THEi seeks upgrade to private uni status

The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong is seeking an upgrade to become a private university, according to the Vocational Training Council.

As a member institute of the council, THEi currently offers over 20 applied science-oriented degree programs across six academic areas and has approximately 2,200 full-time undergraduate students studying at its campuses in Chai Wan and Tsing Yi.

To qualify as a private university, THEi must meet certain criteria. This includes having a minimum of 1,500 full-time students at the degree level for the past two consecutive academic years, as well as obtaining program accreditation in at least three areas.

Moreover, the institution must demonstrate research capabilities by having successful applications under publicly funded research-related schemes and obtaining Institutional Review status from the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications.

Donald Tong Chi-keung, the executive director of the VTC said THEi is in the process of obtaining program area accreditation in phases.

The areas under the accreditation process are sports and recreation, architecture and environment, and computer science and information technology, he added. The completion of this accreditation process is expected by 2026.

In addition to pursuing private university status, the VTC plans to launch a full-time professional diploma course in dental hygiene nursing early next year, with an intake target of 60 students.

The VTC is also introducing three new higher diploma courses in pet care and wellness, computer and data engineering, as well as play-based learning in September to provide students with a specialized skill set.

Additionally, the council is awaiting the administration's response to its proposal for establishing a VTC campus in Northern Metropolis University Town.The proposed campus would offer higher diploma or THEi programs related to innovative technology, engineering and design.

Tong also urged 1,000 non-local students to participate in the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme which would allow those enrolled in designated full-time VTC higher diploma programs over the next two academic years to be eligible for employment in Hong Kong upon graduation.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com