Following the money: Hong Kong self-financing degrees gain more students with new education subsidy

High-cost, self-financing degree courses are gaining popularity among Hong Kong students who cannot secure a seat at a public university this year following the government’s new education subsidy, with more shunning controversial sub-degree programmes.

Under the proposal, students meeting basic requirements to enrol at local universities but unable to secure a place due to limited supply will be given an annual subsidy of HK$30,000 to pursue self-financing undergraduate programmes.

Secondary school graduate Flora Ng said she originally considered pursuing an associate degree at City University. However, she learned the chances of landing a spot at a public university’s degree programme were slim.