THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas has been officially recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as one of six tertiary education institutions in Metro Manila offering transnational education programs for undergraduate students.
UST earned recognition for its dual undergraduate degree program in Industrial Design with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPolyU), rolled out through the UST College of Fine Arts and Design in 2024.
The initiative was in compliance with CHED’s implementing rules and regulations for the Transnational Higher Education Act of 2019, which provides a framework for local universities to collaborate with foreign institutions.
Under the program, students spend two years at UST and two years at HKPolyU, allowing them to earn degrees from both universities. A maximum of five Industrial Design students can be endorsed based on their academic performance.
According to CHED, the collaboration gives Filipino students the opportunity to obtain a “world-class education right at their doorstep.”
Other recognized Philippine institutions are Far Eastern University, Mapua University, Miriam College, the Asian Institute of Management and ECC Aeronautical & Technological College – North Manila.
The program agreement was signed in March 2024 by UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., and HKPolyU Vice President Prof. Kwok-yin Wong. It will run until the academic year 2028–2029. F –Ariza Marie Llorca
