The development of the sustainable higher education in Hong Kong

There is a long history of higher education in Hong Kong with the founding of its first university, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), in 1911. Students enrolling in higher education courses in Hong Kong post Second World War were considered elite-type. Since the early 1990s, the age participation rate has increased to 18% for first degree courses, equalling to the expansion of approximately 50% in undergraduates. Changes have been apparent from elitist higher education to mass-type higher education. Another essential development in Hong Kong’s higher education sector was the Chief Executive announcing in 2000 that age participation would be doubled to 60% within ten years. This paper aims to historically review the development of the higher education sector in Hong Kong. The problems associated with the processes involved and discussion related to the future development of this sector during this century will also be analysed.