note on it stating that “the degree is awarded as a single degree under a Joint Placement arrangement with the [Collaborator Institution]”.