Hong Kong Metropolitan University becomes the city's first university of applied sciences

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Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said this not only represents a milestone for the HKMU but also signifies the Government's commitment to raising the status of VPET at the university degree level.

The Education Bureau (EDB) announced on 21 March 2024 (Thursday) that the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) has become the city's first university of applied sciences (UAS) after having fulfilled the criteria for qualifying as a UAS promulgated in February 2024.

Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education, said, the Government has taken into account relevant factors, including the outcome of the institutional review for UAS by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), and the HKMU's experience in operating applied degree programmes and other VPET-oriented programmes in assessing the HKMU's application for becoming a UAS.

The institutional review by the HKCAAVQ focuses on the commitment and competence of the HKMU to qualify as a UAS at both institutional and programme levels, based on three domains, namely:

• governance, management and quality assurance;
• learning environment and learner support; and
• industry collaboration and recognition.

Choi highlighted that the HKMU demonstrates its vision, commitment, capabilities and experience in providing high-level vocational and professional education and training (VPET) programmes that blend theory and practice, and having strong recognition and support from industries. It not only represents a milestone for the HKMU but also signifies the Government's commitment to raising the status of VPET at the university degree level.

To bolster the development of UAS, as announced in the 2024-25 Budget, the Government has granted a start-up fund of HK$100mn to support UAS and prospective post-secondary institutions to form an alliance of UAS for joint promotion, including collaboration with UAS on the Mainland and overseas, initiating collaboration and research about applied education at the post-secondary level, and organising joint promotion activities.

Priority will be accorded to eligible programmes of UAS for inclusion under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors and eligible applications from UAS when considering applications for relevant support measures, including the EDB's Quality Enhancement Support Scheme and Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education.

Additional subsidies of HK$5,000 for non-laboratory-based programmes and HK$8,000 for laboratory-based programmes will be provided to full-time students enrolling in applied degree programmes under the SSSDP that have undergone the relevant accreditation.

Institutions that have qualified as a UAS, including the HKMU, are subject to ongoing reviews by the HKCAAVQ to ensure further development of their maturity and competency. They are also required to submit annual progress reports to the EDB.

Image / HKSAR Government Press Releases