To strengthen support for athletes, PolyU and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) started to co-organise the Elite Athletes Study Programme in 2017. In November 2022, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the joint programmeon the admission and flexible learning arrangements, to help elite athletes foster dual career pathways in sports and academic study.

HKSI will nominate qualified elite athletes to study full-time undergraduate programmes at PolyU. Nominations will be made twice per year, and the number of nominations will increase from previously 20 to 30 per academic year. These student-athletes at PolyU will be given great flexibility in their studies such as extending the study period, and will receive individual mentorship services in academic studies, campus life and other areas. PolyU will also offer a scholarship to all eligible student-athletes.