A prestigious 4-year PhD position offered jointly by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR). This unique placement provides an exceptional opportunity to engage in world-class, interdisciplinary research at two leading institutions in demographic studies.
🌍 International Research Collaboration
HKU is ranked 11th in the world, 2nd in Asia and 1st in Hong Kong in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, and 33rd in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is one of the world’s leading demographic research centres, advancing research on migration, longevity, and fertility, and other policy-relevant issues.👥 Dual Supervision
Co-supervision from both HKU and MPIDR. Register as a full-time PhD student at HKU while enrolling at MPIDR in the International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health, and Data Science (IMPRS-PHDS).🏛️ Vibrant Research Communities
Students will engage with joint academic communities—first at HKU Research Hub of Population Studies, then at MPIDR in Germany, where they will join either the Lab of Migration and Mobility or the Lab of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-being, before returning to HKU for the final stage of their studies.🎖️ HKU Degree
Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a single doctoral degree from The University of Hong Kong.🔬 Diverse Research Topics
Students can explore any population-related research topic that aligns with the research strengths of faculty at HKU Research Hub of Population Studies and researchers at MPIDR.📆 Study Period
📍 Location
🔬 Research Involvement
🕐 First 18 months
HKU, Hong Kong
Engage with PhD students and researchers at the HKU Research Hub of Population Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
🕑 Next 24 months
MPIDR, Germany
Spend two years in Germany at the MPIDR, Department of Digital and Computational Demography affiliating with either the Lab of Migration and Mobility or the Lab of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-being, depending on research interests and fit.
🕕 Final 6 months
HKU, Hong Kong
Complete the final stage of studies and thesis at HKU
Fees, Scholarships and Financial Support
HKU Phase:
During the two-year study period at HKU, selected full-time PhD students will receive a Postgraduate Scholarship(PGS). The basic level of PGS is HK$19,135 per month. Additional financial support, such as travel and conference funding will also be offered.MPIDR Phase:
For the two-year period at MPIDR in Germany, students will receive a gross annual salary of EUR37,909, as well as financial support for travel, training, and data acquisition. The salary amount is subject to updates by MPIDR. In addition, the International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health, and Data Science (IMPRS-PHDS) will provide support for travel to and from Rostock to attend recommended training activities, such as the Annual Academy.Fees and Exemptions
The annual composition fee payable to HKU is subject to the prevailing rate of the year of study. The composition fee for full-time PhD studies in 2026/27 will be HK$47,000. For the latest information, please visit the HKU Graduate School’s website. Students are exempted from composition fees to MPIDR during their time in Germany. This joint educational placement is jointly funded by the Faculty of Social Sciences/HKU Research Hub of Population Studies, and the Department of Digital and Computational Demography at MPIDR. To be eligible for admission to the Joint Educational Placement, applicants must meet the HKU PhD admission requirements.
📅 Application Deadline
November 17, 2025 at 23:59 [HK Time (GMT+8)]
Applicants must complete two separate application forms — Form (A) to The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Form (B) for the Joint Educational Placement for PhD with the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR). Please follow the steps below:
1️⃣ Step 1: Apply to The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- Submit your online application (Form A) for PhD admission via the HKU Online Application System. An application fee is required.
- In the “Proposed faculty or interdisciplinary area” and “Proposed department or area of study” sections of Form (A), select “Faculty of Social Sciences” and the department and area most closely related to your intended research.
- For the question about joint PhD programme, select “No” and then proceed to fill in the separate Form (B) for the Joint Educational Placement.
- Upon successful submission, you will receive an HKU Application Number.
- For detailed instructions and a list of required documents, please visit the HKU Graduate School’s website.
2️⃣ Step 2: Apply for the Joint Educational Placement for PhD with Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR)
- Complete the online application (Form B) for the Joint Educational Placement, quoting your HKU Application Number
- Required Documents: In addition to all documents required by the HKU Graduate School, please upload the following to the online application (Form B):
- Academic CV: Summarising your employment history, publications, and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
- Personal Statement (in English): 800-1000 words explaining your interest in the Joint Educational Placement for PhD with the MPIDR.
- PhD Proposal: Maximum 2 pages outlining the potential research focus for your PhD project.
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Incomplete applications may not be considered.
- You must nominate two academic referees in Form (A). Please inform your referees in advance, as they may be contacted to provide reference letters during the review process.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
Professor Guy Abel Associate Director, HKU Research Hub of Population Studies
Email: guyabel@hku.hk