The public school located in Hong Kong are well-known for placing a lot of pressure on students, and not all parents of expats approve of this rigid approach. Private international schools however have adopted to a more Western style of education, with more flexible curricula. It is a good thing that regardless of which choice expat parents choose they can count on high-quality education and the chance to select from a range of top schools and higher education establishments.
This section will also discuss the daycare system and kindergarten, the cost of education and schools that allow you to refresh your Cantonese understanding.
What is the education System In Hong Kong?
The system of education is in Hong Kong is publicly funded. The entire 12 years of schooling from primary school to the senior secondary school (ages 6 to 18) is provided for free to students who attend public schools.
The public schools comprise most schools within Hong Kong. They are run by the government , or are a religious or charitable organization. Therefore it is possible to find an Catholic and Protestant institution located in Hong Kong should not be an issue.
Types of schools that are available in Hong Kong Description Government Public schools, which are funded and run by the government; no cost. Aided public schools, run by religious or charitable organizations that are funded by the government (most popular type) Free. Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) Private schools that are subsidized by the government, but not cost-free. Caput Schools Public schools partly subsidized by the government, but not free. Private Schools Privately-run schools targeted at Chinese students; admission is based on academic excellence and is not cost-free. International Schools Private International Schools Privately run schools designed for international students; admission fees are high. English Schools Foundation Private schools partially subsidized by the government, geared towards students who speak English; however, they are not cost-free.
The primary distinction between private and public schools is the cost and curriculum. The public schools are in Hong Kong are free, however admission to private schools requires a fee. Since the government is not able to regulate the curriculum in private schools, it frequently is different from the standard educational method. However, certain institutions (e.g. : DSS) still have to prepare students for the same final exam.
What is the Education System like In Hong Kong?
In discussing what is known about the Hong Kong school system, it is crucial to remember that it underwent some significant changes over the past few years. It is renowned for its competitiveness the system was revamped to ease the pressure on students. The compulsory primary and junior secondary school tests aren’t an integral part of the curriculum. But the high-stakes culture persists, bringing many students to the brink of mental collapse.
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Information about Hong Kong Education System
The education system is available in Hong Kong is free, and compulsory schooling is available the age of 6 to 15 (primary as well as junior secondary). Students in the public school system in Hong Kong attend primary schools for six years. They are then they attend 3 years of secondary junior school, and three more years of secondary education.
Education Length Ages Type Year of School Three years of Kindergarten, Voluntary September – June Six years of primary school Mandatory September 3-July Junior Secondary mandatory September – July High School 3 Years 16-18 Selective September July (year 1 & 2) August – February (year 3)
After successfully completing the 12-year course and passing the final test the students receive the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE).
System of Grading for the HKDSE HKDSE Grading System Western Equivalent meaning 5*A* Top in the class 5A/A* Excellent 5 Good 4 B/C 3 D/E Pass 2-1 F Failure
The system of grading in Hong Kong universities is based on a four-point system:
GRADE (NUMBER) GRADE (LETTER) MEANING 4.3-3.7 A Excellent 3.6-2.7 B Good 2.6-1.7 C Adequate 1.7-1.0 D Pass <1.0 F Fail
The school at Hong Kong starts around 7:30 to 8:00 , and continues until around 14:30 or 15:00.
Public schools’ classes typically teach in Chinese but there is a chance that English as a language of instruction becoming a part of classes (secondary schools). A lot of private schools operate in Chinese but private international schools typically teach classes in English.
Kindergarten and Daycare
In general, excellent kindergartens and childcare options as well as excellent kindergartens and pre-schools are simple to find within Hong Kong. Kindergarten is usually started at the age of 3 or 6. But, it’s not required. Based on your preferences, you may decide whether your child attends kindergarten on a full and half-day schedule.
For children who are younger than the age of three, you may apply for a place in a nursery classor a childcare facility or hire someone to look after children at your home.
The curriculum for kindergarten varies between different institutions however, the government supports the concept of a child-centered approach to education. The goal of this type educational program is to help children learn how to become socially aware and develop good habits and become curious about their environment. The most popular subjects include the language, mathematics in the early years, physical health as well as science and technology, self and society, as well as art. They are taught by active participation, play, and the encouragement of others.
The majority of kindergartens within Hong Kong are run privately. Some are non-profit and others are independent establishments. The cost of kindergarten will vary depending on the option you select.
Non-profit kindergartens are now covered under the Free Quality Kindergarten Education scheme which allows children of all ages to attend preschool for no cost. The scheme offers only the half-day option to children ages 3 to 6.
The cost of kindergarten is based on the level and whether you choose half or full-days, as well as the place of the kindergarten. The costs for kindergarten are difficult to estimate as they could range from 77,000 and 70, 000 HKD (900 to 9000 USD) each year, or higher than that.
Secondary and Primary Schools
Primary Schools
The school system in Hong Kong, primary schools operate on afternoon, morning or even a full day. The afternoon and morning schedules were designed to accommodate the amount of students attending primary schools and to prevent overcrowding.
Admissions for public primary (also called primary) school in Hong Kong is divided into two phases: Discretionary Places admission and central Allocation.
Primary One Admission Systems Central Allocation Priority Points System consists of 30% of students accepted. Includes 20 percent from accepted students. Includes 50% of accepted students. The priority is granted to students of employees at the school or children who have siblings who are enrolled at the school. The selection of students is determined by a set point system. Parents can make an “unrestricted selection” and can choose three school districts (comprises 10percent of the accepted candidates to Central Allocation). Parents select from a particular school network in the region they reside within (comprises 90percent of the accepted candidates to Central Allocation).
If you aren’t sure what school to pick from then you can use the Hong Kong government provides you with a complete listing of the (public as well as private) primary schools, with all the information you need. It outlines the length and number of classes offered, the school’s approach to education as well as the experience and qualifications of the teachers, costs for school as well as other important information.
If your child is enrolled in an elementary school that is public located in Hong Kong, you may be required to pay specific charges. The school fees could include a fee for Tong Fai, the Parent-Teacher Association, Tong Fai and other charges that are approved. Tong Fai is a form of payment that was introduced in public schools following the time that schooling began in Hong Kong became free. Most of the time, total costs for public schools must be no more than $5000 HKD (65 USD) annually.
Parents who wish for their children to go to private schools will have to deal with an application process that is different and are charged more costs. A year at an elementary school that is private in Hong Kong costs around 40,000 HKD (5,100 USD).
If your child is enrolled in an elementary school that is public you will assign them to a specific secondary school after they have graduated. Parents of children who attend schools that are private, or DSS primary schools must apply for secondary schools on their own.
Secondary Schools
Secondary school (in certain countries, it is referred to by the name of high school) the education system is in Hong Kong is split into two sections that are junior secondary and senior secondary education. Each of them runs for three years. While junior secondary education is compulsory and senior secondary education is optional, the decision of whether or not a student should go to a senior secondary school is entirely up to the student and their abilities.
Secondary school allocation is comparable to the method by which applicants are admitted into primary school in Hong Kong and the process is broken down into two phases The first is Discretionary Places, the second is Central Allocation. The proportion of students accepted varies.
Secondary School Places Allocation System , Discretionary Places Central Allocation comprises 30% of students accepted. It comprises 70% of students accepted under this plan, it’s possible to apply for two secondary schools. In this plan, you can apply for three secondary schools within the school’s network (comprises 10 percent of applicants accepted to Central Allocation). In this plan you can submit applications for the 30 schools of secondary within your school’s local network(comprises 90percent of the accepted candidates to Central Allocation).
In certain secondary schools, certain classes are offered to students in English as a language of instruction. To determine if it is an option at the school closest to your home look up this list of Hong Hong Kong’s secondary schools. You can also get detailed information on how big the schools are, the instructors and curriculum, method of teaching, and other information.
In terms of school fees the public secondary schools within Hong Kong are mostly free but there are some extra charges. The charges that could be incurred are Parent-Teacher Association fees, Student Association Membership fees, as well as Tong Fai for students attending senior secondary schools. The total amount of the fees must not be more than $5000 HKD (65 USD) each year.
When children transition from primary school to secondary school Many schools will host activities to help them learn about the new surroundings.
Senior Secondary Schools
The transition from junior to senior secondary school should not be a hassle. Schools that have junior programs make sure that graduating students are offered a sufficient amount of seats in their senior programs , too.
Students who do not want to continue with their mainstream education in this moment may opt to pursue an occupational training program instead.
Students who choose to pursue secondary school must study four subjects that are essential to their education: Chinese and English languages as well as mathematics and liberal studies. Additionally they are able to choose three additional subjects that are part of schools’ curriculum (history and biology, physics and so on.) and also study a second subject in applied learning and language (applied sciences business management, service and so on. ).
After completing three years of senior education, students sit for the final examination, which usually comprises the mentioned core subjects along with other subjects the student decides to study. Exams are conducted in several phases and include both oral and written tests. Students are also required to write essays in order that are evaluated on their proficiency in English and receive an assessment for their application of studying subjects prior to receiving their certificate.
If the tests are passed and the students are awarded the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) which allows students to progress to higher education levels.
Assistance for Students who are Newly Arrived
Hong Kong pays specific attention to children who have just arrived and need to be welcomed into the local schooling system. Parents who want their children to go to one of the main schools have several choices to aid their children in integrating. They include:
Initiation Program – a six-month (September-March) fully-time course that incorporates academic and non-academic components to help English students to master Chinese (or in reverse). The program is completely free and is offered at a handful of schools in Hong Kong.
Induction Program – a 60-hour part-time programme that is offered during the during the day, after school, or on weekends, based on the requirements of the children. The curriculum consists of classes that are taught in Chinese and English as well as an introduction to the customs of the local community as well as Hong Kong’s educational system, as well as communication and learning. The program is offered free of charge and runs in a variety of schools throughout Hong Kong.
School-based supplementary classes for language is a program offered by both public as well as Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and supported by the School-Based Support Scheme . Typically, the curriculum of these classes is determined by specific schools.
International Schools
In addition to school system in the local area, a reputable private school system that includes international schools has been in operation. Many expats choose to send their children to these schools due to the more westernized curriculum. In recent years, they’re getting more popular among local Chinese students as well.
The academic year at international schools typically begins in August. To ensure that your child is placed at the school you prefer, it is recommended to begin your application process a year ahead of time.
Every international school usually has its own admissions requirements, so be sure you contact your preferred school directly. Be aware that certain schools may give preference to students with a specific nationality (e.g. : French schools might prefer French students) or siblings of current students, or children of staff members.
One benefit when sending your kid to an international institution is that the classes tend to be smaller than those in local public schools and generally, aren’t as competitive. However, the main drawback of international schools is their costs. Although public schools are generally open to all children, international school tuition costs can range between 100,000 and 200 000 HKD (12,800 up to 25600 dollars) or more for annual tuition costs, based on the school and level your child is in.
If your child is comfortable in the Chinese language and you would like to help them become fluent and write in Hanzi (Chinese letters) You may discover that the amount in Mandarin as well as Cantonese taught in international schools isn’t sufficient. A small percentage of international schools actually have a bilingual curriculum and a public school could be the best option in this case.
Higher Education
The universities of Hong Kong have recently developed outstanding reputations within the borders of Hong Kong and beyond. Hong Kong’s University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong specifically were recognized as top performers in the international rankings of universities. Additionally, the government is currently focusing a lot of its time and money to enhancing the region’s status as an educational hub. So, the universities located in Hong Kong might be a better option than you think for your child if they are looking to pursue college education , while living within Hong Kong.
All the universities and other higher education institutions located in Hong Kong offer internationally recognized degrees for their students. This includes postgraduate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as research-based programs as well as post-grad courses. The undergraduate degrees offered are awarded in Hong Kong usually last four years. But, you can get courses that last just 2 or 3 years as well.
The majority of university courses are taught in English So there’s no need to be concerned about your Chinese proficiency in Chinese. But, make sure you study the specifics of the program you are interested in.
What is the cost to study at the University of Hong Kong? Hong Kong?
The cost of higher education differs between different universities dependent on the program and if you are local or not. Locals will pay between 40,000 and 45,000 HKD (5,100 up to 5,750 USD) for the duration of an undergraduate course. The tuition fees for international university students could be double or triple, and even four times that amount – from between 80,000 and 165,000 HKD (10,200 up to 21,100 USD) for the academic year.
Post-graduation courses for international students at government-funded universities cost approximately 40000 HKD (5,100 USD) annually, and residents of the country can pay tuition fees generally.
Universities may charge an application fee of approximately 350 HKD (45 USD). Certain higher education institutions require students to make a non-refundable deposit on acceptance, which can range from 10,000 to an amount of 80,000 HKD (1,300 up to 10250 dollars). However, many universities provide scholarships that international students may be qualified to apply for.
Additional Degrees, Courses and Certificates
There are a variety of accredited universities and institutions that are local to Hong Kong offering sub-degree courses like associate degrees and higher diplomas.