UGC chief warns of university review aimed at raising fees

Tuition fees at local universities are coming under review, said University Grants Committee chairman Tim Lui Tim-leung, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of charges for public services amid a fiscal deficit of more than HK$100 billion for the current financial year.

Speaking in Beijing, where he had been attending the "Two Sessions" meetings, Lui said fees at the eight subsidized universities have remained unchanged for two decades, making it reasonable to propose a review.

Government sources have revealed that a review is under way to potentially increase the costs borne by students from 13 percent to 18 percent.

This adjustment would result in an annual tuition fee rise from HK$42,100 to over HK$58,000.

However, Lui said it would be premature at this stage to speculate on the rate of increase.

He expressed confidence that the SAR administration would carefully consider the impact of the increase on society.

"The government needs to analyze factors such as students' affordability and has suggested that the fee level might be adjusted in phases."

Lui said if declining student numbers continue in the long run, that would be a problem but that the current situation is not a cause for immediate worry.

He said that Hong Kong universities' excellent reputation continues to attract overseas students, and there are only 15,000 UGC-funded bachelor's degree places available to locals each year.

Lui said the UGC has yet to discuss the adjustment of tuition fees with universities.

When asked about the possibility of the UGC requesting the universities to review the titles or contents of courses after the enactment of Article 23, Lui said they had autonomy in this regard.

He also said institutions had the authority to determine their curricula, contents and department names and that any decisions made are independent of UGC involvement.

Lui added that the UGC would propose directions in which universities could make adjustments if the government sought to achieve strategic outcomes in the education system.

Meanwhile, Sun Yat-sen University president Gao Song announced plans to establish an institute for advanced studies in Hong Kong this year.

Gao said: "The university's commitment is to integrating into the Greater Bay Area and contributing to the construction of an international science and technology innovation center and a high talent base."