It's currently the season for filling out college application preferences. Mr. Liu, a parent from Shenzhen, is busy researching majors and admission score thresholds at mainland universities while anxiously awaiting calls from Hong Kong institutions.
With their academic excellence, global perspective, and diverse pathways for further education, Hong Kong universities have gradually become an alternative track for mainland students beyond the national college entrance exam (Gaokao). In recent years, more mainland students and families—especially those in the Greater Bay Area (GBA)—have turned their attention to Hong Kong universities and their mainland joint ventures. Applying to Hong Kong schools has reached unprecedented popularity, with many parents considering it a "standard" additional option.
Unlike in the past, when mainland students would enter a carefree mode after finishing the Gaokao, Mr. Liu and his daughter spent the entire month of June nervously preparing for admissions, rushing to meet deadlines for Hong Kong university applications, and attending comprehensive evaluation interviews for Sino-foreign joint programs. He noted that this year, the quota for non-local students at Hong Kong's "Big Eight" universities increased from 20% to 40%, significantly boosting applicants' enthusiasm. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and City University of Hong Kong (CityU) are part of the mainland's unified admissions system, meaning students can apply directly through the system. The other six universities operate independently, requiring applicants to submit their applications. Shortlisted candidates receive interview invitations, and final admissions are based on a combination of Gaokao scores and interview performance.
Diverse pathways in Hong Kong attract families
Mr. Liu lamented that the admission scores for the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and CUHK are already out of reach for most students, while scores for Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and CityU have also risen in recent years. After discussions with his daughter, they applied to the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), attracted by its globally top-ranked education programs and the potential for her to stay in Hong Kong for work or further studies after graduation.
More families are thinking the same way. A consultant from an overseas education planning agency explained that EdUHK's flagship education programs rank highly worldwide, and graduates can apply to Hong Kong's Education Bureau to become registered teachers for primary, secondary, or kindergarten positions—a career path with relatively high starting salaries. Against the backdrop of a tough job market on the mainland, this has become a popular choice for many families.
Some parents pointed out that studying in the UK or US now costs up to 1 million yuan (approx. US$140,000) per year, while Hong Kong universities offer world-class education at 100,000 to 400,000 yuan in tuition, making them a cost-effective option even when living expenses are factored in. In terms of further education, graduates can either stay in Hong Kong for work or apply for overseas master's programs, creating a flexible "advance or retreat" pathway.
Mr. Liu admitted that many students around him have also applied to Hong Kong universities, with even some private institutions becoming "top choices" for families, leading to skyrocketing admission thresholds. "Some families squeezed out precious time during their child's intense final year of high school to cram for English exams, as certain private universities in Hong Kong require scores meeting the 'first-tier' Gaokao cutoff and a specific English proficiency level for early admission." Seeing friends' children already receiving offers from Hong Kong Hang Seng University, Mr. Liu couldn't hide his envy.
As interest in Hong Kong universities surges, the old saying once popular in elite mainland international schools—"Slack off for three years, end up in 'HK3'" (referring to HKU, CUHK, and HKUST)—has faded into history. A veteran consultant from an overseas education agency noted that at top international high schools like Shenzhen College of International Education, nearly half the students aim for Oxford, Cambridge, or the UK's G5 universities, with "HK3" as a backup. However, in recent years, due to global instability and soaring costs, many have turned down offers from top Western schools in favor of HKU or CUHK. Beyond financial considerations, parents and students are increasingly drawn to Hong Kong's job opportunities. "Even graduating from a UK G5 university doesn't guarantee a suitable job in the UK, but HKU graduates' average starting salary of HK$30,000–40,000 per month is incredibly appealing," one parent said.
At a recent admissions event in Shenzhen targeting international school students, the reaction to Hong Kong Metropolitan University's presentation stood in stark contrast to the polite applause for recruiters from the University of Auckland or Australia's "Group of Eight." The moment the Hong Kong representative took the stage, nearly 30% of parents immediately raised their phones to snap photos—a sight that left seasoned consultants astonished, remarking on the overwhelming "Hong Kong wave."
Higher thresholds, tougher competition
But as more applicants flock to Hong Kong, admissions have become increasingly competitive. Many mainland students applying this year felt the bar had risen significantly. Some parents noted that not only were application windows closing earlier, but score requirements had also tightened.
One parent told Wen Wei Po that Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) stopped accepting applications as early as February due to a surge in submissions—a policy specifically affecting mainland students enrolled in international curricula like A-Levels, IB, AP, or OSSD. Meanwhile, HKU announced that starting in the 2026 admissions cycle, IELTS or TOEFL test results must be taken within two years of the application deadline (September 1 of the admission year), shortening the validity period by one year compared to previous policies. Additionally, minimum entry requirements for HKU's popular majors have increased—for example, the Faculty of Architecture previously required AAB but raised it to AAA last year.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalists: Li Wangxian; English Editor: Darius)
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