Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Schools Enrol 170 Non-Local Students This Year

Hong Kong’s Direct Subsidy Scheme schools have enrolled 170 non-local pupils holding student visas this year, according to education authorities, with the total rising 13 per cent from last year.

The latest intake includes students from Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, the United States and several European nations. The enrolments form part of a government scheme intended to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub.

Intake spans primary and secondary schools

The participating schools cover both primary and secondary levels. Around 20 more non-local students have been admitted under the expansion scheme, which operates on a self-financing basis for the pupils enrolled in Direct Subsidy Scheme schools.

Education authorities announced the figures on Wednesday. Ida Lee Bik-sai, deputy secretary for education, wrote on the bureau’s blog that 170 non-local pupils holding student visas had enrolled in the schools this year.

Calls for stronger support

A school head has urged the government to do more to promote the initiative to prospective pupils. The call includes government-funded promotion and scholarships, according to the report.

The increase in enrolment indicates wider participation in the scheme, while the range of countries represented reflects its effort to attract students from outside Hong Kong. The authorities’ stated aim is to support the city’s status as an international education hub through the expansion of non-local admissions.

Source: South China Morning Post