As a flagship programme, the Honours College seamlessly aligns with EdUHK’s mission to nurture future-ready educators and professionals who exemplify positive values and critical skills. Reflecting the University’s vision, “Education Futures, Diverse Talents” it also underpins EdUHK’s proactive commitment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which identifies education, technology, and talent as pivotal pillars of progress and innovation, paving the way for a new era of development.
A vision for the future
Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) at EdUHK and a key architect of the Honours College, highlights the essential role higher education plays in driving societal and national progress. “The Honours College is a platform that systematically nurtures high-end talent and represents an important new direction for the University,” she explains. “Today, higher education must not only respond to societal needs but also seize opportunities created by national development, helping integrate Hong Kong’s growth into the broader dynamics driving the country’s success.”
A curriculum to inspire and empower
Launched in the 2025/26 academic year, the Honours College is a distinct college that celebrates outstanding students with diverse strengths, both academic and non-academic. Its foundation lies in an innovative and comprehensive curriculum enhanced by exclusive training programmes, privileged mentoring and internship opportunities, and prestigious global exposure. Central to this revolutionary approach are three transformative pathways, tailored to meet diverse career aspirations:
PRIDE (Pathway for Research, Innovation and Discovery Excellence) : This pathway is designed for academically gifted students and equips future academic leaders with expertise in innovation and research. It fosters creative thinking and leadership potential through an advanced PRIDE project, personalised mentorship by distinguished scholars, and interdisciplinary research experiences.
ELITE-AI Pathway (Emerging Leaders in Innovation, Technology, and Excellence – AI Pathway): With a focus on artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies, the ELITE-AI Pathway equips students with the skills to excel in a rapidly advancing, technology-driven world. It nurtures innovative thinking, leadership abilities, and a human-centred perspective on technology applications through interdisciplinary learning and a capstone project.
PATH (Performance Analysts Transforming Horizons): PATH is aimed at students passionate about sports and prepares performance analysis specialists in football and rugby. Through partnerships with professional sports organisations and an integrated programme of sports science, performance analysis, and internships, it also develops a global perspective on sports innovations.
“Students will join pathways that align with their interests and career goals, ensuring their learning experiences are both targeted and meaningful,” explains Professor Cheng. For instance, PATH students receive exclusive access to opportunities such as referee training and advanced sports performance analysis – unique features not available in the regular curriculum.
Privileged opportunities beyond the classroom
Honours College students benefit from a curriculum that surpasses the standard undergraduate programme, featuring richer and more dynamic opportunities. Dr Li Wai-chin, Head of the Honours College, underscores the impact of these unique offerings: “The curriculum integrates local and global issues, updates and challenges, global exposure experiences, and personalised development pathways, helping students enhance their ability to adapt to multicultural environments and meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.”
To support their journeys, each Honours College student is assigned an Honours College Supervisor. “One-to-one advice from Honours College Supervisors provide students with personalised guidance,” notes Dr Li. “This ensures that they have the resources and support required to succeed, whether by pursuing research opportunities or taking part in global exchanges.”
Additionally, students are encouraged to contribute to staff-led research projects, attend academic conferences, and even co-author papers with supervisors, ensuring rich research exposure.
Mentorship as a cornerstone
Mentorship plays a central role in the Honours College’s holistic approach to student development. “The Honours College adopts a dualmentorship model, ensuring students benefit from both internal and external guidance,” explains Professor Cheng.
Dr Li elaborates: “Honours College Supervisors work closely with students to support their academic progress, fostering intellectual excellence, research experiences, and exploration of non-local learning opportunities.” Meanwhile, external Professional Mentors – drawn from expertise such as public services, emerging technology, and social innovation and sustainable development - help guide students as they navigate future career paths.
Distinguished external Professional Mentors include The Honourable Bernard Charnwut Chan, Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and Dr Lam Ching-choi, a member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR Government, among other prominent community leaders. With their extensive knowledge and lived experience, these mentors provide invaluable insights and effectively bridge academic theory and real-world practice.
Leadership through experiential learning
Leadership and collaboration skills are best cultivated through experiential learning. To this end, the programme provides opportunities for students to stay within a vibrant, supportive and collaborative residential and learning community.
Additionally, all Honours College students will engage in global and Chinese Mainland exposure, which are designed to broaden their horizons, foster global and patriotic understanding, and develop their adaptability to diverse cultural backgrounds.
“Exchange programmes and internships ensure that students gain real-world experience in a global context,” states Professor Cheng. To remove barriers to participation, Honours College offers generous scholarships and sponsorships, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder individual student’s personal or professional growth.
Upholding academic excellence
Admission to the Honours College is an invitation to an elite academic community - and a commitment to maintaining high academic standing and ensuring ongoing transformation. “Students are required to sustain a Major/Programme GPA of 3.30 or above, complete the IMPACT Trainings programmes, and actively participate in the Honours College Residential and Learning Community,” Dr Li explains. “These expectations ensure that Honours College students consistently uphold the high standards associated with this prestigious initiative. Failure to meet these criteria may result in their status being revoked.”
A new chapter begins
The inaugural pilot cohort for 2025/26 academic year has been formally inducted, ushering in a new chapter for EdUHK and setting the stage for its ambitious vision. Reflecting on her long-term aspirations for the Honours College graduates, Professor Cheng concludes: “Our aim is to nurture students into capable individuals who excel in their chosen fields. By the time they graduate, they will be confident, accomplished, and fully prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.”
Looking ahead, the second pilot cohort for 2026/27 academic year will be officially inaugurated in September 2026, continuing the Honours College’s momentum towards realising EdUHK’s ambitious vision.
