Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity (Testing and Compliance)

Introduction
Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity (Testing and Compliance) ,This programme is specializing in providing vocational and professional training  in Cybersecurity to meet the demand for talents in this profession.
The programme is subsidised by ESGS
This programme is operated by HKCT Institute of Higher Education.
Promotion of innovation and the use of smart technology have become a new global norm. In response to this, HKCT has launched an higher diploma programme in cybersecurity. As internet services mature and technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G networks, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices advance, individuals, businesses, and society face increasing risks and threats related to cybersecurity. In light of these challenges, the Hong Kong SAR Government has announced plans to legislate on cybersecurity matters in the future. They have already moved the second reading of the ‘Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Bill’ to define ‘critical infrastructure’ in law and enhance the cybersecurity of such facilities to protect citizens and society as a whole. The Cybersecurity Higher Diploma programme at HKCT responds to the demand for cybersecurity from the government and the business sector, offering comprehensive training in cybersecurity to cultivate professional talent in this field.
 
This programme has been included in the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). HKCT is the only institute offering higher diploma programmes with the SSSDP subsidy in the discipline of 'Computer Science'.
 
Click here now to learn more about the development of ‘Cyberspace Technology’ at HKCT.
For enquiries, you may contact us through WhatsApp


Look for much Full-time programme information? We will organise the ‘Briefing and Consultation session of Tertiary Programmes (Online / Physical)’ every Tuesday and Thursday to share the programme features, articulation pathway and career prospects by our programme tutors. The participants who enrol in our programme will be given the priority of admission interview. Registration   (in Chinese only)

Professional Qualification

Students who enroll in the Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity (Testing and Compliance) can apply to be 'The Hong Kong Computer Society' (HKCS) Student Member, and upon graduation, they may consider applying for Associate Member. 

Contents

Programme Aims

The Cybersecurity Higher Diploma programme at HKCT not only teaches professional knowledge related to cybersecurity but also places great emphasis on practical application. With state-of-the-art facilities, renowned cybersecurity institutions, and industry-leading technology companies, the programme provides students with opportunities to apply their learning, enabling them to enter the fields of information technology security and network management upon graduation. Additionally, this cybersecurity programme qualifies graduates to pursue a bachelor's degree, further advancing their academic expertise in cybersecurity-related fields.

Programme Features

  • Funding support: HKCT successfully sought around HK$20 million subsidy from ESGS (Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education) to develop this Programme and equip it with professional hardware and system platforms in order to provide students with the latest and vocational teaching & learning facilities.
  • State-of-the-art Cyber Labs: Our Cybersecurity Higher Diploma programme established 'Security Operations Centre' and 'Cyber Range & Practice Centre' allow a wide range of teaching and learning activities such as scene simulation, competition, research, testing, drill and exercise. Students in these Centres can interact with virtual and cyber world status in real-time for experiments and training, such as network attack and defense, network invasion and maintenance, and even the embedment and detection of Trojan worm. The professional facilities have supported the Hong Kong and Macau cybersecurity competitions twice.
  • Cyber Range Interconnection: HKCT cyber range serves as a Hong Kong regional centre of the Peng Cheng Laboratory national-level cyber range. It has achieved platform interconnection with the Yellow Crane Cyber Range of Huazhong University of Science and Technology located in the national network security base, the Industrial Control Cyber Security Range of Guilin University of Electronic Technology, and the Jiaxing Cyber Range of Zhejiang University. It facilitates the initiation of online simulation tests and competitions.
  • Strong Industry Ties: We partner with renowned local and mainland technology companies (e.g., China Unicom Hong Kong, IntegrityTech HK Limited, Topsec, Sangfor Technologies) to provide students with local and Greater Bay Area exchange, training, internship, and career opportunities. IntegrityTech HK Limited notably supports HKCT cybersecurity competitions and provides Capture The Flag (CTF) competition resources for our cybersecurity students.
  • Renowned Academic Partners: We work closely with Shenzhen Polytechnic University to offer students a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience in different fields, including cybersecurity. Co-constructed the 'Zhejiang-Hong Kong Cross-Border Data Security Research Centre' with 'The School of Cyber Science and Technology (SCST) at Zhejiang University' to join hands to develop professional skills, product manufacturing, research, and technology exchange, etc. Moreover, we cooperate with top-notch cybersecurity institutes in mainland China including Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Xidian University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to cultivate cybersecurity talents.
  • Support by HKSAR Bureau: Commendation on facilities received from Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) and Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) etc.
  • Route to Professionalism: This Programme prepares students who wish to pursue related certificates such as CISSP, CISA and CISP in this profession.

Featured Modules

  • Wireless and Mobile Security
  • Penetration Testing
  • Network Traffic Analysis
  • Cybersecurity Practice
  • Digital Forensics
  • Introduction to IT Audit
  • Cybersecurity Project

Full Programme Modules

CTF Club

HKCT has established a dedicated CTF Club to provide students with specialised cybersecurity skills training and a platform for academic exchange. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing among students, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in the cybersecurity field. The CTF Club will also seek external collaboration opportunities with various organisations and industries, offering students a broader learning platform and opportunities for external exchanges.

Students in the CTF Club form teams and regularly participate in online and internal Capture the Flag (CTF) and Attack With Defence Plus (AWDP) competitions. Sharing sessions facilitate technical exchange, competition analysis, and valuable learning insights.

Programme Events and Video
First Runner-up in the Sub-Degree Category at the PolyU x NuttyShell Cybersecurity CTF Competition 2025
World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit 2025
HKCT has been invited to participate in the Hong Kong's first Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill organised by the government, serving as a member of the 'red team'
The 2nd Hong Kong Cybersecurity Skills Competition
National Finals of 2024 Belt and Road and BRICS Skills Development and Technological Innovation Competition
Preliminary Round of 2024 Belt and Road and BRICS Skills Development and Technological Innovation Competition
HKCT provided cyber range support during the ‘SHIELDtag 2024’ - Attack and Defense (AWD) Challenge organised by HKtag
5th place in the Tertiary Institution Category at the PolyU x NuttyShell Cybersecurity CTF 2024
Institute of Cyberspace Technology was established
First Hong Kong Cybersecurity Skills Competition Prize Presentation Ceremony
Visit to China Unicom (Hong Kong) Global Centre
Cybersecurity Seminar
MOU Signing with Zhejiang University
Simulated Cyber-attack and Defence Competition
[Advanced Facilities x Professional Systems] Cybersecurity Centre
HKCT participated in the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill 2024
Cybersecurity Programme
DSE Graduates become Cybersecurity Talents
Graduation Path

Articulation Pathways

2+2 Articulation Scheme

Students who have completed the 2-year HKCT ‘Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity (Testing and Compliance)’ will be eligible to receive admission offer^ of the 2-year CTIHE ‘Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science and Cybersecurity' / 'Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science and AI Engineering’ of senior-year entry (i.e. direct entry to the third year of the Programme). It only takes 4 years for students to achieve both Higher Diploma and Bachelor Degree qualifications.

^Students should acquire designated academic result and pass an interview, and subject to the availability of the quota.

Graduates can also apply for admission to overseas universities and local degree programmes.
Graduates may apply for the following top-up bachelor's degree programmes:

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
- BEng in Computer Engineering
- BEng in Computer Science   

City University of Hong Kong
- BEng in Computer and Data Engineering
- BEng (Hons) in Information Engineering
- BSc in Computer Science

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- BSc (Hons) in Information Security

Hong Kong Baptist University
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science

The Education University of Hong Kong
- BEd (Hons) (Secondary) - Information & Communication Technology

Hong Kong Metropolitan University
- BSc (Hons) in Cyber and Computer Security

Employment Prospects

Graduates can also seek employment in the following roles# such as Cyber/ Information Security Officer, Junior Cyber/ R&D Engineer, Network Administrator/ Engineer, IT Officer etc.

Current Cybersecurity Job Positions and Career Pathway in Hong Kong:
- Chief Information Security Officer/ Chief Security Officer/ Head of Cyber Security)
- Information Security Executive/ Cyber Security Executive
- Information Security Director/ Cyber Security Lead
- Information Security Manager/ Cyber Security Manager, SOC Manager, Cyber Security Product Manager, Security Operations Center Manager
- Information Security Analyst/ Cyber Security Engineer/ Pentester/ AWS Cloud Architect/ Security Consultant)
- Entry Level Cyber Security Engineer

#Eligible to local students only

Internship

We are committed to providing internship opportunities that expose students to advanced applications and technologies beyond the school curriculum. Through real-world experience in actual work environments, these internships facilitate career planning after graduation. In recent years, students have interned at the following companies:

  • China Unicom Global (Top 3 Telecommunications Provider in Hong Kong)
  • Hong Kong Electric (Hong Kong's first electric utility company)
  • Topsec Technologies Group (Leading Cybersecurity Enterprise in China)
  • MultiSoft (IT enterprise solutions provider specialising in Cyber Security, Hybrid Cloud, System Infrastructure, Digital Transformation and IT Managed Service)

The programme also provides with Internship positions and working opportunities including:

  • Assistant R&D Engineer
  • Junior Cyber Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Operations Engineer

Programme Advisor

Dr LUO Xiapu, Daniel

Teaching Team

Prof. DING Yong, Dean of Institute of Cyberspace Technology

Prof. QU Bo, Associate Dean of Institute of Cyberspace Technology

Prof. LAM Sum, Sam 

Prof. YI Chen, Alex

Prof. XU Guoai

Dr TANG Yajuan, Kathy 

Mr HO Chun Wah, Garrick 

Mode of Study

Full Time

Teaching Mode

Face to face

Commencement of Study

Sep 2025

Duration

2 Years

Location
Entry Requirements

Local Students

  1. Attained Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects1, including Chinese Language2 and English Language, and the performance in Applied Learning subjects would be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
  2. Pass in 1 A-Level or 2 AS-Level subjects in HKALE; and 5 passes in HKCEE including Chinese Language and English Language; or 
  3. Holder of Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or
  4. Holder of Diploma and 
    - in the relevant discipline at QF Level 3 with a total learning size of normally 150 QF Credits; and 
    - learning contents covering Chinese and English Languages; or
  5. Aged 21 or above with 1 year working experience; or 
  6. Equivalent qualifications; 
    AND 
  7. Pass the admission interview. 

1 With effective from 2024/25, 'Attained' in 'Citizenship and Social Development' (equivalent to 'Level 2' for the HKDSE subject 'Liberal Studies' before 2024/25), or the attainment of 'Level 2' in Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 or Module 2) is also recognised as meeting the general entry requirements.
2 'Attained' level of Applied Learning Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) is accepted as Chinese Language qualification for the admission, but it is not considered as an elective subject.

Mainland Students

Attained satisfactory results in National University Entrance Examination (GaoKao), including English (English Language Public Examinations accepted by HKCT); or equivalent qualifications.

Mainland students meeting the above requirements can apply for the first year admission and need to pass the admission interview.

For mainland students interested in applying for this programme, please visit Mainland Admission.

Security Operations Centre
Security Operations Centre

The Cybersecurity Higher Diploma programme is equipped with professional hardware and system platforms. The 7m x 2m LED wall facilities visualisation and interaction with the virtual cyber world for real-time experiments and training.

Click to view the 360º VR tour of Security Operations Centre

Cyber Range & Practice Centre
Cyber Range & Practice Centre

The Centre allows cybersecurity programme students to interact with virtual and cyber world status in real-time. Moreover, it allows a wide range of teaching and learning activities such as scene simulation, network attack and defense, network invasion and maintenance, competition, research, testing and practice. HKCT cyber range serves as a Hong Kong regional centre of the national-level cyber range, and it has achieved platform interconnection with multiple cross-border cyber ranges.

Click to view the 360º VR tour of Cyber Range & Practice Centre


Jonathan A-YOUNG

'HKCT's Cybersecurity programme provides excellent facilities, including a remotely accessible Cyber Range. My Year 1 internship at Multisoft Limited provided valuable real-world experience, identifying key areas for future development. I actively participated in competitions like the PolyU x NuttyShell Cybersecurity CTF 2024 (5th place) and 2025 (2nd place), applying and expanding my cybersecurity knowledge. HKCT's CTF Club, with its expert-led problem-solving sessions, has been invaluable in further enhancing my skills.' 


Ryan LAW

'During my studies, I actively participated in CTF competitions, which allowed me to apply my knowledge and boosted my confidence. I achieved 5th and 2nd place respectively in the tertiary institution category of the PolyU x NuttyShell Cybersecurity CTF 2024 and 2025. The HKCT's CTF Club provided insights into real-world cybersecurity practices, enhancing my understanding of programme content. Furthermore, my internship at Topsec allowed me to successfully apply learned techniques, such as penetration testing and website traffic analysis, to practical work scenarios.'

KAM Piu
‘The cybersecurity higher diploma programme is really comprehensive, covering everything from the basics to the more advanced stuff. I not only improved my skills, but I also feel much more confident dealing with cyber threats now. Big thanks to the school and the teachers for giving me a deeper understanding and a wider view of cybersecurity.’

ZENG Chuan Jing
‘HKCT provides top-notch facilities and industry connections. The teachers are really experienced and focus on practical skills and real-world examples. I learned about things like penetration testing and defence techniques, and I got to improve my skills through hands-on projects, which has set me up well for my career.’

JIANG Fei
‘This course made me realise how important cybersecurity is in today's digital world. The curriculum covers both the theory and practice, from network traffic analysis to penetration testing. I've mastered practical skills like setting up firewalls and spotting intrusions. The programme also emphasised the legal and ethical side of things, which has boosted my confidence for my future career.’

LI Hongji
‘I've learned so much from the cybersecurity programme. The content is really rich, going from basic theory to advanced practice. The school's resources and the teachers' guidance made it easier to understand everything. I've not only improved my skills, but I've also learned how to work well with others.’

HUANG Penglin
‘Studying at HKCT has been both exciting and fulfilling. The programme content is always up-to-date, and the teachers are experienced, giving us a mix of practical and theoretical learning. I'm looking forward to growing in this fast-moving field.’

Tuition Fees

Year 1: $69,586 Year 2: $69,586

The tuition fee above is under 2025/26 Cohort.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2025/26 academic year, a subsidy of up to $23,390 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this non-laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $46,196. HKCT is the only institute to offer the higher diploma programme with the SSSDP subsidy in the discipline of “Computer Science”. Please note that only local students* are eligible for the relevant subsidy. 
Assistance, Scholarships and Grants are eligible to local students only.
*Including the applicants holding the "dependent visa" or other special visas. For more information, please visit the web page.

QF Level
The qualification of this programme is recognised under the Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong.
QF level:4
QR Registration No.:25/000007/L4
Registration Validity Period:1/9/2025 to 31/8/2028

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirement may apply for a 1-year Diploma of Applied Education (listed below) and articulate to this Cybersecurity Higher Diploma programme.

Tuition fees and subsidies are to be reviewed and adjusted annually on various factors.
This programme is subsidised under Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In the 2025/2026 academic year, a subsidy of up to $23,390 per academic year will be provided to each eligible local student admitted to this non-laboratory-based programme. The first-year tuition fee after subsidy is $46,196. Only local students are eligible for the subsidy under SSSDP.