Full Breakdown
Rising Non-Local Admissions in Hong Kong Public Universities
4/14/2026, 10:50:47 PM
Surge in Non-Local Student Admissions
The Education Bureau of Hong Kong has reported a significant increase in the number of non-local students admitted to government-funded degree programs at public universities. The number of non-local students with Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) qualifications rose from 13 in the 2022-23 academic year to 65 in 2025-26, marking a fivefold increase over four years. In contrast, the number of local DSE candidates qualifying for these universities decreased by 5 percent during the same period, dropping from 12,178 to 11,501.
Additionally, the number of non-local students admitted with non-DSE qualifications increased by 15 percent, from 3,919 in 2022-23 to 6,456 in 2025-26. This trend has raised concerns regarding social mobility, as universities are increasingly admitting students who pay higher tuition fees.
Context of Local Admissions
The decline in local admissions coincides with a rise in the number of local students gaining university places based on non-local qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate or International A-levels. This group saw an 8 percent increase, growing from fewer than 9,000 in 2022-23 to over 10,000 in the last academic year. The shift in admissions criteria has sparked discussions about the implications for local students and the overall educational landscape in Hong Kong.
Official Statements & Responses
Tang Fei, a member of the Legislative Council, has expressed concerns regarding the rising number of non-local students entering publicly funded programs. He plans to question the government about whether these students include Hongkongers residing in mainland China. Fei emphasized the need for transparency from universities regarding the admission data of DSE and non-DSE students across different departments, highlighting the potential impact on social mobility.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics, including Tang Fei, argue that the preference for admitting non-DSE students in competitive programs could exacerbate inequalities in educational opportunities for local students. The rising tuition fees associated with non-DSE curricula further complicate access for local candidates, raising alarms about the long-term effects on social mobility in Hong Kong.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Education Bureau has provided data on the increase in non-local admissions, there is a lack of clarity regarding the specific demographics of these students, particularly whether they are Hongkongers living in mainland China. Additionally, the bureau noted that the number of applicants for first-year, first-degree government-funded programs surged by 35 percent, from 82,042 in 2024-25 to 110,975 in 2025-26. However, the actual number of unique applicants remains unclear, as applicants may submit multiple applications.
What's Next
As the legislature continues to review the city's budget, the implications of these admission trends will likely be a focal point of discussion. Stakeholders are calling for more comprehensive data and transparency from universities to better understand the evolving landscape of higher education in Hong Kong.
