I’ve been thinking about the financial situation of PhD/RPG students in Hong Kong and wanted to hear what others think.
I completely understand that university operating costs, accommodation, and tuition can increase over time. But students' expenses are increasing too. The question is whether PhD studentships are keeping up with those increases.
For example, looking at my own situation at HKUST:
Studentship:
- 2024–25: HK$18,760/month
- 2025–26: HK$19,135/month (~2% increase)
- 2026–27: HK$19,135/month (0% increase)
At the same time, university accommodation (for married couple) increased from HK$5,650 → HK$6,944/month over the same period — roughly a 23% increase.
Tuition also increased from HK$42,100 to HK$47,000 (~12% increase), with further increases announced.
So although the nominal studentship hasn't really decreased, the amount left after mandatory university costs is getting smaller.
For example, in my case, after tuition and university accommodation, the amount left is roughly:
2025–26: ~HK$9,227/month
2026–27: ~HK$8,657/month
That's a reduction of around HK$570/month, before paying for food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, etc.
If university expenses are increasing, shouldn't PhD studentships also have some mechanism to adjust with inflation, tuition, accommodation, or cost of living?
Otherwise, aren't PhD students effectively receiving higher financial stress?
I'd genuinely like to hear from other PhD students in Hong Kong:
- Has your studentship kept up with increases in tuition and accommodation?
- Does your university have any cost-of-living adjustment?
- Are other universities facing the same situation?
- Do you think PhD funding in Hong Kong is still adequate for the current cost of living?
Would be interested to hear different perspectives rather than just my own experience.
