Proposed uni fee hike too high despite support for poor students, Legco told

Stacy Shi

The proposed university tuition fee hike by the government is deemed excessively high, said Chow Man-kong, deputy head of the Education University of Hong Kong.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has pledged to extend support to financially disadvantaged students amidst this proposal.

Currently, the government is conducting a review of the HK$42,100 annual tuition fee at eight subsidized public universities. This fee has remained unchanged for 27 years, and the government is contemplating increasing the burden on students from 13 percent to 18 percent.

While the official announcement of the review was not included in the budget released on Wednesday, Chan said that it is being carried out according to existing mechanisms and is not a response to fiscal deficits.

An Education Bureau source revealed that the government and the University Grants Committee are expected to conclude the review and submit relevant proposals to the Executive Council by the end of the year.

"The review of tuition fees is conducted every three years, taking into account various factors such as public affordability and the overall public finance situation," said the Education Bureau source.

If approved by the Executive Council, the proposals will be included in the next budget, with the tuition fee increases being implemented gradually, starting from the 2025/26 academic year.

During a Legco meeting briefing on the budget, Chow, who is also a lawmaker, said any increase in university tuition fees should align with societal acceptance and the actual requirements of the universities.

He said it would be prudent to adjust the tuition fees in accordance with inflation, similar to other government fees.

Lawmaker Tang Fei, a former chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, raised concerns about the availability of financial assistance, such as loans or scholarships, for students from low-income backgrounds.

In response, Chan said "Complementary measures will be put in place, and the fundamental principle is that no student should be hindered from pursuing their studies due to financial constraints."

In a separate issue, Chan said he would inform the Labor and Welfare Bureau about lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu's proposal for bus operators to adopt sectional fares, thereby preventing users of the HK$2 Scheme from taking short rides on long-distance routes

He said the importance of bus companies installing Octopus machines near the drop-off doors of buses, rather than relying on the government as a source of funding. Lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, representing the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, cautioned against the government's review of the scheme, warning of potential consequences.

"If the elderly are compelled to stay at home due to high transportation costs, limiting their involvement in volunteer activities and social affairs, it will adversely affect their physical and mental well-being," she said.

Leung added the government should not underestimate the spending power of the elderly, which can contribute to the recovery of the catering and retail industries.