Everything you need to apply to the Environmental Biotechnology for Resource Recovery and Sustainability Group at HKUST: requirements, timeline, documents, visa and registration, all in one place.
Our group, led by Prof. Samir Kumar Khanal in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, advances innovative solutions in anaerobic digestion and micro-aeration, nanobubble technology, bioenergy and biofuels, gas fermentation, machine learning, resource recovery and aquaponics.
We train MPhil and PhD students to work diligently, design experiments that address pressing environmental challenges, and think creatively to develop novel approaches that contribute meaningfully to science and sustainability.
Through collaboration across HKUST, regional institutions and international partners, the group has 50+ alumni and 15 active researchers, and welcomes graduate students in both the spring and fall terms.
| Award | MPhil (CIVL) · PhD (CIVL) |
|---|---|
| Duration | MPhil: 2 years PhD: 3 years (with relevant research Master’s), 4 years (without) |
| Offering unit | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| PG programs coordinator | Prof. Samir Khanal |
| Program website | ce.hkust.edu.hk ↗ |
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, preferably with a GPA above 3.0, or an approved equivalent qualification. Applicants should have foundational knowledge and a relevant background in environmental engineering or a related discipline.
Officially, a bachelor’s degree with an outstanding performance record. We would appreciate applicants who already hold a master’s degree in the relevant field, so they have the foundation for the advanced research and coursework of the PhD program.
We value graduate students with good proficiency in English. The minimum requirements are:
| Test | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 * |
| TOEFL pBT | 550 |
| TOEFL Revised Paper-Delivered Test | 60 (total of Reading, Listening and Writing sections) |
| IELTS (Academic Module) | Overall 6.5, all sub-scores 5.5 * |
* Scores must come from a single attempt. The test-at-home option is not accepted.
Begin early so you receive your offer letter promptly and have enough time to apply for and obtain your visa.
| Stage | Fall intake (starts September) | Spring intake (starts February) |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | September 1 (of the prior year) | September 1 (of the prior year) |
| HKPFS deadline (PhD only) | December 1 | Not applicable |
| Main application deadline | June 1 (non-local) July 15 (local) | November 1 (non-local) December 15 (local) |
| Admission offers issued | September to August | September to January |
| Program registration | Mid-August | Mid-January |
| Term commences | September 1 | February 1 |
Application fee: HK$180. The offer-letter deadline for international applicants is earlier than for local and mainland applicants; ask your supervisor or the department for the exact date.
Before you receive a conditional offer, you can scan and upload documents yourself. No verified documents from your home university are needed at that stage.
Passport or social security card (international), Hong Kong ID (local), Mainland ID card / EEP / passport (Mainland).
Official transcripts and degree certificate (bachelor / master), or the latest transcript if the program is not yet completed. If you are waiting for your final certificate or are in your final year, upload a provisional certificate if issued, and send a letter of graduation after receiving your offer. The letter should state your name, ID number, program of study, grades and grading scale, on institutional letterhead with the authorizing officer’s name and position and the official stamp.
For example 100% or 4 GPA; usually found at the back of your transcript.
IELTS, TOEFL or an MOI certificate.
A draft of at most 3 to 4 pages with proper in-text citations and references. Discuss it with your prospective supervisor beforehand and keep it clear and concise.
After submitting, check OAS at least once a day. Once HKUST verifies your application you will receive a conditional offer letter. If the offer is substantially delayed, or the issuing deadline is near, notify your supervisor or the department immediately.
Once these steps are complete you will receive your confirmed offer letter and be invited to program registration. Accepting the offer requires a payment of HK$5,000.
You will be invited to apply after receiving and accepting your conditional offer letter. The visa platform is available after you log in to OAS.
Fall is the busiest semester, so offer letters and visas may take longer than in spring.
After you accept the confirmed offer letter, HKUST emails an invitation to register, usually 2 to 3 days later.
The complete 12-page handbook for applicants to the Environmental Biotechnology for Resource Recovery and Sustainability Group.
HKUST Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong · Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering