The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme aims to provide support to the UGC-funded universities to build upon their existing strengths and develop them into areas of excellence.

The maximum duration of an AoE project is five years. The ceiling of direct project cost per project to be awarded by the RGC is $75 million.

Those who are eligible for the RGC General Research Fund may submit applications under the AoE Scheme. Each applicant is only allowed to submit one application in the capacity of Project Coordinator under either the AoE Scheme or the Theme-based Research Scheme in the same exercise.

The assessment criteria are as follows:

1. qualification as world leading by international standards and as an Area of Excellence;
2. credentials and resources of the project team;
3. existence of a clear strategy; and
4. sound structure for an Area of Excellence.

The preliminary proposal should be submitted to the UGC Secretariat through the Research Office of the coordinating university by 5:00 pm on 20 September 2024. Project teams of the shortlisted preliminary proposals will be invited by the end of 2024 to submit full proposals. Project teams of further shortlisted proposals will be invited for selection interview scheduled for June 2025.