Govt invites DSS schools to expand non-local intake as part of international education push

The Education Bureau (EDB) on Thursday invited Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools to apply for an expansion of their non-local student intake, as part of a new initiative that will include demonstration schemes and additional government support.

Under the invitation, DSS schools may apply to increase either the number of classes or class sizes to admit more self-financing non-local students who require visas to study in Hong Kong.

Schools may also apply to raise the maximum proportion of students enrolled in non-local curricula to 49 percent, enabling better allocation of resources for such programs.

Currently, the maximum class sizes for DSS schools are 41 students in secondary schools and 33 in primary schools.

Admitted non-local students may enroll in either local or non-local curricula. The bureau stressed that to safeguard local students’ interests, non-local students will not be counted toward the EDB-approved cap on the proportion of students allowed to study non-local curricula—ensuring local students retain full access to these programs.

The EDB reminded schools to conduct self-assessments of their capacity, resources, and facilities, ensuring that any expansion does not compromise the quality of education.

For DSS schools with boarding facilities, at least 50 percent of all boarding places must be reserved for non-local students holding student visas. Schools may also transfer 10 percent of tuition fee revenue for maintenance and facilities enhancement.

Deputy Secretary for Education Ida Lee Bik-sai noted that 26 of the 57 DSS secondary schools currently offer international curricula, which are particularly attractive to non-local families.

She added that non-local students taking local curricula may apply to Hong Kong tertiary institutions, as well as to over 1,100 universities worldwide and 165 institutions in mainland China.

Lee also said the expanded non-local intake is part of a broader government strategy to develop Hong Kong as an international education hub and strengthen the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.