The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), a leading institution in teacher training, recently hosted a landmark Patriotic Education Forum on May 6-7, 2026. This event underscored the growing emphasis on patriotism education in Hong Kong universities, particularly focusing on national security education and Chinese culture. As Hong Kong integrates more closely with mainland China under the 'one country, two systems' framework, universities are playing a pivotal role in fostering national identity among students. The forum brought together experts and scholars to explore ways to deepen educators' and students' understanding of the nation, promoting shared ideals and values essential for social cohesion.
EdUHK's initiative aligns with broader government directives following the 2020 National Security Law (NSL), which has prompted all eight publicly funded universities in Hong Kong to introduce compulsory courses on national security, the constitution, and the Basic Law. These programs aim to equip future graduates—especially teachers—with the knowledge to safeguard national interests while appreciating Chinese cultural heritage.
EdUHK's Leadership in Patriotic Education
The Education University of Hong Kong stands at the forefront of this educational shift. As the largest teacher training university in the region, EdUHK has made patriotic education a core component of its curriculum. Starting from the 2025/26 academic year, all undergraduates must complete modules on national security laws and participate in immersion activities on the mainland. This includes studying the NSL's 66 articles and understanding threats like separatism and subversion.
Earlier in April 2026, EdUHK collaborated with the Yau Tsim Mong District to hold a seminar promoting national security and patriotic education, reaching community leaders and educators. Such events highlight EdUHK's commitment to extending these values beyond campus walls. The recent forum delved into four key areas: Great Ideological and Political Education, National Security Education, Chinese Culture Education, and Values Education. Participants discussed theoretical foundations and practical implementations to enhance ideological cohesion.
Evolution of National Security Education in Hong Kong Higher Education
The push for patriotism education intensified after the NSL's enactment in June 2020, aimed at addressing social unrest. By 2022, all Hong Kong universities mandated national security courses for graduation. For instance, the University of Hong Kong requires a course with 'national security' content, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) imposes 'Understanding China Today'. Polytechnic University (PolyU) offers a six-hour online module for 6,000 postgraduates.
The Education Bureau's Curriculum Framework of National Security Education (2025) provides guidelines, emphasizing national identity, law-abidingness, and cultural pride from primary levels upward. In universities, this translates to cross-curricular integration, with credits allocated—typically 2-3 credits for NSE modules. Enrollment is universal, affecting over 100,000 undergraduates annually across UGC-funded institutions.
PolyU's collaboration with Xi'an Jiaotong University established the first Patriotic Education Base in Hong Kong (January 2026), offering national studies courses for youth. This base hosts exchanges, fostering affection for the nation.
Integrating Chinese Culture into University Curricula
Chinese culture education is intertwined with patriotism efforts, promoting appreciation of heritage as a unifying force. Universities incorporate modules on traditional festivals, Confucian values, and historical narratives. EdUHK's forum highlighted how cultural education builds emotional bonds with the motherland.
Examples include CUHK's core curriculum revisions emphasizing China's development, and HKUST's cultural immersion programs. These aim to counter perceived Western influences, aligning with Beijing's directives. Students learn about the Belt and Road Initiative and China's achievements, linking cultural pride to national rejuvenation.
A 2025 survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups found 70% of university students felt prouder of Chinese identity post-NSL education, up from 55% in 2020. However, nuanced views persist, with some preferring 'Hongkonger' over 'Chinese' identities.
Photo by Kaden Taylor on Unsplash
Student Participation and Feedback
Participation is high due to graduation requirements. A PolyU study (2024) on 1,245 undergraduates reported 85% satisfaction with online NSE programs, praising clarity on laws. Qualitative feedback highlighted increased awareness of security threats.
EdUHK's HyFlex leadership subject evaluation (2022, updated 2025) showed students valued real-world applications. Yet, a 2024 Human Rights Watch report noted self-censorship, with 40% of faculty altering topics fearing NSL violations.
- Positive: Enhanced legal knowledge (92% agreement).
- Neutral: Balanced with academic freedom (65%).
- Concerns: Potential indoctrination (25%).
Expert Perspectives on Benefits and Challenges
Proponents like EdUHK Vice-President Stephen Cheung argue it fosters responsible citizenship. Government officials stress it's essential post-2019 unrest. Experts such as Kerry Kennedy note historical patriotism surveys showing HK students as patriotic yet locally oriented.
Critics, including academics in University World News, worry about eroding autonomy. A 2025 Academic Freedom Index ranked HK low globally. Balanced views, like SCMP op-eds, call for careful curation to avoid backlash, referencing 2012 anti-patriotic education protests.
University World News on compulsory NSE highlights implementation variations.
Innovative Delivery Methods and Immersion Programs
Universities employ HyFlex, online modules, and mainland visits. EdUHK mandates immersion for teachers-to-be, exposing them to development in Guangdong. PolyU's base offers experiential learning.
National Security Education Day (April 15 annually) features flag-raising, talks. 2026 saw widespread campus events, boosting participation.
Stakeholder Views: Faculty, Students, and Policymakers
Faculty training is key; EdUHK trains 70% of HK teachers. Policymakers via Education Bureau push frameworks. Students report mixed feelings: pride in China but concerns over expression.
A 2025 study across Mainland, HK, Macau showed HK students prioritize civic duties over nationalism.
Photo by Euan Cameron on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Regional Implications
With 2026 Values Education Framework emphasizing national identity, expect deeper integration. For China's HE, HK models teacher patriotism. Challenges include balancing global outlook.
Opportunities: Enhanced cohesion, career readiness in national contexts. Explore EDB NSE resources for details.
Actionable Insights for Educators and Students
- Integrate NSE via case studies on real threats.
- Balance with critical thinking.
- Leverage tech for engaging content.
For careers, patriotic alignment aids public sector roles. Check university jobs in China for aligned positions.