The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)) jointly launched the "Redbird Cross Campus Study Program" today. The program will promote resource sharing and synergy between the two campuses under the "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses" framework, through mechanisms including course sharing, credit transfer and student exchanges in academics, research and social activities.
Since the opening of HKUST (GZ) in September 2022, nearly 1,300 students have spent up to a semester in enrichment activities spanning internships, cultural exchanges, industry visits and competitions on each other's campuses, while another 250 students have attended online courses. In the near future, cross-campus summer camps will be introduced to further promote interaction among students and broaden their horizons. The two campuses will also implement credit transfer and course sharing mechanism under consistent academic standards, enabling more enrollment opportunities for selected subjects.
HKUST President and HKUST(GZ) Governing Board Chairperson Prof. Nancy IP said, "Through close coordination, HKUST and HKUST (GZ) have created a collaborative environment for innovative teaching and research. Our educational mission, values, and commitment to academic excellence are exemplified at both campuses to nurture innovative and global-minded talent, as well as advance integrated education in the Greater Bay Area. The introduction of the 'Redbird Cross Campus Study Program' will further enhance the integration of high-quality educational resources of both campuses, empowering students with greater flexibility and diverse learning experiences."
HKUST (GZ) President Prof. Lionel NI, emphasized the role of universities as hubs for the holistic development of innovation and technology (I&T) talents. "In line with the country's and the GBA's development and the opportunities it presents, HKUST(GZ) and HKUST have jointly established a platform to facilitate the expansion of horizons and exchanges for students between Guangdong Province and Hong Kong, laying a solid foundation for their future development. This cross-campus study program will nurture highly-qualified innovative talents with both moral and intellectual integrity, contributing to the advancement of our nation," he said.
The "Redbird Cross Campus Study Program" is a pioneering cross-border and cross-campus study initiative in the GBA that seamlessly merges discipline-based curricula with a cross-disciplinary approach. Its innovative curriculum design fosters interconnectedness between the two campuses. Upon fulfilling the requirements and gaining approval from both Senates, students can study courses offered by the other campus based on their personal interests and academic levels. The credits they earn will be recognized and transferred, with certain courses being eligible to fulfill the requirements for degree graduation.
Under the framework "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses", the two campuses uphold a consistent academic standard, faculty and program quality and offered about 1,500 courses undergraduate (UG) courses for students to choose from. Around 30% of these courses share a complementary syllabus, allowing students to study the same subjects taught by different faculty members on each campus. This presents more opportunities for students to enroll in popular courses such as data science and artificial intelligence (AI). In the upcoming 2025/26 academic year, for example, about a quarter of the courses offered in two new UG programs on "FinTech" and "Microelectronics" at HKUST(GZ) will be shared with HKUST, while up to 30 per cent of the courses for the "Robotics" and "Advanced Materials" UG programs at HKUST(GZ) will also be shared at HKUST.
Since the establishment of HKUST(GZ) almost two years ago, three UG majors in AI, smart manufacturing, and data science and big data technology have been offered, along with over 30 postgraduate (PG) courses spanning 15 fields under the four hubs of function, information, systems and society. Moving forward, both campuses will continue nurturing a new generation of I&T talents, aligning with the Hong Kong government's vision of becoming an international higher education hub and an international I&T center as outlined in the country's "14th Five-Year Plan". This commitment aims to enhance contributions to the GBA and facilitate better integration into national development.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated "Internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).
