HKUST Information Day to Unveil Five New Undergraduate Programs and New Dual-Track Admission Framework for Engineering

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today five new programs for the 2025/26 academic year, ahead of its Information Day for Undergraduate Admissions this Saturday. The five programs, covering biomedical and health sciences, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), microelectronics, and energy, aim to meet the demand for professionals in healthcare and emerging technologies while expanding course options. Additionally, the School of Engineering (SENG) will introduce a new dual-track admission framework, allowing students to be admitted via departments, offering more choices for those with clear academic pursuits.

The five new programs are introduced by the School of Science (SSCI) and SENG at HKUST. The two SSCI programs— “Biomedical and Health Sciences” and “Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in Science”—give students exposure to advanced diagnostic and disease modeling technologies, while the latter focuses on training students to apply data analytic skills across various scientific disciplines. Graduates of the Biomedical and Health Sciences program will have the opportunity to pursue careers in pharmaceutical or medical technology companies, research institutions, and healthcare consultancy. They may also further their education in fields such as clinical medicine, genetic counseling, and biomedical research, contributing to Hong Kong's development as an international health and medical innovation hub. Meanwhile, the Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in Science program is designed to enhance students’ practical mathematical skills through AI and deep learning. Graduates shall be well-equipped to tackle challenges across different industries with appropriate data analysis tools.

The three new programs launched by SENG are: “Artificial Intelligence”, “Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits”, and “Energy and Environmental Engineering”. The AI program is tailored to train students to design and code AI algorithms for real-world applications. Graduates will be able to pursue advanced studies or launch careers as engineers, data scientists, or entrepreneurs in the dynamic field of AI. On the other hand, the Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits program focuses on the fundamental principles of semiconductors, chip design, and printing. Its goal is to inspire students to drive innovation in emerging fields such as quantum technology, robotics, microelectronics, and advanced materials. The Energy and Environmental Engineering program covers principles and policies related to sustainable energy, renewable energy, and the transformation of raw materials. Graduates can pursue careers as engineers in related industries or develop their careers in environmental consultancy.

Meanwhile, SENG will also introduce a dual-track admission framework in the new academic year, which will provide students with two distinct entry pathways – school-based and department-based. For those opting for the school-based pathway, students can choose their engineering major as early as the first semester, with admission to the chosen department determined based on their entrance credentials. Furthermore, students have the option to add an extended major in AI to their engineering major.

On the other hand, the department-based entry offers a direct approach, granting immediate admission to six departments: Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE), Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Additionally, students can pursue the Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering program jointly offered by the CSE and ECE Departments through this pathway. This new framework aims to create clear and structured academic development pathways that cater to students with specific academic goals, providing a defined direction for their studies.

Prof. Emily NASON, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions at HKUST, stated that the University has always been a pioneer in key frontier scientific fields such as biomedical science, translational medicine, AI, electronics, as well as future energy and sustainable technologies. The University is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship education, and it has nurtured numerous talents in research and the innovation sector over the years. “The number of top students admitted to HKUST’s engineering, business management, and research disciplines has significantly increased in recent years,” she said. “The new programs being launched are across multiple cutting-edge fields, I believe they will attract even more outstanding students to HKUST, bringing new momentum to Hong Kong’s diverse development.” 

Overall, the number of programs that HKUST offers through JUPAS for the 2025/26 academic year will increase from 26 to 33, offering a total of 45 majors, 22 minors, and two extended majors. Since its establishment, HKUST has consistently introduced programs that meet the demands of the times and employed innovative teaching methods to inspire creativity and encourage students to unleash their potential. Prospective students are welcome to attend the HKUST Information Day for Undergraduate Admissions this Saturday (November 2) to learn about the latest admission requirements, participate in program talks, and experience campus life. For more details, please visit https://join.hkust.edu.hk/infoday.

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).

(This news was originally published by the HKUST Global Engagement and Communications Office here.)