The total number of non-tertiary education students in the new academic year has reached almost 79,100, up by 2.7 percent compared with 77,000 last year, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in the number of students in the MSAR. According to data released by the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ), the latest estimate for kindergarten students in the 2017/18 school year is about 19,000, representing an increase of 6.6 percent compared with the previous year. At the same time, around 30,700 primary school students are accounted for in the new school year, up by 5.5 percent year-on-year, while 28,500 secondary students are expected, down by 2.8 percent. As student mobility in the UK has already been increasing, this rebound in student population bodes well for long term sustainability of Macau as a student recruitment market.

Source: http://macaudailytimes.com.mo/education-non-tertiary-student-population-grows-2-7percent.html

Commentary by Steve Corry, Head of Education Marketing Services, Hong Kong steven.corry@britishcouncil.org.hk

While the rebound in student population is good news, UK institutions should also bear in mind the small market size and some peculiarities of the Macau market:

  • As an indication of market size, Tier 4 student visa issuances in calendar year 2016 were 572, compared with 8,995 in Hong Kong.
  • Curriculum - the largest international school in Macau (The International School of Macau) runs the Alberta curriculum from Canada. Local system schools have a high degree of autonomy, and there is no centralised matriculation exam. Students from the local system therefore need to enter foundation courses.
  • Australia and the United States have higher market share in Macau than in Hong Kong, so in Macau the benefits of the UK need to be promoted more strongly before promoting your individual institution.
  • Due to similarities in the legal system students will often go to Portugal to study Law. Brexit may also be a concern for a large proportion of Macau students who have Portuguese passports.

Our view at the British Council is that Macau is a market worth covering, however due to the small market size not for too many institutions. Rather than exhibition type activity we facilitate a two day programme in Macau each September, including a public information/consulting session and a university fair at The International School of Macau.