PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAM (MPP) ADMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2025 INTAKE 2025-26 MASTER OF
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a dynamic, international research university in a relentless pursuit of excellence, leading advances in science, technology, business and humanities, and educating new generations of global front-runners. Since its official opening in October 1991, HKUST has established itself as an intellectual powerhouse, energizing the community’s transformation into a knowledge-based society, and securing a place on the academic world map in record-breaking time. In less than three decades, HKUST has risen rapidly in the global academic arena and has been ranked as one of the best universities globally by global university rankings. ABOUT HKUST World’s Top 50 Young Universities Under 50 2021 in QS World University Rankings Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24 World’s Top 1500 Universities 2025 (No.3 in Hong Kong) in QS World University Rankings #2 #29 #47
Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with knowledge of the full impact of science and technology innovations and professional skills in the formulation and implementation of innovative solutions to current and emerging global challenges. Situated in HKUST, a leading university in science and technology, the program draws from research and teaching excellence from across a diverse range of disciplines to equip students with a set of core skills in data analytics, economic analysis and management to become effective policy professionals. Designed for students with diverse educational backgrounds, including social science, science, engineering, business, and other fields of study, this two-year full-time program consists of a core curriculum, an optional summer internship upon completion of year one, a second-year client-based policy analysis project and elective courses allowing students to develop their areas of specialization. The first of its kind in Hong Kong, this program provides students with complete professional training that focuses on problem-solving skills with real-world cases and examples. Our program places an emphasis on knowledge, analytical skills and managerial capacities that are highly transferable across sectors, issue areas and global regions. Graduates of the program may work as analysts, managers, researchers and consultants in a wide variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations and private sector business. The training provided by the program is particularly relevant for policy professionals in both public and private sectors seeking to advance their careers in industries at the frontline of science and technology advancements, such as information technology and telecommunications, environment, energy, health care, transportation and finance. CAREER PROSPECT HKUST’s MPP program is unique in many ways: Its duration of two years allows deep immersion into a student’s eld of study, the widespread use of cases as the key to our teaching pedagogy strengthens student learning, and close connections with practitioners are forged through the core requirement of a Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE).” Prof. Naubahar SHARIF Head and Professor, Division of Public Policy MASTER OF PUBLIC POLICY (MPP) “ 1
CURRICULUM ELECTIVE COURSES (24 CREDITS) Students have the opportunity to enhance their analytical skills through 24 credits of elective courses, which focus on today’s most pertinent policy areas and applied analytical methods. While the Division of Public Policy offers a range of elective courses, MPP students may also have the chance to broaden their perspectives by taking courses from other schools/departments/divisions at HKUST. Please note that the availability to take these courses is subject to the approval of the course instructors, the course offering units, and the MPP Program Co-directors. The potential to access a diverse range of electives across the university is one of the unique strengths of the HKUST MPP, setting it apart from programs elsewhere. 2 The degree requires the completion of 48 credit hours (most courses are three credit hours). All students admitted to the MPP will be required to complete the program on a full-time basis, a minimum of 12 credits and up to a maximum of 15 credits of coursework per semester. CORE COURSES (24 CREDITS) The required core courses provide students with a grounding of the various perspectives, skills and tools that policy professionals must possess to develop and manage policies effectively. ・ Foundation in Public Policy ・ Microeconomics and Public Policy ・ Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods ・ Public Policy Analysis ・ Evidence in Public Policy ・ Public Management and Leadership ・ Policy Analysis Project (I & II)
As part of their 48 credits, MPP students have the option to specialize in one of the two following streams: science and technology policy concentration or environmental and sustainability policy concentration. A specialization consists of at least four 3-credit courses, of which at least two are offered by the Division of Public Policy. Students pursuing this option must choose their elective coursework based on the requirements for their specialization. Science and Technology Policy Concentration The specialization provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that are essential to professional careers in areas where science and technology are guided by public policy or where science and technology play an integral role in the formulation and implementation of innovative solutions. Environmental and Sustainability Policy Concentration This specialization provides students with the opportunity to acquire the tools, methodologies, interdisciplinary perspectives, and substantive topical knowledge necessary to be effective policy professionals in public, non-profit, and private organizations that cover a broad spectrum of issues relating to the environment and natural resources. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION The Master of Public Policy program at HKUST offers a unique opportunity for future leaders to develop the interdisciplinary skills necessary for addressing both local and global challenges. Our program blends theoretical foundations with real-world applications, encouraging students to think critically and creatively about policy issues. With a strong emphasis on current topics and best practices in governance and sustainable development from around the world, participants engage in practical projects and collaborate with professionals from various sectors. Our experienced faculty members provide personalized guidance individually and through different mentoring programs, ensuring a rich learning experience that empowers you to drive positive change in public policy. Join us at HKUST and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference in the world.” Dr. Marie N. Bernal Program Co-Director, Master of Public Policy “ The MPP Program at HKUST is dedicated to nurturing policy professionals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework to address complex societal challenges and drive positive change in the public sector. Through rigorously designed curriculum and professional delivery, this 2-year program will prepare students for future career in government, think tanks, non-pro t organizations, and public service agencies.” Prof. Alex Jingwei HE Program Co-Director, Master of Public Policy “ 3
The Policy Analysis Project is the capstone module of our MPP program. It aims to provide students with a valuable, engaging, educational and professional experience. Each year, the project will have a different theme that reflects the current policy landscape. This year-long project allows students to work collaboratively in teams of four to six people on real-world challenges, issues, and problems faced by client organizations. Students will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills that they have learnt from the MPP program to analyse policy issues, develop solutions and produce professional reports for client organizations. CLIENT-BASED POLICY ANALYSIS EXERCISE (PAE) There was a good mix of past clients from the public and private sectors, including Arthur D. Little, Centennial Asia Advisors, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Netherlands Innovation Network, Paypal, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Research for Social Advancement Berhad (REFSA), RAND Corporation, The Center for Green Finance Research (CGFR) of Tsinghua University, and Our Hong Kong Foundation. PROGRAM STRUCTURE ・ Foundation in Public Policy ・ Microeconomics and Public Policy ・ Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods ・ Elective 1 (12 credits) ・ Public Policy Analysis ・ Evidence in Public Policy ・ Public Management and Leadership ・ Elective 2 (12 credits) ・ Policy Analysis Project I ・ Elective 3 ・ Elective 4 ・ Elective 5 (12 credits) ・ Policy Analysis Project II ・ Elective 6 ・ Elective 7 ・ Elective 8 (12 credits) 1st TERM 2nd TERM 3rd TERM 4th TERM 4
PPOL Electives ・ Risk and Regulation ・ Policy Analysis and Design for Sustainable Development ・ Applied Demography ・ Comparative Social Welfare Policy ・ Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management ・ Complex Systems for Policy ・ Technology, Innovation and Public Policy ・ Advanced Analytical Methods for Public Policy ・ Innovation and Sustainability ・ Finance, Financial Crises and Economic Development ・ Urban Economics and Urban Policy ・ Ethics and Public Policy ・ China and the World: Policies and Development Strategies ・ Local and Regional Development ・ Environmental Economics ・ Special Topics in Public Policy Please visit https://prog-crs.hkust.edu.hk/pgprog/2025-26/mpp for the details of the course curriculum and descriptions. I am honored to be recommended by MPP and recognized by BAIXIAN, joining the warm BAIXIAN Scholar family. This achievement lls me and my parents with surprise and pride. I anticipate honing my leadership skills, building lasting friendships with talents, and contributing valuable insights to bene t society through future BAIXIAN projects.” XIANG, Renyu Class of 2026 Wuhan University “ 5
Orientation and Preparedness This module is designed to welcome students to the program and familiarize them with the opportunities and expectations. It includes an introduction to the program, the division, and the faculty, along with workshops on writing and communication basics, library research skills, citation scholarship, and best practices in group work. Engagement This module encourages students to actively participate in talks, lectures, conferences, and symposia. Students are also expected to join outings and field trips. An end-of-year awards ceremony and cocktail party provide opportunities for networking and celebration, as well as incentives to exceed the minimum program requirements. Our program is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their PPOL program and ultimately in the eld of public policy. This is achieved through a comprehensive course divided into four main modules: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Career Development This module prepares students for their future careers. It includes sessions on interpersonal dynamics, career development workshops, internship programs and opportunities at HKUST, job searching for public policy and project management, resume and cover letter writing workshops, and academic writing workshops. Individual consultation sessions with top professionals are also available throughout the two semesters. Wellness This module aims to help students adjust (or readjust) to university life by providing advice, materials, and discussions on well-being and growth. Students will learn about stress and time management skills, and personal and professional development planning. By improving self-management skills, such as goal setting and relationship-building, students will be better equipped to succeed. 6
Starting in the 2021-22 academic year, we introduced the MPP Student Advisory Program. This program assigns a faculty member as an advisor to a small group of students. The aim is to enhance communication between faculty members and students by organizing various enrichment activities and luncheon talks. Through this program, advisors gain a better understanding of students’ study progress and concerns, enabling them to provide targeted advice and support. This helps improve students’ academic performance and fosters a deeper connection between advisors and students. Additionally, students can more easily approach a faculty member, ensuring they receive timely advice and assistance. This also encourages students to be more proactive in seeking advice on their academic needs. SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT It is a great honor to be a recipient of the Asian Future Leader Scholarship Program. I have the exciting opportunity to take the Master of Public Policy course in an era with great global challenges, especially in historically-signi cant Hong Kong. One requires the interdisciplinary knowledge and critical thinking that MPP strives to build in its scholars to truly pursue solutions that uplift the forgotten.” LIEW, Jia Yi Class of 2026 Monash University “ 7
THE ONLY TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME MPP PROGRAM IN HONG KONG Our MPP is the only two-year full-time program in Hong Kong that provides comprehensive professional training to develop the skills and competencies essential for career success. Students will learn effective time management, enabling them to seek internship and career opportunities. Additionally, they will be well-prepared to apply for MPhil or PhD programs in public policy at both local and overseas universities, should they wish to pursue a research and academic career. WHY STUDY PUBLIC POLICY AT HKUST? HKUST’s public policy program takes an interdisciplinary approach to policy-making, drawing on insights from various fields, including economics, political science, and sociology. This approach allows students to gain a broad understanding of policy issues and develop a well-rounded perspective on policy-making. INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH Students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on research projects and gain hands-on experience in policy analysis and evaluation. RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES Trained in some of the best universities in the world, our faculty members have established themselves as leading scholars in their elds, and many of them have had extensive experience advising national government bodies, international organizations and major corporations. 100% of courses in HKUST are taught in English, enabling full access to world-class teaching and research across the university. A WORLD-CLASS FACULTY Hong Kong is not only an international nancial center and a gateway to Mainland China, but also a part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The development of GBA offers exciting business and career opportunities. GREATER BAY AREA (GBA) DEVELOPMENT Enabling eligible students from outside Hong Kong to explore a myriad of training and career opportunities after graduation. GUARANTEED 24-MONTH VISA TO WORK IN HONG KONG (IANG) 8
FACULTY PROFILE Prof. Naubahar SHARIF PhD in Science and Technology Studies, Cornell University Areas of Specialization • Innovation and technology policy in Hong Kong and China • Belt and road initiative Dr. Marie N. BERNAL PhD in Public Policy, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Areas of Specialization • Risk regulation • Behavioral and cognitive science implications for public policy • Policymaking and policy dynamics Prof. Alex Jingwei HE PhD in Public Policy, National University of Singapore Areas of Specialization • Comparative social policy • Policy innovation and entrepreneurship • Health policy and governance Prof. Masaru YARIME PhD in Economics and Policy Studies of Innovation and Technological Change, Maastricht University Areas of Specialization • Science, technology, and innovation policy • Public policy and institutional design for energy, environment, and • sustainability • Innovation systems of smart cities • Sustainability science Prof. Pengyu ZHU PhD in Policy, Planning and Development, University of Southern California Areas of Specialization • Transportation policy • Economic development policy • Housing policy • Land use policy • Applications of Big Data in policymaking Prof. Anthony Bing-leung CHEUNG PhD in Government, London School of Economics and Political Science Areas of Specialization • Governance studies • Asian administrative reforms • Civil service studies • Para-governmental organisations and Privatisation • Public policy Prof. King Lau CHOW PhD in Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine Areas of Specialization • Genetics • Evolutionary biology • Cellular and molecular mechanisms • Developmental biology • Sensory organ differentiation Prof. Stuart GIETEL-BASTEN PhD in Historical Demography, University of Cambridge Areas of Specialization • Demography • Population policy • Ageing policy • Family policy • Health policy Prof. Michael Shih-Ta CHEN PhD in Economics, Cornell Prof. Raul P. LEJANO PhD in Environmental Health Science, University of California, Los Angeles Areas of Specialization • Policy theory • Collective action • Relationality • Environmental governance • Resilience • Narrative analysis • Game theory Prof. Magdalena KLEMUN PhD in Engineering Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Areas of Specialization • Technology Innovation • Energy and Climate Policy Prof. Yatang LIN PhD in Economics, The London School of Economics and Political Science Areas of Specialization • Environmental economics • Urban and regional economics • International trade • Economic growth and development Prof. Donald How Tian LOW (Professor in Practice) Master in International Public Policy, Johns Hopkins University Areas of Specialization • Poverty and inequality • Big data and social science research • Development economics • Political economy of development • Population and policy issues in Asia MPP Program Co-Directors Faculty Head, Division of Public Policy 9
Prof. Kira MATUS PhD in Public Policy, Harvard University Areas of Specialization • Innovation for sustainable development • Sustainable production and consumption / sustainable manufacturing • Green chemistry and engineering • Science advice in public policy • Regulation of emerging technologies • Sustainability science Prof. Albert Francis PARK PhD in Applied Economics, Stanford University Areas of Specialization • Applied economics • Development economics • Labour economics • Chinese economy Dr. Nicolo LUDOVICE PhD in History, The University of Hong Kong Areas of Specialization • Environmental health humanities • Environmental history • History of science, technology, and medicine • Public health policy • Food studies and policy Faculty Prof. Timothy SZE PhD in Jurisprudence, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) Prof. Julien de TROULLIOUD de LANVERSIN PhD in Applied Physics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University Areas of Specialization • Nuclear policy • Nuclear nonproliferation and arms control • International security • Energy policy • U.S.-China collaboration in science & technology • Open-source science Prof. James Ka Lei WONG PhD in Government, London School of Economics Areas of Specialization • Environmental politics and policy • Theories of institutional design • Deliberative democracy and governance Prof. Yan XU PhD in Telecommunications Policy, University of Strathclyde Areas of Specialization • Technology and Innovation Management • Telecom Industry Development and Policy Open Innovation • Information Technology Policy and Standardization • Digital Economy Prof. Xiaofan ZHAO PhD in Public Administration, Tsinghua University Areas of Specialization • Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Policy and Governance • Theories of the Policy Process • Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance Prof. Ye QI PhD in Environmental Science, State University of New York and Syracuse University Areas of Specialization • Energy • Environment • Governance for sustainability Dr. Michael TYRALA PhD in Asian and International Studies, City University of Hong Kong Areas of Specialization • World-systems analysis • Global offshore economy • Global tax governance • Political economy of development • Social psychology of late capitalism Prof. Xun WU PhD in Public Policy Analysis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Areas of Specialization • Water resource management • Health policy • Anti-corruption • Policy design and innovations Dr Fangxin Francine YI PhD in Urban Development and Policy, National University of Singapore Areas of Specialization • Urban and land policy • City resilience • Risk management • Complexity and public policy Dr Jeffrey CHOW PhD in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Yale University Areas of Specialization • Environmental and natural resource economics • Environmental policy and governance • Climate change and global environmental governance • Health policy • Big data and social science research 10
We also have students who graduated from well-known overseas universities, such as the University of British Columbia, University of California (Irvine), University College London, and Monash University. Additionally, students from major universities in Hong Kong are well represented in our MPP program. All MPP students admitted to our program have demonstrated excellent academic performance, with many also possessing impressive internship or work experience. While many of our students have graduated from top universities in mainland China, such as Fudan University, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Renmin University of China, Zhejiang University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a wide range of universities and majors are well represented among our MPP students, significantly contributing to the diversity of learning in our program. STUDENT PROFILE Students’ Bachelor Major (2024 Intake) Science Business Management and Finance Economics Education Engineering Finance Financial Engineering History Humanities and Social Science Language Law Marketing Mathematics Media and Communication studies Public Administration 2% 6% 14% 1% 2% 11% 2% 2% 6% 8% 3% 2% 1% 5% 35% 11
It is a great honor to be awarded the TPg Fellowship Scheme! In the MPP programme, I can fully immerse myself in the journey, where I aspire to create innovative solutions to social issues. I eagerly anticipate growing as a policy analyst, re ning my skills to make a meaningful impact in our communities.” LAU, Wai Kei Class of 2026 Huazhong University of Science and Technology “ I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy at HKUST, where I can collaborate with like-minded individuals from diverse academic backgrounds in a world-class environment. I am also immensely thrilled to be one of the recipients of the TPg Fellowship Scheme, an honour that motivates me further to excel academically and professionally.” CHAN, Tsz Ni Class of 2026 City University of Hong Kong “ The TPg Fellowship Scheme allows me to concentrate more on my studies. Studying in the MPP program will allow me to hone my analytical skills and pursue my career goal. I shall dedicate myself to using the skills I am going to acquire in the program to bene t society.” HA, Wing Lam Class of 2026 University of St Andrews “ 12
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY ・ A bachelor’s degree with second-class honors from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent quali cation ・ English Language admission requirements set out by the University Applicants have to ful l English Language requirements with one of the following pro ciency attainments: Minimum Scores 80* 550 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing Sections) Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-scores: 5.5 Pro ciency Test TOEFL-iBT TOEFL-pBT TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test IELTS (Academic Module) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ・ While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit their GMAT/ GRE scores. ・ Interests and motivation: Applicants should make a strong case for their interest in pursuing a professional degree in public policy by submitting their statement of purpose about their interests and motivation. ・ Favorable consideration will be given to applicants with relevant working experience and (or) internships. ・ Selected applicants will be invited to face-to-face interviews or video conferencing/ phone interviews by the admission committee. TUITION FEE AND SCHOLARSHIPS Tuition Fee HK$308,000: This includes two years of full-time enrollment (for 48 credits total). SCHOLARSHIPS UGC Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme (For LOCAL applicants only) Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program has been approved as one of the targeted programs of the Fellowships Scheme for 2024-25 intake. Local students who are admitted to the program will be invited to submit applications for the fellowships. To avoid double subsidy, students who are receiving other forms of government scholarship (except student financial assistance) for pursuing the same program will not be considered. The fellowship students are required to pay a minimum tuition fee of HK$42,100, which is the prevailing rate of the UGC-funded programs, and the differences will be subsidized by the fellowships subject to a cap of HK$120,000 for each student regardless of the actual study period of the program. MPP Admission and Academic Excellence Scholarship Subject to funding availability, scholarships may be given to selected awardees based on academic and professional excellence. For further details, please visit https://ppol.hkust.edu.hk/mpp-scholarships. The Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) In addition, HKUST is one of the few Asian universities chosen by the Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI) as a partner university to offer the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP). Applicants who are non-local students from East, Southeast, and South Asia and admitted to MPP program may be considered for the scholarship program. For more details, please visit https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/scholarships/asian-future-leadersscholarship-program. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if ・ Their rst language is English, or ・ They obtained a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English. APPLICATION PROCESS All applicants should submit their application documents through https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/admissions/Admission-to-Hong-Kong-Campus/submitting-an-application/online-application to the Fok Ying Tung Graduate School (FYTGS) of HKUST before May 31, 2025 (for both local and non-local applicants). Early applications are strongly recommended as admissions offers will be made on a rolling basis. Late applications may be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Application Deadlines for 2025-2026 Admissions: For applicants from Hong Kong / outside Hong Kong *Refer to the total score in one single attempt May 31, 2025
ADMISSION ENQUIRIES Online Enquiry Form: https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/about-fytgs/contact-us Fok Ying Tung Graduate School Web: https://fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/ The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong Division of Public Policy Tel: (852) 3469 2001 | Email: ppolmpp@ust.hk | Web: https://ppol.hkust.edu.hk/ | Wechat: HKUSTPPOL The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong Find us on: Website WeChat Instagram Linkedin MTPC-G23320
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