As reported last month, the self-funded post-secondary sector in Hong Kong in general is struggling with student recruitment. This article from the South China Morning Post provides more specific institution by institution data, illustrating to what extent the current decline in student population is denting enrolment.

Out of 36 institutions, 31 have reported lower than expected enrolment numbers. Some institutions, Chu Hai College and Open University LiPACE in particular, reported enrolment numbers significantly below expectation. According to a written reply by the Secretary for Education to a question posed in the Legislative Council this week, the Education Bureau “has cast repeated reminders to them on the need to consolidate their post-secondary programmes in terms of both quality and quantity in view of the decline in the number of secondary school leavers.”

According to Education Bureau data, the number of local secondary school graduates is expected to decrease from 52,100 in the coming academic year to 43,500 in 2020-21.

Sources:
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/1961975/where-are-they-hong-kong-post-secondary-colleges
http://7thspace.com/headlines/527719/lcq11_financial_situation_of_self_financing_post_secondary_institutions.html

Commentary by Steve Corry, Head of Education Marketing Services, British Council Hong Kong:

The decline in student enrolment in self-funded post-secondary programmes is a result of two factors – the increasing attractiveness of Taiwan as a study destination for students who might not otherwise be able to study overseas, and shrinking student population, due to low birth rates in the last couple of decades. The demographic decline will also result in some degree of decline in the number of students going to the UK for undergraduate education, although the more extreme effect will be felt by the local self-funded sector, as covered in these articles.

Institutions who operate TNE programmes in Hong Kong should take particular note of these trends. Students for top-up degree programmes typically come from sub-degree programmes offered by the local self-funded sector, and student enrolment for these programmes will be significantly affected. Institutions who are looking to enter the TNE market would be advised to look at post-graduate provision.

One positive point to note about the shrinking student population at secondary level is that this relates to local schools. International school student population is increasing.