Hong Kong nears first universities of applied sciences

The establishment of universities of applied sciences in Hong Kong is expected to boost employment opportunities for young people in China’s Greater Bay Area, a region that leaders hope to grow into a global business hub.

Hong Kong’s chief executive, John Lee, announced the development in a policy address last October, aiming to support alternatives to traditional degrees and to “raise the status” of vocational and professional education and training. Under the policy, existing providers will apply to gain the upgraded status.

Financial support has since been confirmed, with HK$100 million (£10 million) allocated in the region’s latest budget to support the formation of an umbrella alliance to promote the institutions.

In addition, providers will be allocated funds to offer more applied degree programmes and to incentivise students to enrol. Eligible courses will also be granted “priority consideration” for tuition fee subsidies if they support the development of in-demand skills, such as engineering, financial technology and healthcare.

Leaders hope the policy will enhance the status of vocational training among students and parents as both mainland China and Hong Kong continue to grapple with high youth unemployment rates.

Ka-Ho Mok, vice-president of Lingnan University Hong Kong, said the latest investment supports Hong Kong’s aspirations to become a global education hub as well as helping to equip young people with the skills required to work in industries in the Greater Bay Area.

China has set out plans to make the region, which encompasses nine Chinese cities as well as Hong Kong and Macao, an international technology and business powerhouse. A new agreement was reached at the end of 2023 between Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao to recognise one another’s vocational qualifications and to cooperate on meeting demand for skilled talent.

“The [Hong Kong] government is keen to give financial support to some self-financed higher education institutions to develop more applied sciences programmes, hence they can nurture talents for the new development needs of the city and beyond,” Professor Mok said.

He added that existing institutions would be free to decide whether or not to become universities of applied sciences, with Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) tipped to become the first to win approval.

Paul Kwan-sing Lam, HKMU’s president, confirmed that the institution had submitted an application and welcomed the development of universities of applied sciences and the related funding, saying it would “help enhance the status of [vocational and professional education and training] among the general public and contribute to the social and economic development of Hong Kong and beyond”.

To be eligible for the new status, institutions must already hold a university title and have experience providing degree programmes in at least one area of applied sciences, among other conditions.

Developing vocational education pathways has also become a priority for leaders in mainland China in recent years, as the country’s economy has evolved and demand has grown for technical skills. At the same time, youth unemployment has spiralled, with many university graduates unable to land jobs in their desired professions.

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com