Saint Francis University (SFU) has been officially approved by the Education Bureau to become the University of Applied Sciences (UAS). SFU welcomes the decision and is committed to working with different stakeholders to promote vocational education, allowing for the practical integration of academic and vocational learning in higher education in Hong Kong, towards a more diverse development.
SFU submitted its application in March in 2024. In accordance with the procedure, the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) conducted an Institutional Review and confirmed that the University meets the requirements in terms of governance, management, quality assurance, learning environment and learner support, as well as industry collaboration and recognition. Considering the outcome of the Institutional Review and considering other relevant factors, the EDB approved SFU to become UAS.
Professor LO Tit Wing, Acting President of Saint Francis University, stated that SFU has been actively promoting the development of vocational education for many years. After becoming a UAS, SFU will continue to work with its sister school, Caritas Bianchi College of Careers, to provide young people with comprehensive pathways for further education, diverse and flexible course options, and broad employment opportunities. Professor LO said, "We adhere to the belief in education, and regardless of students' backgrounds and conditions, as long as they have the willingness to pursue further studies, they can find suitable pathways at SFU to obtain the qualifications they need to contribute to and shoulder the responsibilities of their families, society, and the country."
In the 2024 Policy Address, it was proposed to promote the development of University of Applied Sciences and establish the Alliance of Universities in Applied Sciences within this year to enhance collaborative promotion and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with applied science institutions worldwide. SFU will apply to become a full member of the alliance and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other University of Applied Sciences in applied research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Looking ahead, SFU will continue to introduce more Applied Science programmes. Currently, SFU is preparing to launch two new programmes next year: Higher Diploma in Crime and Security Science at QF Level 4 and the Bachelor of Crime and Security Science at QF Level 5. These new programmes are interdisciplinary, with programme designs differing from traditional social science methods, incorporating elements of data science, business research, security research, criminology, criminal justice, as well as information and communication technology (ICT), including elements of artificial intelligence. ICT and related content will account for over 50% of the weight of both programmes.
SFU has been fortunate to be a pioneer in offering Applied Degree programmes, including the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) (Applied Degree), which was part of the Education Bureau's 2020 first-round Applied Degree Programme Pilot Scheme, and the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Hotel and Tourism Management (Applied Degree), which was included in the second round of the Applied Degree Programme Pilot Scheme and officially commenced in September this year.