Local provision in Veterinary Medicine may affect student demand for programmes in the UK.
City University of Hong Kong is to proceed with offering an undergraduate degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2017, the first to be offered in Hong Kong. The degree will be offered on a self-funded basis, after City University were twice previously denied public funding.
Tuition fees will be HK$120,000 (£11,800), as opposed to HK$42,100 (£4,160) if public funding becomes available. Student recruitment targets are a modest 10 to 15 in the first two years, although that will rise to 30.
In terms of professional recognition, City University is working towards meeting the international standard set by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council
Source: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2020669/going-it-alone-hong-kong-city-university-offer
Commentary by Steve Corry, Head of Education Marketing Services, British Council Hong Kong:
Currently there is no provision for Veterinary Medicine in Hong Kong, and students wishing to become Veterinary professionals therefore typically go to the UK or Australia for higher education study. The establishment of a local degree will therefore provide competition, and potentially make student recruitment for this subject in Hong Kong more difficult. Studying locally is usually the first choice among Hong Kong students, however in this case the fact that the course is self-funded as opposed to publicly funded might still make studying overseas an attractive option.
In 2014/15 25 Hong Kong students commenced the first year of Veterinary Science programmes in the UK, suggesting that once City University raises its intake to 30 students per year, and if public funding is granted, this may mean little or no remaining demand for courses in the UK.