Hong Kong policy address 2023: city to open first university of applied sciences next year to boost vocational training, with more expected to follow
- Government hopes universities will enrol students not solely based on academic performance but also work experience, Post told
- Number of non-local undergraduates in coming academic year to be doubled from 20 per cent for publicly funded undergraduate programmes across all years of study
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who revealed the move in his second policy address, also said the number of permitted non-local undergraduates in the 2024-25 academic year would be doubled from 20 per cent for publicly funded undergraduate programmes across all years of study.
Several institutions could become universities of applied sciences, with the first expected to open next year.
“The government will facilitate the establishment of universities of applied sciences, and strive to raise the status of vocational and professional education and training to attain qualifications at university degree level, providing an alternative path to success for young people who aspire to pursue a career in the technical professions,” Lee said.
He added that the government and the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications would set out the standards, covering aspects such as admission, curriculum, accreditation, career articulation and collaboration with the industry sector.