Under the current arrangement, students holding dependent visas under Talent Admission Schemes are classified as "local students" and are eligible for public funding when enrolling in local universities. However, some concern that the definition of "local students" is too broad, affecting the fairness of degree competition and the use of public funds.
The Education Bureau responded today (March 19) in the Legislative Council (LegCo), noting that the number of dependents admitted to JUPAS UGC-funded first-year-first-degree programs this academic year has surged to 185, nearly doubling from the previous year. Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin stated that authorities may consider requiring visa holders to reside in Hong Kong for a period before being eligible for local student tuition subsidies.
In response to questions from LegCo members, Choi indicated that since the launch of various Talent Admission Schemes, including the Top Talent Pass Scheme, over 450,000 applications have been received as of the end of February this year, with more than 290,000 approved. During the same period, 196,000 talents have arrived in Hong Kong, some bringing their families.
Under these schemes, approximately 132,000 unmarried dependents under 18 have been granted permission to come to Hong Kong. According to data from the JUPAS Office, the number of dependents admitted to JUPAS UGC-funded first-year-first-degree programs from 2022/23 to 2024/25 is 62, 68, and 185, respectively, with the latest figure showing a nearly twofold increase from the previous year.
The Education Bureau previously stated that it is reviewing the definition of "local students" for higher education admissions. Choi indicated that this work is "progressing smoothly," to announce the final proposal for the revised definition of "local students" before the start of the new academic year, by the end of this year.
She further noted that the government will ensure local students have access to admission opportunities, with the eight universities maintaining 15,000 places annually. Non-local students will not be admitted through excess enrollment to ensure fairness for local students.
Currently, the annual tuition fee for government-funded bachelor's degree programs for local students is set at HK$42,100, and non-local students are not eligible for public funding. Choi mentioned that there are no plans to change the existing principles or arrangements, but for dependents with residency restrictions, the authorities will consider adopting practices from other countries and regions to review the conditions and requirements for tuition subsidies. For example, they may require visa holders to have resided in Hong Kong for a certain period before being eligible for local student tuition subsidies, ensuring the proper use of public funds.
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