HK universities may increase non-local student quota to 50pc

Hong Kong is considering raising the non-local student admission cap at publicly funded universities from 40 percent to 50 percent in the upcoming Policy Address, according to sources, with the move aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the city’s higher education sector without reducing opportunities for local students.

This potential adjustment follows last year’s increase from 20 percent to 40 percent in the non-local student quota.

A source familiar with the matter emphasized that the proposed change would not affect the 15,000 government-subsidized university places reserved annually for local students through the University Grants Committee (UGC).

Lawmaker Lau Chi-pang, also the Special Advisor to the President of Lingnan University, expressed support for the initiative.

He revealed that he had previously suggested the raise to the Chief Executive and believes universities have sufficient capacity to accommodate more non-local students.

“After increasing the ratio from 20 percent to 40 percent, the academic standards of admitted students continued to rise rather than decline. A further increase to 50 percent is acceptable,” said Lau.

“We could consider raising the cap by 10 percent every two years. With over 30,000 students currently enrolled, there is still room for growth—at least 10,000 more spaces. Expanding student numbers, especially in smaller institutions, will help improve our global rankings.”

Lau also suggested that the Education Bureau collaborate more actively with the eight publicly funded universities to recruit students from overseas.

In response to inquiries, the Education Bureau said it will continue to monitor the need for further adjustments to the non-local student quota.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to attracting students and scholars affected by recent changes in overseas higher education policies, offering them support and facilitation to study and work in Hong Kong.

The Policy Address is set to be released next Wednesday.

(Marco Lam)