HKMU announced as first local applied science university

The Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) has become the first university of applied sciences (UAS) in the city, as the government recognized the institution for fulfilling the administrative and teaching environment criteria for a UAS.

The Secretary for Education, Choi Yuk-lin, said HKMU qualifies as a UAS at both institutional and program levels, including the governance, management, and quality assurance; learning environment and learner support; and industry collaboration and recognition.

Post-secondary institutions qualified as a UAS are subject to ongoing reviews by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) to ensure further development of their maturity and competency. They are also required to submit annual progress reports to the Education Bureau.

Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, the chairman of HKMU Council, said the school will continue to open new programs based on market prospects and industry demands, providing new options for the students.

The Policy Address proposed to promote the establishment of universities of applied sciences and enhance the status of university degrees for vocational and professional education, with the government setting aside HK$100 million in start-up funds to support the UAS and prospective post-secondary institutions to form an alliance for joint promotion.