Traditionally, the most popular study destinations amongst Hong Kong parents and students are the UK, Australia, the United State and Canada. However, according to South China Morning Post, numbers of HK students studying in Canada soared at a record high in 2021, became the second most favourite study destination after Britain. The landscape was shifted after UK, Australia and Canada announced more friendly immigration pathways for Hong Kong citizens in respond to the government’s imposition of the national security law in June 2020. It was also reported that the migration requirements of Canada are considered as easier than the other English-speaking countries - applicants will be eligible to apply for a permanent residency after successfully completing a two-year diploma course at a destinated post-secondary institution.  

The latest visa issuance data published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada showed 6,365 Hong Kong passport holders were granted to study in the country last year. It is nearly 2.5 times more than the total number compared to 2020. This growing trend can also be seen in the Education Bureau’s survey of DSE Secondary 6 students’ progression pathways after gratulation. The student number increased from 135 in 2019 to 207 in 2020, which made the country moving up to the third place for the first time. In the 2021 survey, Canada was further closing the gap - only behind the runner-up (Australia) by 107 students.

Source:

• Canada moves up to No 2 for Hong Kong students going abroad, with easy migration pathways a major draw, South China Morning Post

Comments by British Council

The visa data for Canada (6,365) reported in SCMP was in fact including all study permits for both adult and under 18 students, while the number of UK student visas (6,511) only consisted of the general Student visa holders and their dependents. The actual number of student visas for both Student and Child visas issued in the UK should be 9,270. This is far higher than the figure in the SCMP news report.

Nevertheless, the UK remained the most popular study destination for HK students in 2021 as per the official visa issuance data produced by four of the governments. Canada came in the second place (6,365) and followed by Australia (2,535) and then US (2,226). It is predicted that the level of interest for studying in Canada may continue to grow as the scheme will be opened until 31 August 2026.

Apart from Canada, Australia is also aggressively making its comeback in student recruitment in Hong Kong. It is reported that over 56,000 international students have arrived since last November after its borders were re-opened, according to Australian government. They too offer a similar migration pathway specifically for Hongkoners where students will be eligible to apply for a five-year Temporary Graduate visa (leading to permanent residency) after successful completion of a tertiary study. In the UK, only British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders and their dependents are eligible. Furthermore, commencing from late April, Australian government announced to temporarily relax working hours for all student visa holders (including current students and new arrivals). International students will be able to work for more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy or even start to work before their course begins.

With shrinking secondary student demographic, slow recovery of HK economy due to Covid-19, and more incentives offered by other key players, there is no doubt UK institutions will be facing tougher competition in the market this year. Institutions need to act with more agility, with a sound Clearing strategy and proactively engage with prospective students and stakeholders through regular updates before the peak season starts.