The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Welcome to the online gateway to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a university with the vision to excel in professional education, applied research and partnership for the betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.

Bearing in mind our motto "To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind", PolyU takes pride in offering a wide range of quality programmes which nurture graduates who are critical thinkers, effective communicators, innovative problem solvers, lifelong learners and ethical leaders. We also have a long-established research culture which supports our academics in conducting research that has impact and practical value.

Apart from being a close partner of business and industry, PolyU has strong regional and global connections. We are weaving a growing and increasingly effective global network which further facilitates our educational and research development, as well as enhancing our academic and cultural exchanges. We have strengthened our establishments on the Chinese mainland, and have achieved significant progress in internationalization.

The above is derived from the Chinese motto, quoted from the great Chinese classic Yijing (Book of Change) and two ancient treatises, one from Han dynasty and the other from pre-Qin times.

The original Chinese text can be paraphrased as follows: "Learn every truth and use the knowledge learned to accomplish every task" and "to learn; to serve". Be a leading university that excels in professional education, applied research and partnership for the betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.

To nurture graduates who are critical thinkers, effective communicators, innovative problem solvers, lifelong learners and ethical leaders. To advance knowledge and the frontiers of technology to meet the changing needs of society. To support a University community in which all members can excel through education and scholarship.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to the principles of good governance so as to ensure that the University is "fit for its purpose" – as an institution of teaching and research, which also provides consultancy and other professional services to the community. These principles emphasize academic freedom and autonomy, performance in terms of added value to student education and academic advancement, public accountability and social responsibility, transparency, ethics and professionalism. These principles are to be upheld through the following provisos:

PolyU will uphold and defend academic freedom and institutional autonomy so as to ensure that its education and academic pursuits are not subject to undue intervention.

The University will strive for exemplary performance with the highest possible standards of professionalism and ethics and seek to provide high quality services at a reasonable and affordable cost.

The Council and the Management of the University will conduct their activities in a transparent manner, subject to legal restrictions and the need to protect the overall interests of the University.

The University will strive to fulfil its social responsibilities. As such, the University will, as far as is reasonable and possible, facilitate the participation of its staff and students in community development activities and public services.

The Council is the governing body of the University. Established under the PolyU Ordinance, the Council comprises the President and Deputy President of the University as ex-officio members, 17 lay members from the business and professional sectors, three elected staff members, a member from the alumni and two elected full-time students.

The University Court was established in late 1995 as the supreme advisory body to the Council on matters of direction, with a view to promoting the well-being of the University. Headed by the Court Chairman, the University Court consists of eight ex-officio members (Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Council; Treasurer; President of the University; a member of Senior Management nominated by the President; President of the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations; President of the Students’ Union; and the immediate past Chairman of Council) and up to 36 appointed lay members.