The Hong Kong government has approved the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to set up the city’s third medical school, marking a major step toward expanding local medical education and addressing long-term healthcare manpower needs.
The decision was endorsed by the Executive Council on Tuesday following recommendations from the Task Group on New Medical School. HKUST emerged as the successful bidder after a competitive process involving proposals from three universities: HKUST, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).
Secretary for Health Professor Lo Chung-mau announced that the new medical school aims to admit its first cohort of 50 students in 2028 through a second-degree entry programme. The first graduates are expected to begin specialist internships in 2032.
HKUST will self-finance HK$2 billion to construct an integrated medical school complex at its Clear Water Bay campus as a transitional arrangement. The government will provide matching funding over the next 25 years for both capital works and recurrent costs, achieving an almost 1:1 contribution ratio. Additional operational subsidies will come through the University Grants Committee, while the Hospital Authority will coordinate clinical training placements at its teaching hospitals.
Professor Lo praised HKUST’s clear strategic positioning, global outlook, and strong financial capacity as key factors in its selection. Long-term plans remain for the medical school to relocate to the Northern Metropolis University Town at Niu Tan Wei, where land has been reserved for a new campus and an integrated teaching and research hospital.
On language requirements, Professor Lo stressed that doctors must be able to communicate effectively with patients, adding that proficiency in “two written languages and three spoken languages” (English, Cantonese, and Putonghua) is essential in Hong Kong’s international healthcare environment. He confirmed that language ability will be a consideration in admissions and that dedicated communication training will be provided.
Education Secretary Dr Choi Yuk-lin noted that medicine is a designated manpower-planning discipline and that the proportion of non-local students—currently capped at 50% for subsidised programmes—will be closely monitored.
The establishment of a third medical school was first proposed in the 2024 Policy Address, with the government emphasising the need for “differentiated development” from the existing medical faculties at the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.