Working Group on the Review of the Allocation Mechanism of Research Postgraduate Places (WGRPg)

Terms of Reference

1. To steer a holistic review of the policy and practice of providing publicly-funded research postgraduate (RPg) places to the eight UGC-funded universities, its policy intent and academic aims;

2. To develop various allocation scenarios and devise a method and formula-driven process for allocating the publicly-funded RPg places among the eight UGC-funded universities, taking into account the factors underpinning the allocation, such as the policy intent of the provision, the need for competitive element in the allocation, the different roles and missions of the universities, and the strategic overview of enhancing the research strengths of the UGC sector as a whole;

3. To advise on the strategy for implementing and operating the revised allocation method within any relevant financial, physical and academic constraints, taking into account also employer demand for research graduates in Hong Kong; and

4. To advise on whether and how the existing mechanism of over-enrolment should be enhanced in order to allow flexibility for the universities to cope with the student demand for RPg places in excess of the publicly-funded RPg places allocated.