VTC Opens Applications for 2027/28 this Thursday with Study Places to Increase by Over 10%
Programmes Aligned with Five-Year Plan to Nurture Future Talent in AI, Aviation and Maritime Services and Other Key Sectors

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) will open applications for its programmes for the 2027/28 academic year on 5 November (Thursday). To meet growing demand for Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) and Hong Kong’s future manpower needs, VTC will increase its overall provision of study places by more than 10% to over 14,000. Around 140 full-time programmes will be offered, including Bachelor’s Degree, Higher Diploma, Diploma of Foundation Studies (DFS), Diploma of Vocational Education (DVE) and Diploma programmes, providing diverse progression pathways for students with different aspirations and abilities.

VTC member institutions including the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), International Culinary Institute (ICI) and Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) will offer around 100 Higher Diploma programmes. IVE, HKDI, HKIIT and Youth College will also provide various Diploma programmes. All Higher Diploma, DFS, DVE and Diploma programmes are government subvented.

Growing Demand for VPET with Study Places to Increase by Over 10%

VTC is committed to promoting VPET in the community. Public recognition of VPET’s value has continued to grow in recent years, with more students and parents considering VPET as a major pathway for further studies. Programmes related to aviation, engineering, primary healthcare and the mega-event economy have become increasingly popular among students. This reflects young people’s growing interest in professional fields, central to Hong Kong’s future industry development and their desire to prepare for emerging career opportunities by acquiring relevant professional knowledge and skills.

The Government announced Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan (the “Five-Year Plan”), which focuses on development areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), maritime and aviation services, primary healthcare, green transformation, and the culture, sports, arts and creative industries. These developments are driving demand for skilled professionals across sectors. To meet the rising demand for VPET and support Hong Kong’s future industrial development, VTC will increase its overall provision of study places by more than 10% in AY2027/28 to over 14,000.

Programmes Aligned with Five-Year Plan to Nurture Talent

VTC will offer around 140 programmes in the new academic year, addressing the industry development needs set out in the Five-Year Plan. In AI, VTC continues to advance its “AI + Profession” approach, incorporating AI-related learning elements into all Higher Diploma and Diploma of Foundation Studies programmes to help students progress from understanding AI to applying it in their respective fields. With support from technology enterprises, students will gain exposure to the latest technologies, including AI applications, large language models, cloud computing and generative AI, equipping them with the digital skills required for the future workplace.

To support Hong Kong in reinforcing its status as an international aviation hub and an international maritime centre, VTC will soon open the new Aviation and Maritime Education Centre (AMEC). The centre will feature professional equipment and practical training facilities, including C919 and A320 flight simulators, to provide students with learning experiences that reflect industry practice and enhance their practical capabilities. VTC will also continue to offer Higher Diploma programmes in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Aviation Inflight and Passenger Services, and Aviation and Logistics to nurture talent for the industries.

In support of the development of the Northern Metropolis, new industrialisation and green transformation, VTC nurtures talent for smart city development and the engineering sector through programmes in areas such as Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering and Civil Engineering. Elements such as new energy, smart buildings, the Internet of Things (IoT) and electric vehicles are also incorporated into relevant programme curricula.

In response to Hong Kong’s ageing population and the continued development of primary healthcare, VTC offers Higher Diploma programmes in Rehabilitation Services and Health Studies to meet demand for healthcare and rehabilitation talent. In the new academic year, VTC will also introduce the Diploma of Foundation Studies (Mental Wellness and Community Education) to address society’s manpower needs for mental health and educational support services.
The mega-event economy has brought new opportunities and created demand for talent. VTC will introduce the Higher Diploma in Mega Event Entertainment Technology, covering professional knowledge and skills in areas including entertainment technology and event technical management. Together with Higher Diploma programmes in Tourism and Mega Event Management, Sports Management, Digital Media Production and Animation and Visual Effects,VTC will nurture skilled talent to support the development of these sectors.

Info Days – Application Fee Waived for On-site Applicants

To help students and parents explore future study options and career opportunities, VTC member institutions including IVE, HKDI, HKIIT and HTI/CCI/ICI will organise Info Days on 6 to 7 and 13 to 14 November (Fridays and Saturdays). Through programme talks, taster activities, facility tours and on-site consultations, current Secondary 6 students preparing for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) Examination, parents and teachers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the distinctive strengths of VPET. Students who submit online applications on-site during Info Days will enjoy a waiver of the application fee by entering a designated promotion code. 

The Info Days will feature activities covering innovation and technology, healthcare, social services, business administration, engineering, creative design, hospitality and tourism, introducing visitors to career opportunities and the skills required in different industries. Highlighted activities at IVE campuses include “Mission Construction VR: Safety Hero Academy”, “Health Explorer: A Sensory Experience”, “Dreaming with Children: The Magic of Loose Parts” and “HR Digital Transformation: The Role of AI & VR in Recruitment”. HKDI will present activities including “Mini Fashion Show” and “Origami × AI Spatial Lab”. HKIIT will organise “Game Development Workshop” and “Exploring Ethical Hacking Techniques”, offering participants opportunities to explore real-world applications of information technology. HTI, CCI and ICI will also organise various hospitality and culinary experiences, including “Cupcake Baking” and “Hotel Housekeeping & Hospitality Experiences”. 

Selected teaching facilities, including the IoT Technology Centre, Extended Reality Rehabilitation Training Workshop and Esports Technology Centre, will be opened for visits. Visitors can experience VTC’s industry-aligned learning environment and practice-based teaching approach. Multiple talks will be held during the Info Days, including “Admission Tips for DSE Candidates: VTC Programmes & Application” delivered by VTC Education Advisor, providing the latest further study information and application tips. Institutions will also introduce programme features, industry trends and progression pathways to help students and parents plan ahead. For more details and registration, please visit www.ive.edu.hk/infoday.

Plan ahead for the chance to receive conditional offers starting in late March

Applications for around 140 programmes at various levels will open on 5 November (Thursday). Students can apply via the VTC S6 Admissions Portal (www.vtc.edu.hk/admission). With a single application, students can apply for programmes offered by different VTC member institutions. Students who submit applications on or before 28 February 2027 (Sunday) may receive conditional offers from late March 2027, allowing them to focus on their DSE preparations. Conditional offer-holders will receive more information about their preferred study areas and invitations to programme-related activities to better prepare for further studies and career planning.

VTC encourages students to pursue their interests and values students' non-academic achievements. Through VTC’s special admission schemes, such as the Principal’s Nomination Scheme, students who demonstrate outstanding non-academic performance can apply for admission to their preferred programmes. Students are advised to upload supporting documents of their non-academic achievements during online applications to highlight their achievements for consideration.

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge, and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the  Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT),  the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI),  the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: www.vtc.edu.hk

Media Enquiries: 2836 1971 / 2836 1094