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University of Hong Kong – Max Planck PhD Studentship in Population Studies The University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
During the period at HKU, selected full-time PhD students will receive a Postgraduate Scholarship of HK$19,135 per month, plus additional travel and conference funding. During the period in Germany, the student will receive a gross salary of EUR 40,617 per annum plus financial support for travel, training and data acquisition. Students will pay an annual composition fee to HKU (HK$49,500 in 2027/28); no fees are paid to MPIDR.
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
Hong Kong
University
The University of Hong Kong
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About this position
This is a 4-year PhD studentship jointly based at The University of Hong Kong and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research. The project sits within the HKU Research Hub of Population Studies and the Department of Digital and Computational Demography at MPIDR, connecting a major Asian university with one of Europe’s leading demographic research institutes.
The studentship is designed for candidates interested in population-related research across a broad range of themes. The advert highlights research strengths in demographic patterns, migration, longevity, fertility, demographic change, aging, health, intergenerational transfers, and the digitalization of life. Methodologically, the environment emphasizes novel data sources together with advanced statistical and computational approaches for understanding demographic dynamics.
Successful candidates will begin as full-time PhD students at HKU and enrol in the International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health, and Data Science from the start of doctoral training. They will be co-supervised across both institutions, spend the first two years in Hong Kong with the HKU Research Hub of Population Studies, and the final two years in Germany at MPIDR. At MPIDR, they will be affiliated with either the Lab of Migration and Mobility or the Lab of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-being, depending on research fit and interest.
The program offers a research setting that combines a university-based academic environment with the collaborative and methodological strengths of a top-level research institute. Students will work in a vibrant community of PhD students and researchers and will also gain training and networking opportunities through the wider IMPRS-PHDS network.
Upon completion, students submit a single thesis to HKU and receive the HKU degree.
Funding details
During the period at HKU, selected full-time PhD students will receive a Postgraduate Scholarship of HK$19,135 per month, plus additional travel and conference funding. During the period in Germany, the student will receive a gross salary of EUR 40,617 per annum plus financial support for travel, training and data acquisition. Students will pay an annual composition fee to HKU (HK$49,500 in 2027/28); no fees are paid to MPIDR.
What's required
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both institutions. They must submit a full PhD application to HKU through the Online Application System (Form A) and obtain an HKU application reference number, then submit the online studentship application through the programme website (Form B) quoting the HKU application number. Required supporting documents include the documents required by the HKU Graduate School, an academic CV, a personal statement of 800 to 1000 words explaining interest and fit for the Joint Educational Placement for PhD with the MPIDR, and a PhD proposal summary of up to two pages. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to apply
Submit a full PhD application to HKU via Form A by 1 December 2026 and obtain your HKU application reference number. Then submit the online studentship application via Form B on the programme website by the same deadline and quote the HKU number. Upload all required supporting documents, including the CV, personal statement, and PhD proposal summary.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.