Hong Kong will begin building its future higher education landscape in the Northern Metropolis, with institutions set to move into the first of three planned university towns from 2027 to 2028 under the city’s first Five-Year Plan.

The government will start allocating campus sites in Hung Shui Kiu this year, with three sites already opened for applications.

The Hung Shui Kiu University Town will focus on applied post-secondary education, smart manufacturing and international talent development, while connecting with nearby technology and industrial facilities.

The wider Northern Metropolis University Town will comprise campuses in Hung Shui Kiu, San Tin and Ta Kwu Ling, with their combined planned area exceeding 1,000 hectares.

San Tin will focus on fields including medicine, life and health technology, AI, robotics and microelectronics, while Ta Kwu Ling will incorporate arts and blue-green development.

The Five-Year Plan aims to bring education, research, technology and industry closer together, strengthening Hong Kong’s higher education capacity and international connections.