mission statement
Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), as one of the member institutions under the VTC Group, is one of the most influential design institutions in Hong Kong. It provides high-quality education to cultivate knowledge and professionalism, nurturing design talents to support Hong Kong’s creative industry development.
With years of experience in design education, HKDI brings together the strengths of its design departments – Architecture, Interior and Product Design, Communication Design, Digital Media and Fashion and Image Design – to provide over 20 full-time design programmes, preparing students for work-readiness with socially conscious solutions to meet the demand of the 21st century workplace.
HKDI strives to provide flexible and diversified pathways from Higher Diploma to one-year Bachelor degrees conferred by reputable universities in the UK, or degree programmes offered by local universities, as well as continuing education programmes leading to postgraduate qualifications.
international role
HKDI is dedicated to cultivating students’ global perspective and cultural sensitivity. Through partnerships with about 40 renowned design universities around the world, we offer an opportunity for students to engage in cross-cultural learning. Our partners include the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and Central Academy of Fine Arts in China; Hongik University in South Korea; University of New South Wales in Australia; Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne and Zurich University of the Arts in Switzerland; Domus Academy and Politecnico di Milano in Italy; University of Westminster and University of Arts London in the UK; to name a few.
national role
To connect the world design community, HKDI is a member of important design associations, including the Cumulus Association, International Council of Design (IcoD), World Design Organization (WDO), International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI), International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), International Institute of Information Design (IIID), DESIS Network, etc.
main focus
- Discipline, specific skills and industry practice
- Cultural sensitivity and international perspectives
- Cross-disciplinary interactions Awareness and concern in sustainable design
- Analytical thinking, design research and problem solving skills
- Interpersonal skills and teamwork
- Professional conduct and social responsibility
faculties and departments
HKDI brings together the strengths of the design departments to offer Higher Diploma programmes spanning across Architecture, Interior and Product Design; Communication Design; Digital Media; and Fashion and Image Design. Graduates of Higher Diploma programmes may continue their degree programme studies in Hong Kong via Top-up Degree programmes offered by the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) in conjunction with UK universities.
Programme information:https://hkdi.edu.hk/EN#programmes
bachelor level programs
HKDI graduates can further their education at prestigious UK universities operated by the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE). Alternatively, graduates can pursue degrees at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi).
Details of university options and programmes: https://hkdi.edu.hk/en/programmes/bachelor-degree.php
master level programs
nil
research activity and main areas
Applied reseach through our Knowledge Centres:
- Centre for Communication Design
- Centre of Design Services and Solutions
- Centre of Innovative Material and Technology
- DESIS Lab
- Fashion Archive
- Media Lab
doctorate level programs
nil
subject areas for exchange students
- Advertising Design
- Architecture, Interior and Landscape Design
- Costume Design for Performance
- Design for Event, Exhibition and Performance
- Digital Fashion Branding and Buying
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Image Design
- Fashion Media Design
- Illustration
- Product, Furniture and Jewellery Design
- Visual Communication
application deadlines
Autumn semester
Nomination: Late April
Application: Mid-June
Spring semester
Nomination: Late September
Application: Mid-November
teaching languages
English
semester dates
Autumn semester: September to January
Spring semester: January to May
cost of living per month (studying and living)
Estimated cost of living per month:
- Accommodation: HK$2,200 (dormitory) - HK$15,000
- Meals, Transportation and Miscellaneous: HK$3,000-5,000
- Tuition: waived if home university has Memoradum of Understanding or Student Exchange Agreement with HKDI










































