Foreign media: Affected by intense competition for the Gaokao and rising uncertainties surrounding U.S. visa issuance, Hong Kong universities are rapidly becoming a popular study-abroad choice for families from mainland China.
According to the "Blue Book on Mainland Students Studying in Hong Kong," jointly released by institutions including the Institute of Sustainable Development at Peking University, Hong Kong has surpassed the United States to become the second most popular destination for mainland Chinese students by 2026.
In terms of data, the number of non-local students enrolled in taught postgraduate programs across Hong Kong’s universities reached 38,100 in the 2023–24 academic year—a staggering 207% increase compared to the 2020–21 academic year. For example, mainland students accounted for 63.4% of non-local undergraduates at the University of Hong Kong, and as high as 92.4% among taught postgraduates. Starting from the 2024–25 academic year, Hong Kong has increased its quota for non-local student admissions to 40% of local enrollment slots—doubling the previous rate—further expanding capacity to attract students from mainland China.
The report notes that over the past three to five years, studying in Hong Kong has evolved from an elite pathway reserved for a select few top-performing students into a complex ecosystem encompassing basic education, diverse undergraduate admission routes, large-scale taught master’s programs, career planning, and residency arrangements. Practical considerations such as geographical proximity, cultural affinity, favorable career prospects, and Hong Kong’s residency planning are key drivers behind this trend. The report forecasts that Hong Kong will continue to serve as an “education magnet” attracting mainland students.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864274068965383/
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