Universities in Hong Kong will require students to pass national education courses before graduating
- Universities to all implement compulsory national education courses for undergraduate students from current academic year, government paper shows
- Broadcasting national achievements on campus and voluntary walking tours among additional initiatives planned by universities to foster identity among students
The Education Bureau tabled the 204-page document to the Legislative Council’s subcommittee to study the promotion of national and national security education, with the report outlining all initiatives taken by local universities to promote the subject.
One university featured in the report pledged to broadcast national achievements on TV screens across campus to help boost students’ sense of pride in their country.
“Post-secondary education institutions are duty-bound to nurture our young generations into citizens with a sense of social responsibility and national identity, an affection for Hong Kong as well as an international perspective,” the bureau wrote in the paper tabled on Thursday evening.
“Education on the [Chinese] constitution, the Basic Law and the national security law should also form an important part of the university curriculum, with a view to nurturing students into law-abiding and responsible citizens.”
A total of 11 universities, comprising eight publicly funded institutions and three private ones, will provide compulsory national education courses to all undergraduate students from the current academic year onwards, with a passing grade required to graduate.