Hong Kong (HK)

Hong Kong is one of the world's most dynamic cities — a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China operating under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework that preserves its common law legal system, independent judiciary, free port status, and separate currency.

Capital: Hong Kong

Region: Asia

Language: Chinese (Cantonese)

Currency: HKD (HK$)

Cost of living: Very expensive (index 90)

Emergency: 999

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Hong Kong.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Kindergartens (幼稚園) HK$2,000–15,000 (local); HK$8,000–25,000 (international/English-medium)

Age: 3–6 years (K1, K2, K3)

Subsidy available

Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme: Education Bureau provides per-capita subsidies of HK$44,640/year (half-day), HK$63,720/year (full-day), or HK$77,280/year (long full-day) for 2025/26 at non-profit local kindergartens. Tuition at subsidised kindergartens is free — schools may charge miscellaneous fees (snacks, activities) of approximately HK$200–500/month. Means-tested fee remission (KCFRS) available for lower-income families on top of the standard subsidy.

Apply directly to individual kindergartens. Bring child's birth certificate, HKID or visa, vaccination record, and 2 passport photos. Many kindergartens have open days — attend to assess suitability. Submit application form with required documents before deadline. Interview of child and parents is common for English-medium kindergartens.

⏱️ Application period for local kindergartens: typically June–September for the following school year. Popular English-medium and international-stream kindergartens have waitlists of 1–2 years. Apply to multiple schools simultaneously. Kindergartens in residential areas (e.g. Sai Kung, Discovery Bay, Kowloon Tong) that attract expats fill up very quickly.

Nurseries / Childcare Centres (幼兒中心) HK$4,000–12,000

Age: 0–3 years

Subsidy available

Childcare Centre Fee Assistance Scheme (CCFAS) from Social Welfare Department for low-income families. Infant/Toddler Group in Nurseries partially subsidised for some centres. International nurseries typically offer no subsidy.

Contact individual nurseries directly. Government-subsidised nurseries: apply through the Social Welfare Department online system.

⏱️ Nurseries in expat areas (Wan Chai, Happy Valley, Sai Kung, Discovery Bay) can have 6–12 month waitlists. Register as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.

🏫 Schools

Primary School Free

小學 (Primary School, P1–P6)

Ages: 6–12 years (Primary 1–6) · Language: Cantonese (most local schools), English (EMI — English as Medium of Instruction schools)

Local primary schools: Central Allocation (中央統籌計劃) managed by Education Bureau. Primary One Admission (POA) scheme allocates P1 places in January–February for the following September intake. Non-Chinese-speaking (NCS) children may apply for any EMI school through the direct application channel. Bring child's birth certificate, HKID (or visa), vaccination record, and residence proof.

Non-Chinese-speaking expat children often attend EMI (English Medium of Instruction) government and aided schools or international schools. Some prestigious government EMI primary schools (e.g. Beacon Hill School, Quarry Bay School) are open to non-Chinese families. Popular non-local curriculum: IB PYP at international schools. Free education available at local schools — international schools charge fees.

Secondary School Free

中學 (Secondary School, S1–S6)

Ages: 12–18 years (Secondary 1–6) · Language: Cantonese (most local), English (EMI schools)

Central Allocation via Education Bureau for local secondary schools. Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) based on primary school academic results and school network. Expat students often go directly to international secondary schools. Non-Chinese-speaking students have a dedicated application channel with Education Bureau. DSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) is the local school leaving qualification at the end of S6.

The DSE is recognised by universities in HK, mainland China, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries. International schools offer IB Diploma, IGCSE/A Levels, or AP curriculum as alternatives. The ESF (English Schools Foundation) operates 22 schools across HK offering English National Curriculum and IB — the largest English-medium school network in HK, fees HK$120,000–180,000/year.

International Schools

Hong Kong has one of the highest concentrations of international schools in Asia. Fees: HK$100,000–250,000+/year. Key international school networks: ESF (English Schools Foundation — IB/UK curriculum), HKIS (Hong Kong International School — US curriculum, highly regarded), CIS (Canadian International School), CDNIS (Canadian International School — large expat community), GSIS (German Swiss International School), Lycée Français International Victor Segalen (French curriculum), American School of Hong Kong. Apply 2–4 years in advance for top schools — demand consistently exceeds supply. Debenture fees (refundable) of HK$100,000–2,000,000 required at some schools.

University

Tuition fee

UGC-funded local universities: HK$42,100/year for undergraduate programmes (2026, regulated by government). Self-financing programmes and postgraduate degrees: HK$80,000–300,000/year. Major universities: HKU (University of Hong Kong), CUHK (Chinese University of HK), HKUST (HK University of Science and Technology) — all ranked in global top 100.

Semester fee

No separate sector-wide semester fee at HK universities — tuition is the all-inclusive cost. Some universities charge student union fees (HK$300–600/year) separately.

Student visa

Student visas are required for non-HK-resident students. Apply to Immigration Department with offer letter, financial proof and accommodation details. Processing 4–6 weeks. Many full-time students from overseas may apply for a part-time work exemption (up to 20 hours/week during term).

Health insurance

No mandatory public student health insurance scheme. Universities provide basic on-campus health services. Students should arrange private health insurance (HK$2,000–8,000/year for basic coverage). Some universities offer group student health plans. Hospital Authority GOPCs are available to HK residents — students with valid HKID can access public healthcare.

Application process

JUPAS (Joint University Programmes Admissions System) for DSE holders. Non-JUPAS: direct application to universities for A-Level, IB or foreign qualification holders. Application deadline: typically January–February for September intake. International students apply directly to individual university admissions offices.

🗣️ Language Courses

Cantonese Language Courses

Provider: CUHK School of Continuing and Professional Studies (CUSCS) · Duration: 10–15 weeks per level · Levels: Beginner to Advanced (6 levels)

HK$2,500–6,000 per course

CUHK CUSCS is one of the most reputable providers for Cantonese for non-Chinese speakers. Also offered by HKU SPACE, YWCA Language Centre, British Council.

Cantonese via Apps

Provider: Pimsleur / Cantonese Class101 / HelloTalk · Duration: Self-paced · Levels: Beginner to Intermediate

Free–HK$500/month

Cantonese is tonal (6 tones) and significantly different from Mandarin. Apps struggle with tones — supplement with face-to-face lessons or language exchange partners.

Mandarin (Putonghua) Courses

Provider: CUHK CUSCS / HKU SPACE / private tutors · Duration: 10–15 weeks per level · Levels: HSK 1–6

HK$2,000–5,000 per level

Mandarin is increasingly valued in HK for business with mainland China. HSK certification recognised by Chinese universities and government bodies.

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