Educational Reforms Encourage Higher Education in Hong Kong

On an international level, Hong Kong universities themselves are doing a tremendous job promoting Hong Kong as a destination for education through their facilities, programs, and worldwide recognition from media and industry leaders as top tier universities. Although public funding of post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong have been cut over the past few years due to the economic downturn, Hong Kong universities have utilized their funding to having up to date technology to create modern research labs and opportunities for their students.

Being in a large financial centre, there is no shortfall when accessing funding and resources for higher education in Hong Kong; be it through sponsorship from a company that employs you or grants from the Hong Kong government. For many business professionals, Hong Kong is an ideal city to launch or improve on your career with extensive offerings and variety of MBA programs that are located within its city limits. HKU and HKUST are both ranked in the top 15 globally in MBA programs and there are also top rated EMBA programs offered at many satellite university campuses from all over the US and Europe. Alternatively, HKU offers highly recognized Master of Science degrees in Finance, Accounting, and Marketing.

The economic factor in Asia, specifically China, has also boosted Hong Kong’s claim as the regional education hub of Asia. As China’s economy grows, the demand for higher education will only increase. Right at the doorstep of China, Hong Kong, seen as the bridge between East and West, plays a large role in influencing and providing opportunity for businesses and professional career growth by having the resources for higher education and jobs after graduation.

Changes to visa rules that have made Hong Kong an attractive city for non-local students, including Chinese Mainlanders, allow graduates from post-secondary degree programs to stay in Hong Kong on a one-year work visa without sponsorship. Being situated in a large centre for international business and corporations, opportunities are plentiful for further career opportunities where companies will most likely sponsor a future employee well in advance of their graduation.

Education is becoming an industry upon itself in Hong Kong. Like any business, Hong Kong wants to promote their educational product. The Hong Kong government and immigration websites are equipped with many tools and resources for higher education, including information from which schools are located in Hong Kong to the visa application process to how daily life is like in Hong Kong. The government of Hong Kong is also proactively involved during visits to foreign countries, often promoting their education options through their Education Bureau representatives.