Early Admission

The early admission scheme for M.Phil. and Ph.D. programme for 2027-2028 Intake at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at CUHK (CUHK CSE) now invites applications from outstanding undergraduate and master students from prestigious universities around the world. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong was the first Computer Science department in Hong Kong and is well-known internationally for her high-quality research and teaching. Our graduates distinguish themselves in professional and academic positions in prestigious institutions and laboratories worldwide.

Schedule of the early admission interviews of M.Phil. – Ph.D. Programme for 2027-2028 Intake

Our admission process is designed to identify applicants with strong academic backgrounds and outstanding research potential. Selection is primarily based on academic performance, research ability and potential, communication skills, and English proficiency.

All admitted full-time research students will receive a stipend of around HK$19,100/month during their normative study period. Exceptional PhD applicants will be recommended to apply for the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme, and successful applicants will receive a stipend of HK$28,400/month and a research and travel grant of HK$14,200/year.

Overall admission procedure:

1. Submit Online Application in the Department’s admission system.
2. Graduate Panel Review: Shortlisted applicants will either be invited to attend an oral interview (conducted in English) with the Graduate Panel or be granted an exemption from this panel interview.
3. Secure a Supervisor: Applicants who pass the Graduate Panel interview (or are granted an exemption) must contact professors they wish to work with. An individual interview between the applicant and the professor may be conducted at this stage.
4. Final Admission Decision: An applicant is successful only if (s)he BOTH passes the Graduate Panel interview AND receives an informal offer of supervision from a professor.

To apply:

1. Create an account in Department’s admission system.
2. Upload both CV AND updated transcript AND class rank certificate (if applicable) to our system for review by the deadline. Missing either one of the required documents will not be considered.
3. Shortlisted applicants (selected by Graduate Panel or nominated by individual professors) will receive an email invitation for interview.
4. Applicants who are not selected will receive notification and are welcome to apply again in Regular Admission in Sep 2026.

• While preparing their applications, applicants are highly encouraged to contact potential supervisors, as securing a faculty supervisor is a mandatory step following a successful Graduate Panel interview.

Graduate Panel Interview:

• The interview with the Graduate Panel is a two-part process: a 1-hour written examination, and an oral interview following the exam.
• Both components will focus on assessing applicants’ fundamental knowledge in core areas of computer science and mathematics, including linear algebra, probability and statistics, data structure, algorithm, computational complexity, and operating system.

After interview:

• All applicants, whether successful or not, will receive a notification of the outcome, typically within one week of the interview.
• The profiles of successful applicants will be circulated among professors. On one hand, professors may approach potential applicants. On the other hand, applicants should also proactively contact professors they are interested in working
• Successful applicants will receive an email with a provisional admission offer and they must submit a formal application through Graduate School’s (GS) application system in Sep The official offer will be made by GS during Feb-May 2027.
• Applicants who are unsuccessful in the interview are welcome to apply again for Regular Admission in Sep 2026.

If you have any enquiry, please feel free to contact Mr. Morris Chow by email to pgenquiry@cse.cuhk.edu.hk.

Disclaimer: All M.Phil. and Ph.D. program applicants must submit their applications directly through the official admission system. Payments to third-party agents for submission services are neither required nor endorsed by the department. Every application will undergo a meticulous selection process.