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 eight years. The ceiling of direct project cost to be awarded by the RGC is $60 million ($40 million for the first phase and $20 million for the second phase).

Those who are eligible for the RGC General Research Fund may submit application under the AoE Scheme. Each applicant can submit one application as Project Coordinator in each round of the AoE Scheme 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 10 January 2020. Project teams of shortlisted preliminary proposals will be invited by mid-2020 to submit full proposals. Project teams of further shortlisted proposals will be invited for selection interview scheduled for December 2020.

To view the call circular, please click here.

To download the application form, please click here.