The Pre-AD programme prepares students for progression to AD studies, or to the foundation year of study in overseas universities.

The AD in itself is a stand-alone credential, which is different from the higher diploma as the students can progress on articulation to degree programmes. Also, graduates will be awarded a qualification which enables them to enter the workforce with a recognised AD, or to pursue further studies through articulation into a local or non-local university.

The HKSAR Government has taken the lead in recognising the associate degree qualifications by announcing the opening of 13 government positions to associate degree graduates. The entry salary advertised for the positions open to such graduates ranges from $11,170 to $25,480 per month. This has greatly enhanced the "market value" of the associate degree qualifications. It is anticipated that the private sector will soon follow suit in recognition of these qualifications.

The HD programmes relate more to the professional knowledge and skills with a focus on industry-related workplace training. The design of programmes aims to equip students with the necessary competence to pursue a career in a specific field after graduation. Graduates will be awarded a qualification which enables them to enter the workforce with a recognized HD, or to pursue further studies through articulation into local or overseas universities. Hence, the HD programmes are designed with multiple entries and multiple exits to equip graduates with professional skills in a particular trade or industry, as they are better prepared for work than their peers of matriculation standard.

Recognition of Qualifications for AD programme

Accounting 會計學
Graduates of Associate of Business Studies (Accounting) are eligible for exemptions of

1. Graduates are eligible for exemptions of 7 papers under the New Qualification Framework (NQF) of The Hong Kong Institute of Accredited Accounting Technicians (HKIAAT) (www.hkiaat.org)
2. Graduates are eligible for exemption of 5 papers for the Professional Examinations from The Association of International Accountants (AIA)
3. Graduates are eligible for exemption of 9 papers for the Certified Accounting Technician(CAT) Scheme from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
4. Graduates are eligible for exemption of 6 papers for the Professional Scheme of the ACCA

1. Graduates are eligible for exemptions of 3 papers from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

1. Students and graduates can apply for various memberships with the Hong Kong Computer Society
2. Graduates can apply for the student membership with the Internet Professional Association and the Hong Kong Computer Society

1. Graduates are eligible for exemption of 1 module of “Certified Financial Planner” from the Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK)
2. Graduates can sit for the Licensing Examination (LE) for Securities and Futures Intermediaries of the Hong Kong Securities Institute
3. Graduates are eligible for exemptions of 2 papers from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

1. Students can obtain a Certificate of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation offered by Hong Kong St. John Ambulance

Human Resource Management 人力資源管理

1. Students can apply for the Student Membership with the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM)
2. Graduates can apply for the Associate Membership with the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) (www.hkihrm.org)

1. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Associate Membership of Hong Kong Institute of Marketing (HKIM)
2. Graduates would be granted exemption for certain subjects of the professional certificate and diploma programmes of HKIM (www.hkim.org.hk)

1. Students can receive a sponsorship from the Community College for taking a public examination of the “Certificate Course for Outbound Tour Escorts” offered by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TICHK)

1. Graduates will be awarded the health worker training certificate
2. In accordance with Section 5 of the Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Regulation, graduates are eligible to register as Health Worker of the Social Welfare Department in Hong Kong

Recognition of Qualifications for HD programme

Tourism and Hotel Operations 旅遊及酒店實務

1. Graduates may apply for the “Certificate for Outbound Tour Escorts” issued by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TICHK). This qualification will enable students to join the tourism industry right after graduation and increase their employability.

1. Students can obtain a Certificate of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation offered by Hong Kong St. John Ambulance
2. Graduates will obtain professional recognition from the HKPFA and will be granted exemption to the Physical Fitness Foundation (PFF) Certification