Hong Kong is actively promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and building itself as an international education hub to attract students from the mainland and overseas. The third "Greater Bay Area Hong Kong Through-Train School Education Expo" concluded yesterday (June 28), with participating schools collectively receiving more than 33,000 applications over the three‑day event.
Mainland students accounted for 85% of applications, and there were even parents from as far as the United States who made special trips to Hong Kong to gather information. School representatives noted that this year's parents asked more precise and in‑depth questions, indicating that the expo has successfully narrowed the "information gap" that mainland parents previously faced regarding Hong Kong's education system.
On‑site Interviews and Language Assessments Offered
Organised by STEM PLUS Limited, the expo brought together more than 230 kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and tertiary institutions. To expedite the admissions process, most schools conducted on‑site interviews and language proficiency assessments at their booths, with some even arranging written tests directly on site, allowing students to complete preliminary evaluations most conveniently. The organisers reported that the expo attracted 38,000 visitors and generated 33,000 applications across all participating schools—far exceeding expectations. Mainland families were the driving force, accounting for 85% of all applications, with the majority coming from Greater Bay Area cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, as well as Beijing, Shanghai, and other first‑tier mainland cities.
Strong Response from Multiple Schools
A survey by the organisers showed enthusiastic reception at many schools. For example, St. Stephen's Church College received approximately 300 transfer applications in the first two days alone, surpassing the total from the previous year's entire expo. The school noted that this year's applicants demonstrated higher academic standards than in previous years, with major sources including Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and even as far as Los Angeles in the United States. The Academy of Innovation (Confucius Hall) received 280 applications and arranged on‑site interviews for 100 students and written tests for another 100. Meanwhile, the CUHKFAA Thomas Cheung Secondary School received about 200 applications in the first two days, and the GCCITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School also received around 200 applications.
Well‑Prepared Parents and Immersive Experiences
The organisers said many mainland parents had done thorough research before attending, enabling them to plan their children's academic pathways more efficiently. The expo also featured activities such as "AI‑powered school selection assessments," "classroom experience zones," and "interview and written test areas," allowing participants to immerse themselves in Hong Kong's teaching environment and helping parents grasp comprehensive admission information from kindergarten to tertiary levels.
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