THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHEd) has approved a dual-degree program of the design schools of UST and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, one of the top institutions in the world for arts education.
Dubbed the “2+2 program,” the UST College of Fine Arts and Design’s (CFAD) transnational education partnership with the Hong Kong university will offer a four-year program focused on industrial and product design.
CHEd Chairman Prospero de Vera III said the initiative would help produce more globally competitive graduates and expand international education opportunities, particularly in the creative field.
“We encourage our HEIs (higher education institutions) to collaborate with local and international institutions to build a world-class workforce in the creative industry,” de Vera said in a social media post. “I commend UST for responding to the calls of the government.”
The 2+2 program allows UST to nominate up to five students of good standing, who must accomplish at least two academic years before transferring to Hong Kong Polytechnic University for another two years of study.
Graduates will obtain diplomas from both academic institutions.
UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., and Hong Kong Polytechnic University Vice President for Education Prof. Kwok-yin Wong signed the agreement in March 2024. It received CHEd approval on March 28.
Industrial design juniors Beatrice Rodriguez and Kristine Faelnar from UST CFAD were chosen to study under the partnership, which will run until Academic Year 2028-2029.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University ranks 22nd in the world in art and design education, according to the 2025 QS World University Subject Rankings.
Other schools under CHEd’s transnational education initiative include the Far Eastern University and Jerudong Park Medical Centre in Brunei (BS Nursing and BS Science), Asian Institute of Management and University of Houston (double-degree in Data Science and Business Administration).
Mapua University and Arizona State University also offer similar programs.
Such internationalization schemes were made possible by Republic Act 11448 or the Transnational Higher Education Act.
