In the face of economic development and industrial transformation, attracting and retaining new skilled talents has become another core focus of Hong Kong's current development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)** has earlier announced the "Residence Scheme for Vocational and Professional Education Graduates (VPAS)", which aims to attract students from the Mainland and other countries or regions to come to Hong Kong to stay in Hong Kong for employment and employment in advantageous industries after completing a designated full-time Higher Diploma (two-year) programme of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), so as to supplement Hong Kong's vocational and professional technical talent resources.
New Residence Scheme: New Opportunities for Study and Xi in Hong Kong
The Residence Scheme for Vocational and Professional Education Graduates (VPAS) has a trial period of two years and is targeted at senior secondary school graduates aged 18 or above from the Mainland and other countries or regions. They may pursue designated full-time Higher Diploma (two-year) programmes in Hong Kong in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. The programme covers five major industries that are important to Hong Kong's development, namely "Aviation, Transport and Logistics", "Marine Services", "Innovation and Technology", "Electrical and Mechanical Engineering", and "Construction, Civil Engineering and the Built Environment". There are currently 27 majors to choose from.
For students who are interested in pursuing a career in Hong Kong, the programme provides a new development opportunity and a broader development path. In the past, the Employment-based Arrangement required students to have completed a bachelor's degree or higher qualification. The implementation of the VPAS has expanded the eligibility criteria for employment in Hong Kong to cover students receiving higher vocational education. The Scheme allows Mainland students to apply for a VPAS visa to stay in Hong Kong and work in industries related to their profession after completing a two-year designated higher diploma programmeAfter residing in Hong Kong for a cumulative period of 7 years, you can apply to become a Hong Kong permanent resident.
In addition, if students want to choose to continue their studies after graduating from the Higher Diploma, they can also apply for undergraduate courses in the Institute of Technology under the VTC or other universities in Hong Kong and overseas with the qualifications of the Higher Diploma, and then obtain a bachelor's degree through about 2-3 years of Xi and continue to enrich themselves. Every student who comes to Hong Kong for Xi can have a broader space for development.
*Note: Higher Diploma programmes related to aviation, transport and logistics cover professional areas such as air logistics, passenger services, aircraft maintenance engineering and airport operations management.
*Note: Students who are interested in creative creation, software development or artificial intelligence are eligible to pursue higher diploma programmes related to innovation and technology majors.
International vocational colleges: Cultivating applied talents with both knowledge and skills
Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong is a statutory body established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR**) to provide a high level of vocational and professional education and training in Hong Kong. With 14 member organisations and more than 40 campuses and training centres across Hong Kong, VTC offers a wide range of programmes and internationally recognised qualifications for students of all backgrounds and levels. Over the years, VTC has nurtured talents for all walks of life in response to the needs of the society, with an annual student population of about 200,000, including 40,000 full-time students, providing them with suitable pre-service and in-service education.
*Note: VTC students can develop their majors according to their personal interests, which can not only further their studies, but also find employment, and develop professional pathways.
"Theory and Practice" is the teaching policy of VTC, which is career-oriented, focusing on the training of professional skills while teaching professional knowledge. The programme also provides work-based Xi, practical Xi and project research opportunities to prepare students for the workforce after graduation. Students will also get a large number of opportunities for overseas exchanges, competitions and Xi during their Xi at VTC, so as to cultivate a comprehensive international perspective and enhance their comprehensive competitiveness. With an average employment rate of 90%, VTC Higher Diploma graduates are widely recognised by employers for their industry knowledge and practical skills.
As an international city with diverse cultures, Hong Kong believes that with the support of the new VPET Graduate Residence Scheme (VPAS), it will be able to build and enrich the world-facing VPET talent pool and promote the prosperity of the economy and important industries in the region and beyond. The VTC will also fully assist in the implementation of the scheme to support the life, Xi and career development of students coming to Hong Kong. For more information about the VPAS Scheme and the application details for the VTC two-year Higher Diploma Programme, please contact the VTC Chinese Mainland and International Affairs Office**.
*Note: The Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a member of the VTC Institution, has a total of 9 campuses in Hong Kong, offering 7 university courses.
*Note: The Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), a member of the VTC Institution, provides quality design programmes to nurture talents for the creative industries.
*Note: The Hong Kong Information Technology Institute (HKIIT), a member of the VTC institution, is equipped with state-of-the-art teaching facilities and offers a wide range of courses related to innovation and technology.