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University Grants Committee

The latest news and top stories on University Grants Committee. A prominent Hong Kong based governmental body, the University Grants Committee (UGC) is dedicated to advising the government on the funding and strategic development of higher education. Its main areas of focus include allocating recurrent grants to eight public universities, promoting quality assurance, supporting academic research and fostering internationalisation. Established in 1965, the UGC plays a significant role in maintaining high standards and competitiveness within Hong Kong’s higher education sector, nurturing talent and establishing the city as a regional education hub.

Students at the University of Hong Kong. The number of DSE students admitted to government-funded Year One university places has dropped by 7 per cent. Photo: Dickson Lee

Mainland China

Record non-DSE admissions to Hong Kong’s universities spark calls for quotas

Number of non-DSE students in Hong Kong public universities surges 63 per cent, while local exam-takers fall to 72 per cent of intake.

24 Aug 2026 - 8:30AM

Education in Hong Kong

AI major focus as Hong Kong funds record 12 university research projects

30 Jul 2026 - 2:36AM

Education in Hong Kong

HKU says next leader must have ‘fresh ideas’ for coming ‘transformation’

28 Jul 2026 - 9:43PM

Education in Hong Kong

Salary growth for Hong Kong degree graduates slows to 5-year low

Average monthly salary rises by just 2 per cent to HK$28,000 as underemployment hits record high.

24 Jul 2026 - 10:46PM

A graduation ceremony at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Chung Chi College Chapel in 2023. Photo: Elson Li

Two Sessions 2026

What are Hong Kong’s next best steps after ‘two sessions’ in Beijing?

Analysts and members of NPC and CPPCC lay out their suggestions for city’s next moves following key political meetings in capital.

14 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Hong Kong open to backing universities issuing bonds to fund megaproject campuses

Financial Secretary Paul Chan says issuance of ‘tertiary education bond’ to support University Town’s construction will be considered.

26 Feb 2026 - 10:12PM

Universities in Hong Kong

Hong Kong universities enjoy ‘growing appeal with belt and road, Asean students’

Secretary for Education Christine Choi speaks at ‘Study in Hong Kong Week’ event, says city attracting more students from outside China.

24 Feb 2026 - 12:59AM

Hong Kong hopes to grow its appeal as a tertiary education destination. Photo: Elson Li

Education in Hong Kong

How many non-local students are going to Hong Kong universities since quota rise?

‘We will not rule out reviewing the quota if there is such a need, and the universities’ supporting facilities are ready,’ minister says.

14 Feb 2026 - 6:22PM

Education in Hong Kong

Exclusive | Non-local exams on rise? Hong Kong public universities admit fewer DSE pupils

DSE student intake drops to a record low of 74 per cent, with 500 fewer admissions compared with a decade ago.

26 Oct 2025 - 6:11PM

Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong in fight for foreign university students as Singapore emerges as rival

Number of international first-year students at city’s public universities below pre-pandemic levels despite government doubling quotas.

12 Oct 2025 - 9:00AM

The University of Hong Kong admitted the most non-local students in the last academic year. Photo: Karma Lo

John Lee policy address 2025

Hong Kong taps diplomats, foreign chambers to draw overseas students: John Lee

Hong Kong leader says city wants to attract students from belt and road countries, and also stresses need to reduce costs ‘progressively’.

19 Sep 2025 - 9:43PM

Foreign students at the University of Hong Kong campus in Pok Fu Lam. Photo: Karma Lo

Education in Hong Kong

Exclusive | Hong Kong’s universities will not be asked to return funds again: minister

Education chief says clawback was for ‘riding out difficult times’, while renewed three-year agreement will ensure institutions are accountable.

3 Sep 2025 - 10:56PM

Education in Hong Kong

Graduate pay rises 4.8% in Hong Kong on average but who earns the most?

Average annual salary of graduates last year rose to HK$329,000.

6 Aug 2025 - 6:21PM

Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong tightens student fee rules for children of non-local talent

Children of non-local talent will need to live in Hong Kong for at least two years to become eligible to pay local tuition fees.

31 Jul 2025 - 11:49PM

The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong public universities agree to return more funding if asked

Institutions also agree government has right to cut their funding if they fail to fulfil obligations or face governance issues.

28 Jul 2025 - 11:55PM

The University of Hong Kong at Pok Fu Lam. Photo: Dickson Lee

University Grants Committee

Record non-DSE admissions to Hong Kong’s universities spark calls for quotas

Number of non-DSE students in Hong Kong public universities surges 63 per cent, while local exam-takers fall to 72 per cent of intake.

AI major focus as Hong Kong funds record 12 university research projects

HKU says next leader must have ‘fresh ideas’ for coming ‘transformation’

Salary growth for Hong Kong degree graduates slows to 5-year low

Average monthly salary rises by just 2 per cent to HK$28,000 as underemployment hits record high.

What are Hong Kong’s next best steps after ‘two sessions’ in Beijing?

Analysts and members of NPC and CPPCC lay out their suggestions for city’s next moves following key political meetings in capital.

Hong Kong open to backing universities issuing bonds to fund megaproject campuses

Financial Secretary Paul Chan says issuance of ‘tertiary education bond’ to support University Town’s construction will be considered.

Hong Kong universities enjoy ‘growing appeal with belt and road, Asean students’

Secretary for Education Christine Choi speaks at ‘Study in Hong Kong Week’ event, says city attracting more students from outside China.

How many non-local students are going to Hong Kong universities since quota rise?

‘We will not rule out reviewing the quota if there is such a need, and the universities’ supporting facilities are ready,’ minister says.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Non-local exams on rise? Hong Kong public universities admit fewer DSE pupils

DSE student intake drops to a record low of 74 per cent, with 500 fewer admissions compared with a decade ago.

Hong Kong in fight for foreign university students as Singapore emerges as rival

Number of international first-year students at city’s public universities below pre-pandemic levels despite government doubling quotas.

Hong Kong taps diplomats, foreign chambers to draw overseas students: John Lee

Hong Kong leader says city wants to attract students from belt and road countries, and also stresses need to reduce costs ‘progressively’.

Exclusive | Hong Kong’s universities will not be asked to return funds again: minister

Education chief says clawback was for ‘riding out difficult times’, while renewed three-year agreement will ensure institutions are accountable.

Graduate pay rises 4.8% in Hong Kong on average but who earns the most?

Average annual salary of graduates last year rose to HK$329,000.

Hong Kong tightens student fee rules for children of non-local talent

Children of non-local talent will need to live in Hong Kong for at least two years to become eligible to pay local tuition fees.

Hong Kong public universities agree to return more funding if asked

Institutions also agree government has right to cut their funding if they fail to fulfil obligations or face governance issues.

Exclusive | Non-local exams on rise? Hong Kong public universities admit fewer DSE pupils