Hong Kong's International and Private Schools See 12% Enrolment Surge

Enrolment in Hong Kong's international and private schools has risen for the third consecutive year, driven by the 2022 introduction of the Top Talent Pass Scheme, even as the city’s overall student population continues to shrink. Official Education Bureau data shows a 12% increase in enrolment in these schools compared to September 2022, with 87,220 students currently enrolled.

Kindergarten Closures Reflect Broader Decline

While international and private schools are witnessing growth, local kindergartens and public primary schools are facing significant challenges. A record 30 kindergartens—3% of all such institutions—have shut down or are set to close during the current academic year. This marks the continuation of a decade-long decline in the kindergarten sector, which has been severely impacted by the city’s shrinking student population. From 2022 to 2025, the total number of kindergarten, primary, and secondary students in Hong Kong dropped by 2.5%, from 797,157 to 776,888.

Mainland Families and Local Demand Driving Growth

The surge in international and private school enrolment is attributed to an influx of mainland Chinese families relocating to Hong Kong under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, according to veteran admissions consultant Ruth Benny. She noted that many of these families are enrolling their children in private and international schools. Additionally, affluent local families continue to opt out of the local curriculum, further fueling demand for these institutions.

Long-Term Trends in School Choices

Over the past decade, enrolment in international and private schools has increased by 21%, underscoring a steady shift in preferences among Hong Kong families and expatriates. This trend contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by local schools, particularly in the kindergarten sector, which has struggled to adapt to the declining birth rate and population changes.

The data highlights a growing divide in Hong Kong’s education landscape, with international and private schools thriving while local public institutions face mounting pressures. The Top Talent Pass Scheme, aimed at attracting skilled professionals to the city, appears to be reshaping the demographic and educational dynamics of Hong Kong.

Source: South China Morning Post