This two‑year programme offers a recognised, government‑subsidised pathway for young people to enter the nursing profession. Accredited by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong, it integrates classroom learning, skills‑lab practice and extensive clinical placements. Students are trained to deliver safe and compassionate care, communicate effectively within healthcare teams, and support patients across the continuum of care, from prevention and health promotion to rehabilitation.
Higher Diploma in Nursing (SSSDP)
Programme Description
The Higher Diploma in Nursing (HD(N)) at Tung Wah University of Hong Kong builds essential nursing knowledge, clinical skills and compassionate care. Through lectures, simulation and extensive clinical placements, students are well prepared for frontline practice. The programme is accredited by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong, and graduates are eligible to apply for enrolment as Enrolled Nurses. They can also articulate to degree studies, opening pathways to diverse healthcare roles.
Programme Objectives
- To develop students’ competence in health promotion, maintenance and restoration, and prevention of illness through the delivery of primary, secondary and tertiary health care in hospital and community settings;
- To equip students with effective communication skills for providing individualized care and for fostering teamwork;
- To develop student’s understanding of psychosocial, cultural and environmental dimensions of health and illness;
- To equip students with critical, creative and analytical problem-solving skills; and
- To foster the development of students' general qualities for all-roundness, such as the capacity for lifelong learning, independent and reflective learning, and professionalism-related values.
Mode Of Study
| Mode Of Study | |
|---|---|
| Medium of instruction | English supplemented with Cantonese |
| Total no. of credits | 86 credits |
Programme Leader
Dr. Agnes YIP
Email: agnesyip@twc.edu.hk
- DHSc(N), School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- MScN, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- BNurs, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
- Fellowship of Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery (Education)
- Registered Nurse (Hong Kong)
QF Information
| QF Information | |
|---|---|
| QF level | 4 |
| QR registration no. | 16/000348/L4 |
| Registration validity period | 01/09/2016 to 31/08/2028 |
Language Courses
| Language Courses |
|---|
| Applied Chinese Language (or Basic Chinese*) |
| Developing English Language Skills |
* Alternate Chinese course for “non-Chinese speaking” students only
Discipline Courses
| Discipline Courses |
|---|
| Care of Adults I |
| Communication in Healthcare Settings |
| Care of Adults II |
| Concepts of Health |
| Care of Adults III |
| Ethical and Legal Aspects of Health Care |
| Care of Adults IV |
| Fundamentals of Nursing I |
| Care of Children and Adolescents |
| Fundamentals of Nursing II |
| Care of Older Persons |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology |
| Care of Patients with Cronic Illness |
| Introduction to Research and Evidence-based Practice |
| Clinical Practicum I |
| Introduction to Specialty Nursing |
| Clinical Practicum II |
| Microbiology and Pharmacology |
| Clinical Practicum III |
| Professionalism and Contemporary Nursing |
General Education (GE) Courses
| General Education (GE) Courses |
|---|
| Understanding Human Behaviours Through Psychology and Sociology |
Remarks: The programme structure listed above is for reference only. For details, please consult the School concerned or refer to the Programme Definitive Document.
First Year Entry
The applicant must be:
- aged 18 or above by the time the Training Programme commences;
- a Hong Kong permanent resident with the right of abode in Hong Kong;
AND
- (For HKDSE candidates from 2024/25 onwards) have obtained Level 2 or above for Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics and have “Attained (A)” for Citizenship and Social Development plus one Elective under Category A and Category B at Level 2 (“222A2”) in HKDSE; OR
- (For HKDSE candidates before 2024/2025) have obtained Level 2 or above for Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and any two other subjects in Category A and B at Level 2 (“22222”) in HKDSE; OR
- Have completed secondary school Form 5 education in Hong Kong for applicants with Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) results; OR
- Have graduated from Diploma of Applied Education or Diploma Yi Jin and have successfully completed the Math Plus elective course; OR
- Having obtained an equivalent qualification*
* The qualification must have fulfilled the minimum entry requirements for training of Enrolled Nurses as set by the NCHK.
| Year | Tuition Fee (HK$) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $63,930 |
| Year 2 | $63,930 |
| Programme Total | $127,860 |
- Tung Wah College will adjust the tuition fee of its programmes based on the Composite Consumer Price Index to be announced by the Government annually.
- Tuition fees are normally charged by two instalments per annum and are payable before the commencement of each semester. New students are required to settle the balance of the tuition fee for the first semester (i.e. after deducting deposit) upon programme registration in August.
- Students are required to pay additional fees for all retake/additional courses which would be charged at the rate of the normal cohort and be calculated by the number of credits to be taken. Please refer the details in the College’s Fees Regulation at https://www.twc.edu.hk/en/Administration_Units/fo/our_service/student-area.
- The tuition fee for the programme under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) is the net fee paid by a student after deduction of subsidy from the Government. In 2026/27 academic year, the annual subsidy under the SSSDP is $40,730 for laboratory-based sub-degree programmes . The annual subsidy amount may vary in each academic year subject to the decision by the Education Bureau.
- All fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Following the Government's announcement on 31 July 2025 regarding the revised eligibility criteria for government-subsidised post-secondary student places and subsidies, the new arrangements will take effect from the 2027/28 academic year (with the application cycle commencing in October 2026). Students will be required to pay the non-subsidised tuition fees if they do not meet the updated eligibility criteria for government subsidies.
- For more details about the College's tuition fee payment schedule and fees regulation, please refer to the "Tuition Fee Payment Schedule" and "Fees Regulation" at https://www.twc.edu.hk/en/Administration_Units/fo/our_service/student-area.
Professional Recognition
The programme is recognised by The Nursing Council in Hong Kong (NCHK) as a pre-enrolment nursing training programme. Graduates are eligible to apply for enrolment as Enrolled Nurses (EN) “登記護士” under the Nurses Registration Ordinance (Cap 164) of Hong Kong*.
Career Prospects and Further Studies
- After graduates have received their EN licenses, they may work in hospitals and residential care settings of publicly and privately owned organisations as well as non-profit organisations.
- Qualified ENs can become case managers if they are employed in the elderly care and rehabilitation services.
- Graduates may also pursue a bachelor’s degree programme in nursing or other disciplines at TWC and other local or overseas institutions.
Oath Ceremony
Our School held the “Oath Ceremony” We pledge professionalism, pride, unity, and lifelong belonging together Students publicly affirm ethics, commit to nursing standards, and celebrate community. The ceremony strengthens identity, responsibility, and mutual support, inspiring dedication to patient care and lifelong learning within HDN cohort.
Drop Board and time capsule
Students sign, track progress, and encourage each other together. A shared board gathers students’ signatures and study timelines, celebrating milestones. Progress fuels resilience and teamwork, reminding everyone to persevere, support peers, and advance step by step toward nursing goals.
Support Forum
Students find guidance and answers in HD(N) Support Forum sessions. Sessions help navigate coursework, offer experienced teacher guidance, and answer fundamentals. Over 97% recommend them to Year 1 nursing students.
Is the programme subsidised by the government?
Yes, the HD(N)(SSSDP) programme is subsidised under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP).
Will there be any supervision in all clinical practicums?
Yes. Students will receive close supervision throughout all clinical practicums. During the practicums, supervision will be provided by academic staff or experienced clinical mentors, enabling students to acquire hands-on skills and apply theoretical knowledge in real clinical environments, ensuring students gain practical insights and professional competence under expert supervision.
Do I need to work shifts like other nurses in the hospitals?
Yes. According to the requirements of the Nursing Council of Hong Kong, students must complete no fewer than 1,600 hours of clinical and community practice over the two-year training period. This includes at least 100 hours of night duty. Students are expected to work on a rotating shift basis - am, pm, and night – according to the training arrangements.
What are the career prospects after I have completed the Programme?
Graduates will be eligible to apply for the professional license of Enrolled Nurse (General), as recognized by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. Upon successful graduation, graduates can be employed as Enrolled Nurse (General) in a variety of settings, including clinical units, community services, and residential care home care.
After I have completed this Programme, is there any opportunities to further my studies?
After you have completed the HD(N) programme, you may consider pursuing further study in the Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) in Nursing (senior year entry) for the RN license at our College. You may visit the details on the programme’s website or consider similar programmes provided by other educational institutes locally or overseas.