Applied Degree Programmes

In order to strengthen the positioning of vocational and professional education and training (VPET) at degree level and nurture quality talent to address society’s manpower needs, the Education Bureau (EDB) launched two rounds of Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes (Pilot Project) to gain experience in the practical issues involved in the development of applied degree programmes and to assess the implications for the higher education system as a whole.  A total of eight pilot programmes were selected under the Pilot Project, which have all been successfully launched by the 2024/25 academic year (AY).   

Quality Assurance

Taking into account the successful experience of the Pilot Project, EDB and the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) have formalised the relevant arrangements and promulgated the Guidelines on Developing Applied Degree Programmes (the Guidelines).  The Guidelines, which are subject to updates from time to time, can be found at the website of HKCAAVQ (www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/accreditation/others/Applied_Degree_Programmes). 

Applied degree programmes have the following distinct and prominent features that differentiate them from other degree programmes:

• the qualifications are equivalent to those of conventional academic degrees (i.e. to be pitched at Qualifications Framework Level 5);
• a more flexible admission requirement is adopted. Apart from academic results, other relevant factors, for example, skills-based competence and achievements, and work experience will also be considered;
• the programmes have an applied focus blending theory and practice, provide substantial internships and work-based learning experience, and prepare graduates for a specific trade or industry, while also supporting articulation to other qualifications; and
• there is strong industry involvement in the programme development with trade recognition.

Applied degree programmes that are recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework are listed on the Qualifications Registry (www.hkqr.gov.hk), subject to the established quality assurance mechanism.

Admissions

Generally speaking, application for the applied degree programmes can be made through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) or non-JUPAS channels.  The detailed admission requirements, application procedures, student intake, duration of study, tuition fees, and other related information of the programmes may vary.  Applicants may visit the institutions’ websites or contact the institutions directly for the latest arrangements and information.

The Government currently offers various subsidy schemes for students pursuing self-financing undergraduate programmes, such as the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp) and the Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong (www.cspe.edu.hk/nmtss).  Applicants may visit the relevant websites for information.  Besides, students in need may also apply for student financial assistance and/or loans from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fees payable (after deduction of subsidy).