The University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Saturday confirmed that an exam paper for a course in the Department of Finance was leaked before the scheduled test.

A total of 128 affected students will be required to take a makeup exam in the coming days.

In a statement, the university said it reminded teaching staff to handle exam materials with the utmost care to avoid a repeat of similar incidents.

"The university emphasises that all internal examinations are conducted strictly in accordance with the principles of fairness and integrity to ensure that every student's performance is assessed fairly," it wrote.

According to the editorial board of HKUST’s student union, a teaching assistant inadvertently attached the exam paper file while distributing seating arrangements to students.

Both the professor and teaching assistant involved will face disciplinary action, the board said.

The exam was originally scheduled for Thursday.