In a significant boost for higher education in Hong Kong, six of the city’s universities have been ranked among the top 50 in the latest Asian tertiary institution rankings. This achievement highlights the high quality of education offered in the Special Administrative Region (SAR), according to Secretary for Education Christine Choi. Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme on Saturday, Choi emphasized the need for Hong Kong to consolidate its academic strengths and enhance global promotional efforts to attract more international students.
Choi noted that the surge in student intakes of non-local students has been remarkable since the government decided to double the enrollment ceiling for these students to 40 percent. This policy change reflects a strong demand for studying in Hong Kong, as the region’s universities provide numerous high-quality programs, some of which are ranked within the global top 10.
"We are committed to actively promoting Hong Kong’s achievements on the global stage, which includes bringing our universities to joint overseas recruitment drives and participating in international higher education conferences and exhibitions to elevate the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand," Choi stated.
In an effort to support this initiative, the University Grants Committee has allocated over HK$20 million to a dedicated promotion task force under the city’s eight UGC-funded universities. This funding aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s global presence in higher education.
However, Choi urged institutions to adopt a gradual approach to expanding enrollment. She warned that rapid increases could strain campus infrastructure and undermine the quality of student experiences. To address this concern, authorities plan to boost student accommodation availability over the coming years, ensuring that resources keep pace with the growing influx of non-local students.
Choi also highlighted the impact of recent U.S. visa restrictions on international students, which have created instability and prompted parents to explore alternative options for their children’s education. "Hong Kong holds strong appeal for overseas non-local students thanks to a combination of factors," she explained. "Additionally, recent U.S. restrictions on student visas have introduced uncertainties for those planning to study abroad. Parents and students are understandably cautious, as sudden visa denials can disrupt years of academic planning. This has led many to explore alternative destinations."
In a related development, the Hong Kong government is reviewing its talent admission schemes due to allegations of misuse. Some applicants are reportedly exploiting their temporary residency status to enroll their children in local schools or apply for university as local students using dependent visas, even if they have not relocated to Hong Kong themselves.
Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, who succeeded Christine Choi as Secretary for Education, announced during a radio programme on April 26, 2025, that the government is considering requiring applicants to reside in Hong Kong for a certain period before their children can qualify for local student status. She assured the public that any changes implemented would not negatively impact the admission opportunities for local students.
Furthermore, Dr. Choi pointed out that the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions have resulted in the cancellation of visas for at least 529 students, faculty, and researchers across 88 higher education institutions in the U.S. This has led to a noticeable decline in the number of Hong Kong students studying in the U.S., while applications from mainland students seeking to study in Hong Kong have increased significantly.
Dr. Choi emphasized the appeal of Hong Kong’s universities, which offer an international and diverse environment conducive to learning in multiple languages. Following the recent increase in the admission cap for non-local students to 40% at eight universities, there has been a significant rise in enrollments, indicating strong demand for overseas education.
The education chief expressed hope that universities would manage their admissions gradually to ensure adequate facilities and maintain a positive learning experience for all students. As the global educational landscape continues to evolve, Hong Kong’s commitment to enhancing its higher education sector remains a priority.
In summary, the Hong Kong government’s initiatives to promote higher education and attract international students are set against a backdrop of rising enrollment numbers, significant achievements in university rankings, and challenges posed by changing global immigration policies. As the SAR positions itself as a leading destination for education, the focus on maintaining quality while expanding access will be critical to its success.
