The public schools in Hong Kong are well-known for placing a lot of pressure on students. Not everyone’s parents who live abroad approve of this strict approach. Private international schools are on the other hand have adopted a more Western educational system that has more flexible curriculum. In any case, whatever option expat parents opt for, they can expect high-quality education, and also the opportunity to pick from a selection of top schools as well as higher education establishments.
We discuss the system of daycare and kindergarten, costs for education as well as schools that allow you to learn more about your Cantonese skills.
What is the educational System In Hong Kong?
The education system within Hong Kong is publicly funded. All 12 years of education from primary school to senior secondary school (ages 6 through 18), is free for pupils attending public schools.
Public schools constitute majority of the schools that are located in Hong Kong. They are usually run by the government , or are a religious or charitable organization. Therefore the search for an Catholic as well as a Protestant one in Hong Kong should not be a problem.
Types of schools within Hong Kong Description Government Public schools, which are funded and run by the government; free. Aided public schools, run by religious or charitable organisations that are funded by the government (most popular type); free. Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) Private schools subsidized by the government. Not free. Caput Schools Public schools partly subsidized by the state; not free. Private Schools Privately operated schools aimed at Chinese students. Admission is based on excellence in education and not completely cost-free. International Schools Private International Schools Privately run schools targeted at international students. expensive admissions fees. English Schools Foundation Private schools are partially funded by the government; targeted at students who speak English; however, they are not completely free.
The major difference between public and private schools is their fees and curricula. The public schools in Hong Kong are free, while admittance to private ones will require a fee. As the government cannot regulate the curriculum of private schools, it frequently differs from the traditional education approach. However, certain schools (e.g. : DSS) still have to prepare students for the same final exam.
What is the education System Like What is the education system like in Hong Kong?
When talking about Hong Kong schools, it is important to note that Hong Kong school system, it is crucial to remember that it has gone through major changes in the last few years. It is renowned for its competitiveness the system was revamped to reduce the stress on students. The mandatory primary and junior secondary school exams aren’t an integral part of the curriculum. But the high-stakes culture persists, bringing some students to the brink of mental breakdown.
Information About Hong Kong Education System
Education at Hong Kong is free, and schools are compulsory between ages 6 to 15 (primary and junior secondary schools). Students in the public school system in Hong Kong attend primary schools for six years. After that, they are then they attend an additional three years in junior secondary education and three more years of high school education.
Education Length Ages Type Year of School Kindergarten 3 years 3-6, Voluntary September to June Year 6 – 12 Primary Mandatory September – July Junior Secondary 3 years 13-15. Mandatory September – July Junior Secondary 3 years 13-15 Selective September July (year 1-2) Aug – Feb (year 3)
After finishing the 12-year program and taking the final exam, students are granted an Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE).
Grading system for HKDSE HKDSE Grade Western Equivalent Meaning 5*A* Best Of ClassA/A* Excellent 5 A Good 4 B/C Accurate 3 D/E Pass 2-1 F Fail
The system of grading in Hong Kong universities is based on a four-point system:
GRADE (NUMBER) GRADE (LETTER) MEANING 4.3-3.7 A Excellent 3.6-2.7 B Good 2.6-1.7 C Adequate 1.7-1.0 D Pass <1.0 F Fail
The school in Hong Kong starts around 7:30 from 8:00. It continues until around 14:30 or 15:00.
Classes in public schools generally are taught in Chinese with a possibility of English as a teaching language becoming a part of classes (secondary education). Private schools are also operating in Chinese however, private international schools tend to teach in English.
Daycare and International Kindergarten Hong Kong
In general, great Kindergartens with excellent facilities for children and pre-schools can easily find within Hong Kong. Kindergarten is usually started at the age of 3 or 6. But it’s not compulsory. Based on your preferences, it is generally possible to decide if your child attends kindergarten on a full-day instead of a split-day.
For children under the age of 3, you can apply for a spot in a nursery school, in a childcare center or hire someone to care for children at home.
The curriculum in kindergarten differs from one school to the next but the government is adamant about the approach of education that is centered around children. The purpose of this kind of learning is to show children how to become socially aware, cultivate good habits, and to be curious about their surroundings. The subjects that are most commonly taught include languages, early mathematics physical health in addition to science and technology social and personal, and art. They are taught with playing, active involvement, and the encouragement of others.
Kindergartens across Hong Kong are run privately. Some of them are not-profit-making as well as independent establishments. The cost of kindergarten will depend on which option you pick.
Non-profit schools are now part of the Free Quality Kindergarten Education scheme which allows children of all ages to attend preschool for no cost. The scheme only offers the half-day option for children 3 to 6.
The cost of kindergarten is based on the school, whether you opt for half or full-days, as well as the location of the kindergarten. The typical costs for kindergarten are difficult to estimate as they is a range of 7,700 to 70, 000 HKD (900 to 9000 USD) each year, or greater than that.
Secondary and Primary Schools
Primary Schools
The school system in Hong Kong, primary schools run on morning, afternoon or full-day schedules. The afternoon and morning plans were developed in order to accommodate the large number of students attending primary schools as well as to ensure that there isn’t overcrowding.
The admissions to public primary (also referred to as elementary) elementary schools of Hong Kong is divided into two stages: Discretionary Places admission and central Allocation.
Primary One Admission System Central Allocation Priority Points System consists of 30% of students accepted. This includes 20% in accepted students. It comprises 50% of accepted students. Preference is accorded to children of school employees or children who have siblings at school. The selection of students is made based on a set point system. Parents make an “unrestricted selection” and may choose at least 3 elementary schools that are public (comprises 90% of the accepted students for Central Allocation). Parents select from a particular set of schools within the region they reside in (comprises 90% of accepted applicants for Central Allocation).
If you’re not sure the best school for you it is recommended that there is a list of schools available. Hong Kong government provides you with a comprehensive listing of all (public as well as private) primary schools with all the relevant information. The list includes the length and amount of classes, the school’s curriculum, the qualifications and experience of teachers, school costs and many other pertinent details.
If your child attends an open primary school within Hong Kong, you may be asked to pay certain fees. These fees may include a payment to an association called the Parent-Teacher Association, Tong Fai as well as other fees that have been approved. Tong Fai is a form of payment that was introduced in public schools after schooling started in Hong Kong became free. In the majority of cases, the total fees for public schools should not be more than 525 HKD (65 USD) annually.
Parents who want their children to attend private schools will face a different application system and are charged more costs. One year in the private primary school of Hong Kong costs around 40,000 HKD (5,100 USD).
If your child attends a public primary school you will assign them to a particular secondary school upon graduation. Parents of children that attend private or DSS primary schools have to apply to secondary schools by themselves.
Secondary Schools
Secondary school (in some countries , it is known by the name of high school) instruction at Hong Kong is split into two components that are junior secondary and senior secondary education. Each of them runs for three years. While junior secondary schooling is compulsory, the choice of the need to attend a senior secondary school is up to the student and their abilities.
Secondary school allocation is similar in the way that applicants are admitted at primary schools Hong Kong and the process is broken down into two phases that are Discretionary Places and Central Allocation. The ratio of accepted students varies.
Secondary School Places Allocation System , Discretionary Central Allocation of Places Comprises 30% of students who are accepted. Includes 70% of accepted students . Under this program, it is possible to apply for two secondary schools. With this plan, you can apply for three secondary schools from schools in any network (comprises 10 percent of applicants accepted for Central Allocation). Under this plan, it is possible to apply for 30 secondary schools within your school’s local network(comprises 90% of all accepted applications in Central Allocation).
In some secondary schools, certain subjects become available to students in English as a language of instruction. To find out whether it is an option in a school near where you reside look up our list of Hong KONG’s secondary schools. In addition, you will find detailed information about what the dimensions of each school are. its teachers, the curricula, the methods of teaching, as well as other important information.
In terms of school fees the public secondary schools within Hong Kong are mostly free There are some additional costs. The charges that could be incurred are Parent-Teacher Association fees, Student Association Membership fee, and Tong Fai for senior secondary school attendees. In all, the amount must not be more than the amount of 500 HKD (65 USD) per year.
For kids transitioning from primary to secondary education, many schools will organize activities that help students make friends with their new school environment.
Senior Secondary Schools
The transition from junior to senior secondary should not be difficult. Many schools that run junior programs ensure that the graduating students are offered a sufficient number of places in their senior programs too.
Students who do not want to carry on with mainstream education right now might opt to take in a vocational program instead.
Students who enroll in high school in the senior secondary level are required to study four fundamental subjects: Chinese and English languages math, as well as liberal studies. In addition to that, they can select three additional subjects that are part of in the curriculum of their schools (history as well as biology, physics, etc.) and also study a second language and applied learning subjects (applied sciences, business management, services, etc. ).
The end of the three-year high school, students are required to take the final examination, which usually comprises the subjects mentioned above as well as some additional topics that students choose to study. The exams are offered in phases and include both oral and written exams. Students write their own papers to test their skills in the language and receive a grade for their applied subject knowledge before receiving their certificate.
If the tests are passed when the exams are passed, students receive the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) which allows students to go on to higher education levels.
Assistance for Students who are Newly Arrived
Hong Kong pays specific attention to the newly arrived children that have to be initiated into the local schooling system. Parents who wish for their children to be enrolled in one of the more mainstream schools have several options that can help them integrate their kids. These are:
Initiation Programme – a six-months-long (September-March) fully-time course that combines academic and non-academic aspects in order for English students to master Chinese (or conversely). The program is completely free and runs at a few schools throughout Hong Kong.
Induction Programme – a 60-hour-long part-time program that runs during the day, after school, or on weekends, based on the child’s needs. The curriculum includes lessons on Chinese and English as well as an introduction to the traditions of the local population and Hong Kong’s educational system, and also communication and learning skills. The program is offered free of charge and is run in a variety of schools across Hong Kong.
School-based supplementary classes for language A program that is run by public and Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and supported by the School-Based Support Program. Usually, the content of these classes is dependent on the particular schools.
International Schools
Alongside the private schools in town, a reputable private school system comprising many different international schools has long been in operation. Many expats choose to send their kids there because of the more westernized curriculum. Recently they are increasing in popularity with local Chinese students as well.
The school year for international schools typically begins in August. In order to ensure your child will be able to get a place at the school you prefer, you must start the application a year prior to the start of the school year.
Every international school usually has its own set of admissions requirements, so be sure to contact the preferred school directly. Be aware that certain schools might give priority to students of a particular nationality (e.g. : French schools might prefer French students) and siblings of existing students, or children of the staff.
One of the benefits of sending your child to an international school is the fact that classes tend to be smaller than those in the local public schools, and generally, aren’t as competitive. On the downside, the most significant drawback to international schools is the costs. While public schools are typically open to all children, international school tuition fees range between 100,000 and 200,000 HKD (12,800 up to 25600 dollars) or more in annual tuition costs, based on the institution and the grade your child attends.
If your child is comfortable in the Chinese language, and you’d like them to become fluent and write in hanzi (Chinese letters) If you are a parent, you might find that the standard of Mandarin or Cantonese taught in international schools isn’t adequate. Only few of the international schools are actually bilingual and a public school may be the best choice in such a situation.
Higher Education
The universities of Hong Kong have recently developed an excellent reputation both within Hong Kong’s borders and beyond. In recent years, the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong specifically were awarded top spots in the world’s top university rankings. Additionally, the government is currently dedicating a large portion of their attention and resources to enhancing the region’s status as an education hub. Thus, universities in Hong Kong might be a an excellent option if your children want to pursue a college education , while living within Hong Kong.
All of the universities and other higher education institutions in Hong Kong offer internationally recognized degrees for their students. That includes bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees, which include research-based programmes and post-grad programs. Undergraduate degrees within Hong Kong usually last four years. However, it is possible to have courses that last only two or three years.
Most university courses are taught in English, so there is no need to be concerned about your Chinese ability to communicate. But, make sure you research the details about the courses you’re interested in.
How Much Will It Cost to study in Hong Kong?
The cost of higher education can vary from one school to another according to the type of course you choose and on whether you are local or not. Locals will pay around 40,000 to 45,000 HKD (5,100 up to 5,750 USD) for a year of an undergraduate course. The tuition fees for international university students can be doubled or triple or quadruple that – between 80,000 and 165,000 HKD (10,200 or 21,100 USD) for the academic year.
International students who want to study post-graduation in universities that are supported by the government cost about 40000 HKD (5,100 USD) per year, while locals are able to save tuition costs in general.
Universities may charge an application fee that is around 350 HKD (45 USD). Certain universities require students to pay a non-refundable deposit upon acceptance. The amount can range from 10,000 to the amount of 80,000 HKD (1,300 to 10,250 USD). On the other hand, many universities offer scholarship programs that students from abroad may be qualified to.
Different degrees and courses
There are a variety of accredited universities and institutions that are local to Hong Kong offering sub-degree courses like associate degrees and higher diplomas.
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