Recently, the 'National Excellence Plan' Master of Education jointly offered by CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen has opened applications for 2026 admission.
Source: CUHK-Shenzhen & CUHK Cooperation Office
Last year, the Ministry of Education announced the second batch of 'National Excellence Plan' universities, and both University of Hong Kong and Chinese University of Hong Kong were selected.
Source: Ministry of Education
The 'National Excellence Plan' not only allows students to earn dual degrees, but also enables them to skip the Mainland teacher qualification exam and directly obtain teaching certification. For those considering teaching after graduation, it's a solid opportunity.
Source: CUHK-Shenzhen & CUHK Cooperation Office
What is the 'National Excellence Plan'?
The 'National Excellence Plan,' or National Excellent Primary and Secondary School Teacher Training Program, is designed to select and cultivate outstanding teachers for the nation. It targets two main groups:
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Final-year STEM undergraduates
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Students currently pursuing a STEM master's degree
After enrollment, students do not need to abandon their original major. While studying STEM subjects (such as cutting-edge AI, STEM, etc.), they take additional education courses and complete teaching practice at pilot schools. They will then be exempt from the Mainland's unified teacher qualification exam and directly certified.
Source: HKTKWW
This is a favorable policy for eligible STEM students, as they can earn an additional Master of Education degree alongside their original STEM master's.
While staying on their original track, they gain an extra education credential—a real double harvest!
Moreover, Mainland graduate students in the 'National Excellence Plan' have opportunities to study in Hong Kong, and outstanding participants may even stay to teach there, leaping from learning to teaching.
Source: etnet
How to Apply for the 'National Excellence Plan'
Recommendation-based Admission
Final-year undergraduates eligible for university recommendation can apply to pilot institutions. After evaluation, they may be admitted as 'National Excellence Plan' postgraduate students in academic or professional degree programs.
Re-selection among Current Postgraduates
Pilot universities conduct a second round of selection among non-education postgraduates, assessing teaching potential through course grades and interviews to admit 'National Excellence Plan' students.
In addition to the two standard pathways, CUHK's 'National Excellence Plan' Master of Education can also be entered via direct application for study abroad.
Chinese University of Hong Kong 'National Excellence Plan' Application Requirements
FAQs about the 'National Excellence Plan'
Q: Does the 'National Excellence Plan' guarantee a teaching post?
Not at all!
The first batch of 'National Excellence Plan' documents in 2023 emphasized 'employment privileges,' but did not explicitly promise that graduates would be awarded permanent teaching positions.
In other words, not all 'National Excellence Plan' graduates are automatically enrolled in the establishment system; it depends on subsequent policy adjustments and implementation.
Nevertheless, 'National Excellence Plan' students still enjoy considerable employment advantages—the 2023 'Opinions' explicitly stated that a 'green channel' for teacher employment would be opened, and primary and secondary schools are encouraged to sign contracts with them in advance.
Source: Ministry of Education
Thanks to the program's background and training quality, 'National Excellence Plan' graduates are generally more sought after in the job market, more favored by employers, and have a higher chance of receiving job offers.
Q: Does the 'National Excellence Plan' assign work locations forcibly?
No forced assignment!
Generally, pilot universities first sign cooperation agreements with high-quality primary and secondary schools, providing targeted employment opportunities for graduates in this way.
Selected students enjoy full autonomy and can choose their preferred partner schools on their own—a very considerate arrangement.
Partner schools are mostly located in the university's home city and economically developed regions. For CUHK's 'National Excellence Plan' students, internships and future employment are concentrated in top schools in Shenzhen and across Guangdong Province.
Source: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Q: Must I become a teacher after graduation?
Not necessarily!
The 'National Excellence Plan' does not force graduates to teach. After graduation, you can freely choose your path—whether teaching, entering the corporate world, or pursuing further study—it's entirely up to you.
Even better, dual degrees do not mean double tuition; the cost is quite student-friendly.
For STEM students, the 'National Excellence Plan' is more than just a policy—it's a door to education and the future. It provides a steady yet flexible employment safety net, giving you an extra option even if you ultimately don't teach.
Those with a Hong Kong university background have an even clearer advantage. In regions like Guangdong and Shenzhen, Hong Kong qualifications are highly regarded in teacher recruitment. Additionally, they are competitive for civil service exams and selective transfers.
Whether you aim to root yourself in teaching, broaden your career path, or explore possibilities in both places, this is an opportunity worth watching and seizing!
