Applied sciences universities are set to diversify HE sector

Renowned for its strong research focus, Hong Kong’s higher education system is in the process of significant transformation as a result of the establishment of universities of applied sciences (UAS).

Historically, the city’s publicly funded universities have led in academic research, with five of its eight institutions ranked among the top 100 universities globally, according to the QS rankings. In addition, the Education University of Hong Kong, though relatively small, ranks 12th globally in the QS subject rankings for ‘education and training’, and 13th in the Shanghai subject rankings.

These institutions have traditionally emphasised theoretical knowledge and global research excellence. However, there is now a shift towards industry-relevant education and practical training. In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals across various sectors, the Hong Kong government is actively pursuing the establishment of UAS.

The first university of applied sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), was approved by the Education Bureau on 21 March 2024, marking a significant step towards diversifying and expanding the higher education landscape.

To support the establishment of UAS, the Education Bureau announced on 10 September 2024 that the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 4,916 places across 55 undergraduate programmes at eight post-secondary institutions for the 2025-26 academic year. This new focus aims to blend academic research with applied learning and vocational training in Hong Kong’s higher education to meet both academic and industry needs.

The need for change

The emergence of UAS in Hong Kong is not just a response to a changing economy but also a strategic initiative that aims to align the city’s higher education system with global trends. While research-oriented universities have driven Hong Kong’s reputation for academic excellence, they have primarily produced graduates with strong theoretical foundations, leaving a gap in vocational education that meets the growing demand for practical skills.

The city’s evolving economic landscape, fuelled by innovation, technology and industries like healthcare, green energy and data science, requires a new type of educational institution: one that emphasises real-world applications and the integration of practical work experience and academic learning.

This gap between the skills demanded by employers and those offered by traditional degree programmes is where universities of applied science are poised to play a pivotal role. By focusing on vocational education, they aim to develop a workforce that is equipped with both the practical and technical skills required for the job market, while also ensuring that students are prepared for lifelong learning and continuous career development.

Pilot programme

The development of UAS in Hong Kong has proceeded in several phases, with the Hong Kong government laying the groundwork for what is expected to be a transformative shift in the education system.

A key milestone in this effort was the introduction of the Applied Degree Pilot Programme in December 2020, initiated by the Education Bureau. This programme was designed to address the immediate needs of critical industries by offering applied degrees in sectors with high demand for skilled professionals.

Unlike traditional academic degrees, the applied degrees introduced in this pilot programme focus heavily on practical skills and workplace learning. Courses are developed in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure that they are directly relevant to the needs of the job market.

The programmes include significant components of hands-on training, internships and on-the-job learning, ensuring that graduates not only gain academic knowledge but also have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in real-world settings. This structure allows students to build valuable networks, gain experience in their fields and improve their employability.

In its first phase, four institutions outside the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities were selected to participate in the Applied Degree Pilot Programme. This programme represents a strategic effort to address immediate industry needs while laying the foundation for the broader establishment of UAS in Hong Kong.

The government’s latest initiative, announced for the 2024-25 fiscal year, expands the pilot programme to include 55 new bachelor degree programmes across eight self-financing tertiary institutions.

These new programmes will cover fields such as aviation management, applied data science and medical imaging, reflecting the government’s commitment to equipping students with the skills necessary for a rapidly evolving labour market.

Evaluation process

Building on the success of the Applied Degree Pilot Programme, Hong Kong’s government has outlined plans to establish the UAS sector more formally.

In the 2023 Policy Address, the Education Bureau, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), introduced specific criteria for institutions wishing to transition into UAS. These criteria, tailored to local conditions but inspired by international best practice, cover aspects such as governance, quality assurance and a commitment to high standards in applied education.

The establishment of a university of applied sciences involves a comprehensive evaluation process. Institutions seeking to be recognised as a university of applied sciences must demonstrate their capacity to offer applied science programmes that integrate theory with practice. These programmes must align with Hong Kong’s Qualifications Framework, covering levels five to seven (from bachelors to doctoral degrees).

Institutions also need to show that they have strong industry ties, effective governance structures and solid financial sustainability.

The HKCAAVQ Institutional Review Manual for Application as a University of Applied Sciences, released in February 2024, outlines the process through which institutions can apply to become a university of applied sciences, including the review by the HKCAAVQ and the final approval granted by the Chief Executive in Council.

HKMU has already become Hong Kong’s first university of applied sciences, following a rigorous evaluation process. With its long history of offering applied degree programmes, HKMU was well-positioned for the transition. The university’s focus on professional and applied courses, aimed at meeting the needs of both students and society, has made it a leader in vocational education.

As a university of applied sciences, HKMU is required to undergo continuous reviews by the HKCAAVQ and submit annual progress reports to ensure its growth and competitiveness in applied education. Several other institutions are currently applying to transform into UAS, signalling a broader shift in Hong Kong’s higher education landscape.

Support from government

The Hong Kong government has demonstrated its commitment to UAS development through a series of supportive measures. To assist institutions in transitioning to UAS status, the government has pledged to provide start-up funding and resources to foster their development.

For instance, in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the government allocated HK$100 million (US$12.9 million) to support existing universities of applied sciences and encourage other institutions with the potential to take on UAS status. This funding is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the visibility and credibility of vocational education in Hong Kong.

Another initiative is the formation of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences, aimed at fostering collaboration among UAS institutions both locally and internationally. The alliance will facilitate exchanges, cooperative research and joint promotional activities, helping to raise the profile of UAS in Hong Kong and beyond.

Additionally, UAS programmes are being prioritised for inclusion in the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors, which offers significant financial subsidies to students pursuing qualifications in specific industries. This scheme helps make vocational education more accessible to a broader range of students, particularly those pursuing programmes in fields such as healthcare, aviation and technology.

By making these courses more affordable, the government hopes to encourage more students to pursue vocationally oriented programmes and bridge the skills gap in Hong Kong’s workforce.

Dealing with stigma

Despite the government’s strong support, several challenges remain in the development of UAS in Hong Kong. One of the main hurdles is the perception of vocational education in Hong Kong, which has traditionally been seen as secondary to academic degrees. The stigma surrounding vocational education as being less prestigious than traditional university degrees could hinder the acceptance of universities of applied sciences among students, parents and employers.

Changing this perception will require significant time and effort, as well as strong advocacy and public engagement campaigns to highlight the value and importance of applied learning.

Additionally, the process of transforming existing vocational training institutes into universities of applied sciences requires substantial structural and cultural changes. These institutions must not only meet rigorous academic and operational standards but also shift their focus from primarily teaching skills to offering comprehensive, research-informed applied programmes.

This evolution will take time and may require additional financial investment from both public and private sectors.

Fostering innovation and growth

Hong Kong’s move towards establishing universities of applied sciences is an important step in diversifying its higher education system. By focusing on applied learning and vocational education, the city is addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in key industries.

The government’s support, through funding and policy reforms, signals a clear commitment to enhancing vocational education’s credibility and effectiveness. However, overcoming societal perceptions and structural barriers will be crucial to the long-term success of universities of applied sciences in Hong Kong.

With continued efforts, they will play an increasingly vital role in preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce, fostering innovation and contributing to the city’s economic growth.

Chun Sing Maxwell Ho is assistant professor in the department of education policy and leadership and associate co-director of the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation at the Education University of Hong Kong. Yuzhuo Cai is co-director of the Global Research Institute for Finnish Education (GRIFE), The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. E-mail: cyuzhuo@eduhk.hk.

This article is a commentary. Commentary articles are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of University World News.