Educators in Hong Kong welcome a new government initiative allowing semi-private schools to enroll overseas students, but cite accommodation and funding as key challenges. Principal Chan Wai-kai of HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School in Sha Tin said his school will apply to join the scheme, though hostel arrangements remain undecided.
Hong Kong's government has approved Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools to enroll non-local students in the upcoming academic year, a trial initiative that has drawn a positive response from educators, though it highlights challenges in accommodation and scholarships.
Chan Wai-kai, principal of HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School in Sha Tin, said the sector is generally positive about the move. The school, established two decades ago, has admitted only two pupils on student visas to date, and it plans to apply to enroll more non-local students. Some applications received this year originated from places including Dubai.
Chan identified accommodation as one of the biggest hurdles. “We are still thinking about the hostel arrangement and we have not decided yet. As the whole process is a long way to go, we have to get approval from our school management committee and we have to see if we have the resources to build,” he said.
The Education Bureau backs the initiative to boost Hong Kong's appeal through Belt and Road and Asean ties, under Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. However, educators note that insufficient scholarships and housing could limit overseas student intake and undermine the scheme's goals.