Number of Hong Kong students studying in England soars as parents lose faith in Diploma

Uncertainty about city’s new diploma system may be a factor behind the rise, says consultant

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Graduates gather outside the Sheldonian Theatre to have their photograph taken after a graduation ceremony at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:00am, 4 Apr 2014Updated: 8:13pm, 4 Apr 2014

The number of Hong Kong students entering universities in England has increased by almost a quarter as the overall number of overseas students in the country has declined for the first time in three decades.

Researchers say parents' uncertainty about Hong Kong's new Diploma of Secondary Education, which replaced the A Level exams, could be behind the surge, which occurred despite a rise in fees at English institutions.

More than 4,600 enrolled in undergraduate courses in 2012-2013, up 24 per cent from 2011-2012, and more than 1,000 entered postgraduate programmes, up 4 per cent, according to a study by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

At the same time, overseas student numbers fell 1.5 per cent to 307,205, the first fall in 29 years.

That came as maximum tuition fees were raised to £9,000 (HK$116,000) per year from £3,465 and immigration policies were tightened.

Cyrus Lin Ka-fai, programme consultant of Hong Kong overseas study centre Education First, said many parents had lost confidence in the diploma.

"Hong Kong parents trust British education," Lin said. "Hong Kong people are emotionally attached to the country."