Amid recent social unrest, we have seen increased interest in overseas education both first hand, from feedback from agents, and in media reports. On 23 November, several local Chinese media outlets reported a survey conducted by a immigration and real-estate agency, reporting significantly growing demand from Hong Kong parents to send their young children to study abroad. The key finding of survey was that the number of overseas study enquiries in September were eight times more than two months prior. Over half of the parents plan to send their children to study abroad for a primary or secondary education. Most respondents think UK is the best study destination for their children (40%), followed by Australia (30%), Canada (20%) and US (16%). In terms of alternative options, the survey also indicated that some parents would also consider international curriculums schools in Malaysia or schools in Ireland, regarding these schools as a stepping stone to bridge their children to study in the UK or US in future.

Sources: various local (Chinese) media, including Oriental Daily News, Hong Kong Economic Times and Sing Tao Daily.

While this survey is only from one agency, this is consistent with feedback that we have been receiving form other local stakeholders.

Comments by Karen Hsu, Education Services Manager for Hong Kong (karen.hsu@britishcouncil.org.hk)

After months of political unrest, Hong Kong parents are now actively looking for suitable schools and wish to send their children to study abroad as soon as possible. Pre-registration for our Study UK Schools and Colleges exhibition in October was double comapred to the same event last year. Nearly half of event registrants (46%) said they plan to leave the city to study abroad in less than 6 months, which is 16% higher than recorded in 2018. Over 70% of visitors said they or their children are currently studying local public or private schools in Hong Kong. In terms of level of study, 50% respondents were looking for junior secondary schools, suggesting that not only is demand increasing, but that families are looking to send students earlier. We can therefore expect to see more applications to UK institutions from Hong Kong in 2020. In addition, local schools may become a more important source of students.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested in discussing the Hong Kong market or intending to visit Hong Kong in the near future.

Please also refer to our recent post about safety and security should you be visiting - https://education-services.britishcouncil.org/news/market-news/notice-regarding-social-unrest-hong-kong

Upcoming event in Hong Kong in 2020:
Study UK Hong Kong Fair and Mini School Roadshow January 2020