Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) took a significant step towards promoting Hong Kong as a global higher education hub by introducing the city’s first one-year International Foundation Year Programme (IFYP) in September 2024. The programme, designed for international students, aligns with the government’s commitment to build the“ Study in Hong Kong” brand on a global scale.
At a media event held on November 13, 2024 at the Mrs Dorothy KOO and Dr Ti Hua KOO Plaza in the campus, HKSYU Senior Vice President Professor Catherine SUN said the University is taking a proactive approach to address challenges brought by declining birth rates and intensified competition from an increasing number of higher education institutions in the city. She highlighted the need to “find our own students”, as the University sought to diversify its student base and expand its reach to the international market.
Drawing on global practices, Professor SUN said foundation programmes are a proven pathway to recruit international students. HKSYU is actively targeting students from all places. She said the programme has already received numerous inquiries for the next academic year, with South- East Asian students showing the most interest. Professor SUN expressed confidence in an increase in enrolment numbers for the upcoming year.
Professor SUN also highlighted the affordability of HKSYU’s programmes, with tuition fees for its postgraduate courses about half the cost of comparable programmes offered by overseas or public universities. The University is also integrating digital learning elements to stay align with modern educational trends.
IFYP Programme Director Dr Michelle CHAN said the programme is meticulously designed to not only enhance international students’ academic abilities, but also support their holistic development. The curriculum equips students with a solid foundation in areas such as social sciences, business, arts, and culture while enhancing their language proficiency, ensuring they are well-prepared for undergraduate studies.
The inaugural class of IFYP comprises 15 international students from South Korea, India, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Among them, Htet Htet Oo Wai from Myanmar, shared that her decision to study in Hong Kong stemmed from her passion for experiencing different cultures and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. She plans to continue her undergraduate studies at HKSYU.
Similarly, Muaarij Haider from Pakistan expressed gratitude for the University’s robust support, especially for the prayer room and halal food options. He credited these accommodations, along with the help of senior students and peers for easing his transition to a new environment. He aims to pursue a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree in Applied Data Science at HKSYU.
South Korean student Chan Woo Seok reflected positively on his IFYP learning experience, describing the programme as flexible and manageable, allowing him to enjoy learning at his own pace.
The IFYP curriculum combines compulsory foundational courses with optional electives tailored to students’ academic interests. Core subjects include English, basic Mandarin, and Chinese communication skills, while elective options include data analytics, economics, and psychology.
This full-time, one-year programme has tuition fees set at HK$80,000, inclusive of on-campus accommodation. With an annual intake capacity of 60 students, the programme is open to candidates holding foreign passports who meet the entry requirements. Graduates who achieve the required language proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) will be eligible to join HKSYU’s four-year undergraduate degree programmes the following September.
Beyond academics, IFYP offers cultural activities to enhance students’understanding of Hong Kong’s rich cultural diversity. This semester’s highlights include a coffee art workshop and visits to cultural landmarks such as PMQ and Tai Kwun. To further support international students, HKSYU has introduced a buddy system, pairing them with local students who assist in navigating everyday challenges and adjusting to life in Hong Kong.

Cover Photo: HKSYU Senior Vice President Professor Catherine SUN (third left); IFYP Programme Director Dr Michelle CHAN (second right); local student TAM Suet-ching (right) and three IFYP students.
Source: January 2025 Issue