Press Release
HKBU launches new scheme to provide student-athletes with more comprehensive learning support
Friday, 25 Feb 2022
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) will enhance its current Elite Athletes Admission Scheme (EAAS) and launch the new HKBU Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme (TADAS) pursuant to the introduction of the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA Scheme) by the University Grants Committee (UGC).
HKBU welcomes the UGC's announcement today (25 February) on the launch of the SALSA Scheme. The Scheme will offer more resources to universities, and it will allow them to provide student-athletes with more comprehensive and personalised learning support to help them pursue their sporting careers and academic studies at the same time.
HKBU is committed to promoting the development of sport in Hong Kong. Over the years, the University has been conducting sport science research, and it offers comprehensive and diversified sport science and management programmes to nurture sporting talent for Hong Kong. The University established the EAAS in 2016 to offer flexible study arrangements for full-time athletes in Hong Kong.
Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, pointed out that Hong Kong athletes performed outstandingly at recent international contests, and stronger support for athletes is needed to promote the long-term sustainable development of sport in Hong Kong. He said: "With UGC's commitment of HK$100 million in the coming three years through the SALSA Scheme, the eight UGC-funded universities will be able to provide student-athletes with more comprehensive and personalised learning support. It reflects the expectations and determination of the Government and society at large in terms of the promotion and development of sport. HKBU will make the best use of the related resources to comprehensively upgrade its learning support for student-athletes."
Under HKBU's newly introduced TADAS, applicants should have recognised sporting achievements and rankings, have a nomination from sport institutions such as the Hong Kong Sports Institute or other sport associations, or be retired athletes of HKSAR sports teams who have achieved outstanding results in regional and international sporting events. Selection criteria include evidence of the athlete's sporting achievements and rankings, interview performance, reference letters from coaches or schools, and a self-statement stating their personal interests, future study plans and commitment.
HKBU will support successful entrants with personalised mentorship, academic advice, psychological counselling and career planning, as well as flexible study arrangements to facilitate their training and competition schedules. They are allowed to extend their study period so that they can pursue their academic studies and the development of their sporting career at the same time.
The TADAS is now open for applications. The application deadline is 31 March. Further details can be found on the following webpage: https://admissions.hkbu.edu.hk/ug/tadas
