Tianjin University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Institute of Future Technology Officially Approved

On May 25, the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China announced the approval of several cooperative education institutions and programs involving mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan for 2026. Among them, the Tianjin University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Institute of Future Technology, jointly established by Tianjin University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was officially approved to begin operation. The institute is scheduled to enroll its first cohort of undergraduate students in 2026.

The new institute aims to cultivate future-oriented talent in emerging strategic industries. Building on Shenzhen's mature international education environment, the institute combines Tianjin University's strengths in advanced engineering education with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's globally recognized international academic resources. It will focus on frontier fields such as brain-computer interfaces and engineering intelligence, while promoting interdisciplinary integration and close collaboration between academia and industry.

The institute will offer a full spectrum of degree programs, including undergraduate, master's, and doctoral education. Approved disciplines and programs align closely with China's strategic priorities in future industries, covering areas such as brain-computer interfaces, intelligent medicine, computer science, artificial intelligence, and smart grids. Seven postgraduate programs and four undergraduate programs have received initial approval.

The institute also introduces an innovative cross-border education model featuring dual student registration and dual degrees. Students will be simultaneously enrolled at both Tianjin University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Upon fulfilling graduation requirements, they will receive degree certificates equivalent to those awarded by the two universities' main campuses. While primarily studying in Shenzhen, students will also have opportunities for academic exchange in Hong Kong, gaining access to the educational resources of both institutions throughout their academic journey from undergraduate to doctoral levels.

Designed to foster personalized and practice-oriented education, the institute will adopt a flexible undergraduate training model that combines broad foundational education with student-directed specialization choices. Leveraging Shenzhen's strong innovation ecosystem, students will benefit from cutting-edge research opportunities and industry internships. Distinctive programs include research-driven undergraduate projects, a master's “1+1” pathway that allows students to participate in enterprise R&D during the second year, and integrated doctoral tracks centered on major research initiatives.

The institute will also implement individualized mentoring and AI-enabled personalized learning pathways to support students in developing customized academic plans and learning approaches.

Drawing on faculty resources from both universities and around the world, the institute will establish an internationalized teaching environment that breaks traditional disciplinary boundaries. All core courses will be taught in English, with approximately half delivered by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University faculty members. Students will receive a globally oriented education closely connected to international academic and industrial standards.

Located in Shenzhen, the institute offers direct access to one of China's most dynamic innovation and technology hubs. Major industry clusters can be reached within 20 minutes, while the broader Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is accessible within an hour, enabling strong integration between talent development and regional industrial needs.

The institute has now been officially included in China's national higher education enrollment system and has formally launched its admissions process.

By: Yu Boyang