The Education Bureau says 170 self-funded non-local students holding student visas were studying at 14 direct-subsidy schools this academic year, 13% more than a year earlier. The figure was based on enrolment numbers counted the previous month.
Proposed in the 2025 Policy Address, the pilot lets eligible direct-subsidy primary and secondary schools increase the number of classes or the maximum number of pupils per class to admit more non-local students on a fully self-funded basis. The bureau says this will not affect local students’ access to places or their opportunities to study local or non-local curricula.
A total of 48 direct-subsidy schools—more than half of the sector—have been approved to take part. Of the 14 with non-local enrolments this academic year, seven are doing so for the first time; the other seven have enrolled non-local students for a second consecutive year.
The students came from places including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore and countries in Europe and the Americas. Schools are offering peer support, care and adaptation courses to help students settle into Hong Kong’s culture and school life, with support for their studies, daily lives and physical and mental adjustment.
The bureau plans to help the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council draw up a practical code covering accommodation facilities, hygiene, safety and how wardens are provided. It also plans to help the council set up a committee to review whether accommodation operators follow the code, with student welfare as the stated aim.