HKUST Launches Mandatory AI Common Core Program to Nurture Future Leaders Comprehensive Scholarships to Attract Top Talent

In response to evolving talent needs, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) continues to innovate its curriculum and strengthen student support. Following the launch of its Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical and Health Sciences program last year, which has emerged as HKUST’s most competitive program in this year’s admissions exercise, the University will introduce a mandatory Artificial Intelligence (AI) Common Core Program in the coming academic year to equip students with essential knowledge and competencies in human-AI collaboration and AI applications. In addition, HKUST offers scholarships and student-support initiatives comparable to those of leading universities in the city, providing students with rich learning experience opportunities through scholarships, overseas learning support, and a wide range of personal and professional development programs.

AI Common Core Program for Future Innovators

To equip students for the opportunities and challenges of the AI era, HKUST pioneered the “Major + X” curriculum framework in the 2021/22 academic year, enabling students to complement their major studies with emerging fields such as AI, sustainability. To date, more than 1,450 students who have enrolled in AI-related courses under this initiative.

To further strengthen AI education, HKUST is advancing the concepts of Human-AI Co-Creation and Data Literacy, recognizing AI and intelligent agents as valuable partners in learning, research, and innovation. The initiative aims to cultivate students’ ability to collaborate effectively with AI, integrate knowledge across disciplines, and harness AI technologies responsibly, critically, and creatively.

Beginning in the 2026/27 academic year, all incoming undergraduate students will be required to complete a six-credit AI common core program. The program comprises two parts. The first is Foundations of AI Literacy: Human–AI Orchestration, which introduces the fundamentals of human-AI collaboration. The second consists of AI Horizon courses offered by different schools and academic departments across the University, focusing on the latest developments and interdisciplinary applications of AI. Through real-world examples from diverse fields, students will broaden their understanding of AI and strengthen their ability to apply AI tools effectively.

The new program aims to equip students with the mindset and competencies needed to leverage AI effectively, understand and shape human-AI socio-technical systems, and to communicate seamlessly across both human- and AI-mediated environments, preparing them to thrive in the workplace and society of the future.

Prof. Jimmy FUNG, HKUST Associate Provost (Teaching and Learning) said, “AI is reshaping talent demand across industries. Today’s students seek more than disciplinary knowledge; they are looking for an education that prepares them to thrive in an evolving society and workplace. HKUST’s new AI Common Core Program pioneers a new model of human-AI collaborative learning centered on the concept of ‘Human–AI Orchestration.’ Students will learn not only how to use AI tools, but also how to integrate the complementary strengths of humans and AI to drive innovation and address complex challenges. Through this six-credit program, students will develop strong AI literacy, critical-thinking capabilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills, empowering them to become adaptable and forward-looking leaders who can make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world.”

Curriculum Enhancement to Meet Emerging Needs

To support the HKSAR Government’s vision of establishing Hong Kong as an international health and medical innovation hub, HKUST’s School of Science launched the BSc in Biomedical and Health Sciences program last year. The program exposes students to advanced diagnostic and disease modeling technologies, equipping them with professional knowledge in accelerated drug or treatment discoveries in a pre-clinical setting, thereby nurturing new talent for the medical and health industries. Based on Band A applications submitted during the first round of JUPAS program choice modification this year, the program recorded the highest applicant-to-place ratio among all HKUST programs, at 7.52 applicants per place, underscoring its strong appeal and competitiveness.

Innovation and design are indispensable drivers of technological advancement. Offered by HKUST’s Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, the BSc in Integrative Systems and Design, Hong Kong’s first undergraduate program centered on experiential learning, will be renamed the BSc in Innovation, Design and Technology in the 2026/27 academic year. Through multidisciplinary training and project-based learning, the program equips students with expertise in emerging technologies while providing valuable opportunities to integrate design, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Diverse Scholarships to Attract Top Talent

Prof. Jimmy Fung added, “As AI continues to reshape the global innovation landscape and workforce development, outstanding talent will remain the driving force behind future societal progress. HKUST is committed to attracting students from diverse backgrounds, exceptional potential, and innovative mindsets, and to supporting them through comprehensive scholarship schemes that enable them to focus on both academic and personal growth through interdisciplinary learning and international exposure. We look forward to welcoming more young people who aspire to harness technology for positive societal impact, and to contributing together to the advancement of Hong Kong, the nation, and the world.”

HKUST has long been committed to attracting and nurturing outstanding students through a board portfolio of scholarship programs. Students admitted through JUPAS with outstanding academic performance may receive scholarships exceeding HK$100,000 annually, covering full tuition fees as well as living allowances. The University also offers scholarships across science, engineering, business, humanities and social science, and interdisciplinary studies, recognizing achievements in academics, innovation and entrepreneurship, sports, arts, and leadership. To broaden students’ international outlook, HKUST additionally provides an overseas learning subsidy of HK$10,000 for participation in student exchange programs, overseas study tours, and other global learning opportunities.

Strong Further Study and Employment Prospects

Despite rapid changes in the employment landscape, HKUST graduates continue to achieve excellent outcomes in both employment and further studies. Approximately 90% of the Class of 2025 either secured employment or pursued further studies shortly after graduation. The growing number of graduates choosing postgraduate studies and entrepreneurship reflects both their strong competitiveness and their aspirations to pursue diverse pathways for future development.

Students interested in applying to HKUST may use the HKUST online JUPAS Score Calculator to calculate their admission scores according to the weighting formula of individual programs and evaluate their admission prospects against previous admission results.