International Sustainability Programme for Innovation, Research & Entrepreneurship (INSPIRE)
Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
HKD 170,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-HK citizens | 10,000 HKD acceptance fee + 450 HKD application fee
Key Summary
The School of Energy and Environment (SEE) performs cutting-edge research and provides professional education in energy- and environment-related issues. The School is designed to tackle the interactive relationship between energy and environment through the development of new scientific understanding and new technologies, as well as the training of new professionals with broad knowledge in the areas of energy and environment.
We have a highly internationalised and experienced faculty from various countries specialising in atmospheric and climate science, biological science, chemistry, chemical engineering, energy economics, environmental engineering, environmental policy, mechanical engineering, and materials science. SEE endeavours to produce a new breed of engineers and professionals capable of solving energy and environmental problems.
We currently offer the following majors:
- Bachelor of Engineering in Energy Science and Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Science and Engineering
Students start with a common year of foundation study. The content of our programmes covers a wide spectrum of areas, allowing students to explore knowledge in a number of environments. At the beginning of their studies, they develop a broad scientific foundation by studying courses in basic science, covering mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology, before they are guided through an in-depth exploration of environment and energy issues.
At the end of Year 1, INSPIRE students can then decide their academic and research interests, and be allocated their preferred major without any selection criteria set for major allocation.
The proposed INSPIRE stream offers a comprehensive education in energy and environmental engineering through enhanced overseas study, research engagement, industry placements, mentorship support, and entrepreneurial training. It prepares students for (a) success in the field and (b) contribution to sustainable development, with the key features of the INSPIRE stream as summarized below:
- Overseas placement/research opportunities and overseas exchange study are guaranteed for students to enhance their global perspective.
- Students will participate in a mentorship programme that connects them with experienced professionals, offering guidance and industry insights to support their personal and professional development.
- To embark on an entrepreneur journey, training workshops on entrepreneurship will be provided.
- Scholarship awards will be provided for students taking part in overseas academic/research experiences at top universities.
Mission of the School
- Advancing research and development, fostering knowledge transfer in targeted themes of benefit to societal needs in energy, environment, and sustainability;
- Preparing leaders and practitioners to address environmental and energy needs in a rapidly decarbonising world and build a sustainable future;
- Maintaining a collaborative and supportive atmosphere for students, faculty, alumni, and other stakeholders in advancing our interdisciplinary research and educational objectives.
Professional Recognition
Our undergraduate programmes, Bachelor of Engineering in Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) and Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Science and Engineering (EVE), are accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). The ESE programme meets the academic requirement for HKIE Corporate Membership in both the energy and environmental disciplines, while the EVE programme in the environmental discipline. Additionally, ESE and EVE students may choose to enrol in optional electives if they are interested in being a HKIE member in the Building Services (BSS) discipline.
The HKIE has agreements for reciprocal recognition of professional qualifications with engineering authorities in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Mainland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and agreements of co-operation with other organisations in Europe, the Mainland, North America and Southeast Asia.
Admission Arrangements
Applicants of this programme (programme code: 1050) who pursue the INSPIRE stream will first be admitted to the School of Energy and Environment with an undeclared major and follow a common first-year curriculum. This arrangement offers the flexibility for INSPIRE students to freely choose between Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) and Environmental Science and Engineering (EVE) majors, enabling them to explore both disciplines during the first year of studies. At the end of Year 1, INSPIRE students can then decide their academic and research interests, and be allocated their preferred major without any selection criteria set for majors allocation.
Integrated Enrichment Programme
Integrated Enrichment Programme comprises a wide range of co-curricular activities and training that are tailored for SEE undergraduate students. Through the Programme, students will be exposed to not only summer programme and regular student exchange, but also industry-ready internship, professional training in leadership, presentation skills, business etiquette, business communication, and so on. The series of co-curricular activities organised by SEE every year aims to equip our students to be all-round professionals who possess skillsets highly sought after by the job market.
Entrance Scholarship Scheme
CityUHK has an Entrance Scholarship Scheme for international students with excellent academic performance who are admitted to full-time government-funded bachelor's degree programmes.
The Scheme offers three kinds of scholarships:
- Top Scholarships of HKD210,000 (approximately USD27,000), covering annual tuition fees, university-managed accommodation and partial living expenses
- Full Tuition Scholarships, covering annual tuition fees (approximately USD21,800)
- Half Tuition Scholarships, covering half of the annual tuition fees (approximately USD10,900)
Applicants do not have to apply for these scholarships. The appropriate level of scholarship is awarded based on merit. Students who receive the scholarship are required to attain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.2 or above each year throughout their period of study in order to renew the scholarship.
Diversity Grant
Non-local students admitted from underrepresented nationalities except Top Scholarship recipients will be eligible for the new grant of HKD 30,000 per annum.
Awardees will be required to engage in a volunteer activity to enhance internationalisation of CityUHK annually. The grant will be paid in installments and automatically renewed each year.
HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund
The Fund supports outstanding non-local students to pursue undergraduate studies in Hong Kong, with targeted scholarships made available to first-year full-time students from countries/regions along the Belt and Road, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Mongolia.
Outstanding Athletes Entrance Scholarship for Non-Local Students
This scheme is to provide opportunities for outstanding student athletes to study in CityUHK. Through the provisions of scholarships, it is hoped to attract high performing international athletes to CityUHK and further enhance the performance of university sports teams. Selected students will be able to receive Outstanding Athletes Entrance Scholarship of up to HK$200,000 (approximately USD25,600) per annum for International / Continental Level.