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What is the relationship of UGC with its funded universities?

  • The UGC-funded universities are City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Education University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the University of Hong Kong. As each of the UGC-funded universities is an autonomous body with its own Ordinance and Governing Council, they enjoy substantial freedom in the control of curricula and academic standards, selection of students, conduct of research, staff recruitment and their terms of employment, and internal allocation of resources. The UGC strives to safeguard the academic freedom and institutional autonomy of universities.

  • At the same time, as universities are largely supported by public funds and have significant social, cultural, and economic importance, the UGC has to ensure value for money for taxpayers. It also provides universities with developmental and academic advice drawing on the expertise and experience of its members, as well as monitors the performance of universities and promotes higher standards at a system level.