The Award Titles Scheme (ATS) has been introduced since 2012 to standardise the use of titles for qualifications recognised under QF with a view to enhancing the transparency of qualifications and reflecting their levels. The ATS covers qualifications at all QF levels (i.e. QF Levels 1 to 7) in the academic, vocational and professional as well as continuing education sectors. There are 15 award titles which can be used for qualifications recognised under QF.
Review Panel on Award Titles
Only in very exceptional circumstances should an education and training provider consider using titles not specified in ATS. Any application for use of award titles outside ATS should be submitted to the Education Bureau (EDB). The EDB will set up a Review Panel on Award Titles on an ad-hoc basis and appoint two to three non-official experts from the industy, eduation and/or professional sectors as Members to consider the application, together with the Principal Assistant Secretary (Further Education) as the Chairperson and General Manager of Qualifications Framework Secretariat (QFS) as an ex-officio Member.
An education and training provider should submit a completed application form with supporting documents and send to Education Bureau (Further Education Division), 7th Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
