The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Tsinghua University have announced the establishment of a groundbreaking “3+1+X” Joint Undergraduate – Postgraduate Training Program, set to commence in the 2026/27 academic year. This initiative aims to create a streamlined academic pathway, enabling undergraduate students to spend their fourth year at either institution. Following their graduation, participants will be able to pursue master’s or doctoral degree programs at the host university, significantly enhancing their academic and career prospects.
The formal agreement was signed by Prof. ZHOU Xiaofang, Head and Chair Professor of HKUST’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), and Prof. YIN Xia, Head of Tsinghua’s Department of Computer Science and Technology. The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. GUO Yike, HKUST Provost, and Prof. YANG Bin, Vice Chairperson of Tsinghua University Council.
Prof. Guo expressed his gratitude for Tsinghua’s ongoing support, stating, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone as HKUST’s first seamless undergraduate-to-postgraduate training mechanism with a leading university in Chinese Mainland. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening ties between the two universities in computer science and information technology and to nurturing talent through innovative education.” He emphasized that both institutions possess world-class capabilities in computer science, artificial intelligence, and data science.
Prof. Yang added, “Since the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding, the two universities have strived to enhance collaboration across multiple fields, yielding fruitful results. This cooperation agreement further deepens talent development and holds significant importance for our computer science disciplines.” He noted that the program effectively integrates the strengths and resources of both universities, creating a diverse and international educational environment. This initiative will enable students to engage in cutting-edge research, fostering innovative thinking and broadening their international perspectives.
The program is designed to cater to top-performing students. Each year, HKUST will nominate up to five outstanding undergraduates from its Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence, and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Technology programs. These students will spend their first three years at HKUST and their final year, designated as ‘+1’, at Tsinghua. The arrangement will also facilitate Tsinghua sending up to five students to HKUST for their concluding year.
Following their undergraduate studies, students may apply for postgraduate education, referred to as “+X”, at the host institution. By merging HKUST’s international research excellence with Tsinghua’s strong disciplinary foundation, the “3+1+X” program promotes interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and global perspectives among students.
Through this collaborative framework, HKUST and Tsinghua will integrate their academic resources to provide high-quality, diverse, and internationalized educational experiences. The program aims to cultivate exceptional talent capable of contributing to technological advancements globally, reinforcing the commitment of both universities to lead in the fields of computer science and information technology.
