Editorial | Non-local students can add to diversity
- Plan to admit more undergraduates from overseas to Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities deserves support but high standards must be maintained and the prospects for locals preserved
Hong Kong’s drive to attract talent to the city has targeted a wide range of professionals, in fields ranging from finance to information technology and science. Now, attention is turning to students.
A proposal submitted to education authorities aims to double the number of non-local undergraduates admitted to publicly funded universities for the 2024-25 academic year.
The idea has been raised by the University Grants Committee, which allocates government money to eight universities. It suggests raising the quota of non-local students from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, or from 3,000 to 6,000. A dramatic increase in the number of students from outside Hong Kong would be consistent with the city’s aim to become a regional centre for education.
There will also be hopes that graduates will choose to stay and work in Hong Kong. The move has the potential to boost the city’s credentials as a multicultural centre for academic excellence. But it has to be handled carefully. The opportunities available to local students must be protected.
Assurances have been provided. Non-local students would pay full tuition fees of up to HK$182,000 a year, leaving the funds available for the city’s undergraduates intact. They only pay HK$42,100 annually.