The PolyU and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Elite Athletes Study Programme on 3 November, with a view to enhancing a joint programme which provides admission and flexible learning arrangements for elite athletes and enables them to receive full-time athlete training while continuing to pursue their university studies.

PolyU has always been supportive of nurturing elite Hong Kong athletes. Since 2017, PolyU and HKSI have collaborated on the Elite Athletes Study Programme to further strengthen support for these athletes. A total of 17 elite athletes have been admitted to PolyU under the Programme to pursue their studies in various subjects including health and social science, business engineering, humanities, sciences, and hotel and tourism management.

Under the enhanced arrangements, the number of nominations of full-time athletes will be raised from 20 to 30 per academic year, with two nomination rounds per year. As a further encouragement, PolyU will offer a scholarship to all eligible student athletes.

Through the collaboration, the HKSI will nominate qualified elite athletes for study on full-time undergraduate programmes at PolyU. The collaboration will allow nominated athletes to have greater flexibility in their studies by extending the required study period, which is particularly crucial for athletes who need to attend intensive training courses.

PolyU will also provide individual mentorship services to support athletes in areas ranging from their academic studies to campus life adjustment.