Saint Francis University seeks to become the second applied science university in the city

Saint Francis University (SFU), formerly the Caritas Institute of Higher Education, has applied to become a university of applied sciences (UAS).

The Education Bureau has confirmed that it will comprehensively assess SFU's administrative and teaching environment criteria for qualification in the UAS application.

This came after the government recognized Hong Kong Metropolitan University as the first UAS in the city in March.

SFU was granted university status in January. 

Several self-financing institutions have expressed interest in becoming UAS or participating in related developments, including Tung Wah College, as it indicated consideration of simultaneous applications for upgrading to a private university status and becoming an applied science university.

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.