New round of applications under Quality Enhancement Support Scheme of self-financing post-secondary education opens
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The QESS is a major support measure to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the self-financing post-secondary education sector, with the aim of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in the sector. It accepts applications under three project categories, namely theme-based projects, open-ended projects and industrial attachment projects.
Applicants in the category of theme-based projects may set their own themes, provided that the projects are conducted in a collaborative manner, i.e. planned and undertaken by more than one eligible institution, to foster closer collaboration and synergy among institutions and benefit the sector as widely as possible.
The applicants in the category of open-ended projects need to submit applications in relation to the relevant areas of the QESS funding. The main areas include:
(1) improving the overall learning experience and language proficiency of students;
(2) developing and improving teaching methodologies and practices, including the development of assessment strategies;
(3) strengthening and improving quality assurance and related measures; and
(4) enhancing student support and career guidance services, including support for non-Chinese speaking students and students with special educational needs.
As regards the category of industrial attachment projects, applicants can submit proposals within the following areas:
(1) incorporating quality assured work-based learning and assessments into programme curricula through close partnerships with industries;
(2) sourcing more industrial attachment opportunities within and/or outside Hong Kong, and/or enhancement of relevant institutional support for students; and
(3) organising visits or short-term training/courses conducted within and/or outside Hong Kong for students, which are directly relevant to industrial attachments.
All non-profit-making education institutions offering full-time locally accredited self-financing sub-degree or bachelor's degree (including top-up degree) programmes are eligible to apply. Other related bodies such as the federations of these education institutions and quality assurance agencies may also apply. All applications will be considered by the Sub-committee on Support Measures established under the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education.
Since its launch in 2012, the QESS has approved over 120 projects with a total grant of about $455 million. In the 2024/25 round of applications, five out of 33 applications were approved, with a total earmarked grant of about $23 million, which aim to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced teaching resource hub for the sector; develop an AI-powered virtual laboratory platform for healthcare education; establish an industry-university partnerships office; enhance students' emotional wellness and resilience; and provide non-local students with holistic support.
Further details of the QESS, including the scope of various project categories and the application procedures, are available at the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/qess-project.html).
Ends/Monday, October 27, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:30
Issued at HKT 15:30
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