Acting education chief says no evidence non-local students will flood universities

Acting Secretary for Education Jeff Sze Chun-fai says no evidence suggests a surge of non-local children born to non-Hong Kong parents will flood local universities at tertiary age. Government population and degree planning already account for these students, with authorities closely monitoring data.

On revisions to government-subsidised post-secondary program eligibility, requiring sponsored children to reside in Hong Kong for two years from the 2028-29 academic year, Sze told news.gov.hk the current timeline suits parents needing time to select schools. With the new academic year approaching, implementing the rule a year earlier could cause confusion.

Addressing concerns over “shell schools” in private institutions, Sze stated a zero-tolerance stance. The Education Bureau will introduce short, medium, and long-term measures. Short-term actions include a reporting mechanism to investigate suspected violations rigorously. If mainland intermediaries or educational groups are involved, the bureau will notify mainland authorities for assistance and enhance communication.

The bureau has formed a surprise inspection squad to inspect high-risk private schools in September and October to ensure compliance. For medium and long-term plans, a code of practice for private schools and a public registry of compliant schools will be established to aid parental choice.

Sze added that mainland parents can report problematic local schools via email or phone to the Education Bureau or its regional offices in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories East, and New Territories West.