UM PhD Scholarship (UMPS)
A competitive monthly stipend of MOP 20,000 for up to four years, plus an annual research travel allowance, awarded by the University of Macau to outstanding full-time PhD applicants of any nationality.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Aligned with UM PhD programme application rounds (typically around October for the first batch; check GRS for the current cycle)
Country
MacauAbout the UM PhD Scholarship
The UM PhD Scholarship (UMPS) is the University of Macau's flagship doctoral funding scheme, run by the Graduate School (GRS) to attract strong PhD candidates from around the world. Unlike scholarships that require a separate application after admission, UMPS applicants apply for the award at the same time they submit their PhD programme application through UM's online system, and admission to a PhD programme does not automatically guarantee the scholarship, funding is decided competitively at the university level based on the strength of the overall application.
Awardees receive a monthly stipend of MOP 20,000 (roughly comparable to a modest local salary in Macau) for up to four years, which is used first to offset the PhD programme's tuition fees before the remaining balance is disbursed to the student. On top of the stipend, UMPS provides a conference or research-related travel allowance of up to MOP 10,000 per year for up to four years, letting awardees present their work internationally or conduct fieldwork without straining their own budget.
UMPS is open to any nationality, ethnic background, or prior work experience, provided the applicant is seeking full-time PhD study at UM. Because the scholarship is awarded competitively rather than automatically, applicants are strongly encouraged to build a strong research proposal, secure a receptive potential supervisor in their target faculty, and present a track record (publications, research experience, strong transcripts) that stands out relative to other applicants in the same cycle.
As with other UM scholarships, continuation of funding in subsequent years is tied to satisfactory academic and research progress, assessed by the academic unit supervising the PhD candidate. UM's PhD programmes span faculties including Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Law, Education, Arts and Humanities, and Health Sciences, giving UMPS applicants a broad range of research areas to choose from.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
One of the more generous doctoral stipends in the Greater China / Asia region relative to Macau's cost of living
Open to applicants of any nationality with no restriction based on prior work experience
Combines a livable monthly stipend with a dedicated annual travel allowance for conferences and fieldwork
UM's PhD programmes span sciences, business, law, health sciences, and humanities, giving broad research flexibility
Macau's small size and strong government research funding for UM make close supervisor access practical
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Macau
Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, has a compact but well-funded higher-education sector, with UM's new Hengqin/Taipa campus offering modern research facilities. Doctoral study in Macau gives access to both mainland China's research networks and Macau's international, Portuguese-influenced academic culture.
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
7 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Step 1: Identify a UM faculty and, where possible, a potential supervisor whose research area matches your proposed PhD topic.
Step 2: Prepare a research proposal, transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.
Step 3: Submit the PhD programme application via UM's online application system, requesting UMPS consideration at the same time (no separate post-admission scholarship application).
Step 4: The receiving faculty and GRS jointly evaluate applications competitively; interviews may be requested for shortlisted candidates.
Step 5: Receive the combined admission and scholarship decision; accept the offer and register within the deadline set by GRS.
Step 6: Maintain satisfactory academic and research progress each year, assessed by your academic unit, to continue receiving UMPS in subsequent years.
Application Timeline
September/October
First application batch opens
For the following academic year's PhD intake
Around late October
First batch deadline
Exact date varies by faculty; confirm with GRS
November-January
Interviews (if required)
Rolling, typically by March-April
Admission and UMPS decisions announced
August/September
Registration
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Reach out to a potential supervisor months before the deadline; a receptive supervisor materially strengthens your application
Tailor your research proposal specifically to ongoing work in your target UM lab or research group, not a generic topic
Apply in the earliest application round if possible, since UMPS slots are limited and awarded competitively
List any publications, conference presentations, or research assistantships prominently in your CV
Request recommendation letters from academics who can speak specifically to your research potential, not just coursework performance
Budget carefully even with the stipend, since Macau's cost of living, especially housing, is high relative to the MOP 20,000 monthly amount
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions - click any to expand
No. Admission and the scholarship are evaluated together but UMPS is awarded competitively; not every admitted PhD student receives it.
MOP 20,000 per month for up to 4 years, with tuition fees offset from the stipend before disbursement.
Yes, up to MOP 10,000 per year for up to 4 years.
Yes, UMPS is open regardless of nationality, ethnic background, or prior work experience.
It is not always mandatory, but identifying and contacting a potential supervisor significantly strengthens a competitive application.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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