HKU Medical School Says Cantonese-to-Chinese Requirement Change Does Not Target Any Student Group

The University of Hong Kong’s medical school has rejected suggestions that its revised language requirement targets students from any particular background. It also insists the change does not lower admissions standards.

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lowering

The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine recently changed the wording on its website for the six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programmes. The previous requirement called for “a good working knowledge” of Cantonese. The updated wording refers instead to Chinese proficiency.

An accompanying FAQ says candidates must be fluent in either Cantonese or Mandarin. Once enrolled, however, students must develop “effective Cantonese skills.” The faculty said the change does not mean students can use Mandarin instead of Cantonese in public hospitals during clinical work.

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comprehensively assess the overall capabilities of applicants from diverse backgrounds

“Because graduates will serve Hong Kong residents in the future, strong Cantonese proficiency forms an essential foundation for clinical training and medical services,” the faculty said. It added that all students must be able to communicate effectively with local patients and that language support would be available to admitted students whose Cantonese is not proficient.

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effective Cantonese skills

The English-language requirement remains unchanged, and classes are mainly taught in English. HKU is one of two universities in Hong Kong with a medical school. The government has also approved a third, at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which is expected to begin admitting students in 2028.

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Because graduates will serve Hong Kong residents in the future, strong Cantonese proficiency forms an essential foundation for clinical training and medical services.