According to data by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA), Taiwan became the top destination for HKDSE graduates studying abroad last year.

In the opinion of the British Council and feedback from Education agents, Taiwan is not a main competitor to studying in the UK, but is a competitor to the self-funded higher education sector in Hong Kong, including UK TNE programmes.

An article in the South China Morning Post newspaper provides some insight into the attractiveness of Taiwan. Besides low entrance requirements, tuition and living costs also compare favourably with the self-funded sector Hong Kong. Tuition fees in one case are quoted in the article as NT$160,000 (HK$38,520), which compares to HK$50-100,000 in Hong Kong. In addition dormitory places are available at a low cost, which are hard to come by in Hong Kong.

As many students progress to TNE undergraduate top up degrees in Hong Kong from self-funded sub-degree programmes, the attractiveness of Taiwan might therefore directly impact the ability to recruit students. This is in addition to challenges that will be faced due to falling student numbers in Hong Kong as a result of demographic trends.

The article from which information was sourced can be found here.

For further information about student recruitment trends in Hong Kong, please contact:

Steve Corry steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk

Janice Ng Janice.ng@britishcouncil.org.hk

Anna Lee anna.lee@britishcouncil.org.hk