Education and training to Hong Kong

(Last updated: 19 Mar 2008)

Trends and opportunities

The market

Hong Kong was the fifth largest source of overseas students in Australian courses in 2007, with over 19,707 enrolled as at November 2007.

(Source: http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/MIP/Statistics/Default.htm)

There is ongoing demand from Hong Kong students for overseas secondary, post-secondary and tertiary studies.  While demand for overseas education and training remains strong, there is also strong competition from both local and overseas institutions.  Australian education and training providers therefore need to develop dynamic courses and offer flexibility in study options.

Higher Education

There are 11 tertiary education institutions in Hong Kong:

• Chinese University of Hong Kong
• City University of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Baptist University
• Hong Kong Institute of Education
• Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Hong Kong Shue Yan University
• Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
• Academy of Performing Arts Hong Kong
• Lingnan University
• Open University of Hong Kong
• University of Hong Kong

For the nine universities, a total of 63,039 full-time students and 9,580 part-time students pursued publicly funded sub-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in 2006/07.

The Open University of Hong Kong offers degree, non-degree and postgraduate programmes principally through open access and distance education to working adults aged 17 and above.  It has over 17,000 students – including about 2,200 students through full-time face-to-face programmes – and a total of about 45,000 graduates as at October 2006.

The Academy of Performing Arts Hong Kong offers degree and non-degree programmes on a full-time basis and has over 700 full-time students.  It comprises five schools which offer courses in Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, Technical Arts and Chinese Traditional Theatre.

Schools

Primary Education:

Primary schooling starts at the age of around six and there are 6 years of schooling at primary level.  There are three modes of operation in the primary schools, namely AM, PM and whole-day. With the encouragement of the Government, most primary schools are adopting whole-day operation. All eligible children are, on application, allocated Primary 1 places in government and aided primary schools through the Primary One Admission System.  Chinese is the language of instruction in most schools with English taught as a second language.

In September 2006, 357,500 children were enrolled in 553 government and aided primary schools.  Since the curriculum reform at the basic education level in 2001/02, there has been enhanced learning and teaching in classrooms.

Secondary Education:

On completion of primary education, pupils are, on application, allocated subsidised Secondary 1 places through the Secondary School Places Allocation System.

Currently, most secondary schools offer three-year junior secondary and two-year senior secondary courses leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), to be followed by a two-year sixth-form course leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) for admission to tertiary institutions.

In September 2006, 411 government and aided secondary schools had a total enrolment of 413,200.

The implementation of a three-year senior secondary academic structure will commence at Secondary 4 in September 2009. The senior secondary curriculum which is of a 3-year duration will be introduced at Secondary 4 leading to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), and to replace the present Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) and Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE).

Under the new system, all students will be able to benefit from 6 years of secondary education (i.e. 3 years of junior secondary and 3 years of senior secondary education).  This flexible, coherent and diversified senior secondary curriculum as proposed by the EDB aims at catering for students’ varied interests, needs and abilities. The first cohort of students under the new senior secondary education will be graduated in 2012.

Vocation and Technical Training

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) advises the Government on measures required to ensure a comprehensive system of vocational education and training suited to the development and manpower needs of Hong Kong. Vocational education and training services are provided at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Youth College (YC), the School of Business and Information Systems (SBI), the Institute of Professional Education and Knowledge (PEAK) and Training and Development Centres. The VTC also institutes, develops and operates various schemes for training operatives, craftsmen, technicians and technologists (including the Apprenticeship Scheme) to sustain and improve industry, commerce and services.

IVE offers courses at higher technician, technician and craft levels leading to the awards of higher diploma, higher certificate, diploma and certificate etc. YC mainly offers Diploma in Vocational Studies courses for Secondary 3 and Secondary 5 school leavers. The education and training provided aims to lay a foundation for the students’ continued personal and professional development and to prepare them for employment and/or further education. In the 2006/07 academic year, more than 35,000 students are enrolled in full-time courses and nearly 26 000 in part-time courses offered at IVE and YC.

In the 2006/07 academic year, over 40,000 full-time, part-time and self-study places are offered in the 15 Training and Development Centres of the VTC which provide basic and upgrading courses for trainees at all levels.

Distance Education

Distance education has become a popular mode of study in Hong Kong in recent years. Opportunity costs are great in Hong Kong as students who leave full-time jobs for full-time study often lose out on pay rises or promotion.

The Open University of Hong Kong is the major local distance education service provider, which has provided over 100,000 people with educational opportunities previously unattainable. Each year, the university adds over 2000 graduates to the workforce.

Over 70 overseas institutions from different countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, China and Macau have been actively collaborating with local tertiary institutions, or through local agencies and representative offices, to provide distance education courses in Hong Kong to meet the strong and growing demand for distance education programs from Hong Kong students.

The Open University of Hong Kong and the overseas institutions are currently offering more than 2000 different types of distance education programs, ranging from certificate and diploma levels through to Doctorate qualifications. Courses include:

• business and commerce
• computing
• science and technology
• arts
• tourism and hospitality
• nursing
• engineering
• social science
• architecture
• education
• languages
• law
• fashion

Training

The demand for training for both corporate and Hong Kong government organisations are met by local and international training organisations.  Over 3000 training organisations registered their businesses in Hong Kong.  A list of major training organisations can be found at hkdirectory.tdctrade.com.

Opportunities

In 2007, the main tertiary courses undertaken by Hong Kong students in Australia were:

• business
• information technology
• engineering
• nursing

These areas of study remain in high demand.

At secondary school level, students are seeking foundation studies designed for international students to prepare for university entry and private schools that offer articulated courses with universities.

Study tours with an English course component are also popular for Hong Kong students during the summer period in July and August.

Almost all Australian universities are active in the Hong Kong market.  Since all the Australian universities are endorsed by the Australian Government and recognised by other countries, the quality and the standard of each Australian university are equally recognised in Hong Kong.

Training opportunities exist for the following categories and industries:

• Coaching
• Team building
• Executive leadership
• Risk management
• Environment, health and safety
• Finance and security
• Logistics and supply chain management

Competitive environment

The Hong Kong education market remains highly competitive, with already strong activity from the USA, the UK, and Canada expected to intensify.

Recently, New Zealand education providers have become more active, although they presently hold only a small market share. Generally speaking, the New Zealand educational institutions are targeting very similar courses to Australia.

The Hong Kong distance education market is highly competitive. The main challenge will be to maintain and improve competitiveness against stiff competition from other distance education providers in the UK, USA, China, Singapore and the Open University of Hong Kong.

Education exhibitions, interview programs, newspaper advertisements are the major competitive activities being used by the overseas institutions to attract students for overseas studies.

There are many local and international training organisations in Hong Kong including the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Vocational Training Council, Hong Kong Securities Institute, ABRS Professional Learning Services, Asia Pacific Management Institute. They offer a wide range of training services including executive management, marketing, information technology, financial services, etc

Marketing your products and services

Market entry

The most effective market entry strategies for the Hong Kong education and training market are:

• Identification and appointment of an appropriate education and training agent to recruit Hong Kong students to study in Australia and identify training opportunities.  Austrade can assist you in this research process.
• Participation in the annual Australian Education Festival to attract students directly.  The 2008 Australian Education Festival will be held on 9 & 10 August 2008.  Application details are available from Austrade's website at www.austrade.gov.au/edufestHK
• The Hong Kong Trade Development Council also organises an annual Education & Career Expo in February each year.  Details can be found at hkeducationexpo.tdctrade.com/

Education

Hong Kong students generally look for the following factors in an educational institution:

• Brand
• Quality assurance
• Qualifications recognition
• Safe environment
• Living costs
• Student support services

Marketing of education services in Hong Kong is best conducted through a representative agent and participation in appropriate education trade events.

Educational and training institutions should always do their research before selecting an agent. There are over 60 active education agents in Hong Kong.  The list can be purchased from the Australian Education International Hong Kong office.  The contact details are: Tel: +852 2827 5475 or email: info.hongkong@aei.gov.au

When looking for an agent in Hong Kong, it is advisable to research the agent's:

• Corporate structure
• History
• Management background information
• Track record in recruiting students
• Reputation
• Financial status
• Public filings

The education agents in Hong Kong offer a complete study package to Hong Kong students, from initial contact through to a quality monitored home-stay program including:

• A wide selection of accredited Australian study programs
• A choice of quality Australian colleges and tertiary institutions
• Quality home-stay accommodation while in Australia
• 24-hour care and support to overseas student and Australian home-stay family
• A professional, supervised and cultural tour and excursion program

By offering the complete study program to the Hong Kong students, the education agents are able to monitor the academic progress of the student and liaise between the student and the Hong Kong family. Hong Kong families are able to participate in selection of the school or educational institution.

Education agents are able to obtain the students interests and academic history, then place them in the most appropriate school. Some students may have a strong interest in a particular academic subject, sport or music, and the education agents then maximise the students’ study programs in Australia by placing them in a school or college with like strengths.

Training

Overseas training organisations usually set up offices in Hong Kong or work with local agents in Hong Kong to deliver training programmes to both corporate and government sectors.  A list of major training organisations and their profiles can be found at hkdirectory.tdctrade.com.

The training agents in Hong Kong, which offer training & consultancy services to the public and private sectors, have local experience and knowledge.  They may also require overseas expertise in some training projects.  Australian training organisations need to identify their competitive advantages and promote their unique training services to the Hong Kong agents.

Links and industry contacts

Education–related resources

Australian Education International
Room 2404, 24/F., Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road
Wanchai Hong Kong
Contact: Ms Heidi Fung
Email: heidi.fung@austrade.gov.au
Tel: (852) 2201 6511
Fax: (852) 2827 1765
Website: aei.dest.gov.au

AEI is part of the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).  AEI integrates the development of international government relations with support for the commercial activities of Australia’s education community. To do this, AEI liaises with all sectors of the education and training industry and all levels of government.

Hong Kong Education Bureau
15/F., Wu Chung House
213 Queen’s Road East
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Secretary: Mr Michael M Y Suen
Email: edbinfo@edb.gov.hk
Tel: (852) 2891 0088
Fax: (852) 2893 0858
Website: www.edb.gov.hk/

The Education Bureau is responsible for the formulation of policies and the introduction of legislation to ensure that quality education is being provided for Hong Kong’s young people.

IDP Education Australia Limited
Room 2807 Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Contact: Mr Peter Burges
Email: info@hongkong.idp.com
Tel: (852) 2827 6362 
Fax: (852) 2827 9286
Website: www.idp.com

IDP Education Australia in Hong Kong represents Australian institutions and offers the enrolment service used by international students who study in Australia.

Introducing Australia Studies Centre
Room 1605, Sino Centre
582 Nathan Road
Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Contact: Mr Gary Cheung
Email: admin@iasc.com.hk
Tel: (852) 2771 8987
Fax: (852) 2332 5019
Website: www.iasc.com.hk

Introducing Australia Studies Centre was established in 1991 in Hong Kong and has been official representative of many institutes around the world.  The schools they are representing are mainly from Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom.

DaDi Overseas Studies Service Centre
Room 1801A, 18th Floor, Star House
3 Salisbury Road
Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Contact: Ms Bessie Law
Email: dadiossc@dadi.com.hk
Tel: (852) 2314 8312 
Fax: (852) 2314 0767
Website: www.dadi.com.hk

Brief company profile:  Established in 1990, DaDi Overseas Studies Service Centre represents institutions from Australia, USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, etc.

Hong Kong Overseas Studies Centre
Rm. 829-830 Star House
3 Salisbury Rd 
Tsimshatsu, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Contact: Mr Jimmy Wong
Email: jimmy@hkosc.com.hk
Tel: (852) 2730 2068 
Fax: (852) 2730 2808
Website: www.hkosc.com.hk

Hong Kong Overseas Studies Centre (HKOSC) was established 1977 and incorporated in 1985. It was set up as an extension of Hong Kong Student Travel Limited with the purpose of providing educational counselling services to students and parents seeking information on overseas educational opportunities. HKOSC now represents over 1500 overseas institutions from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Japan & People’s Republic of China.

Federation of Australian Alumni Associations
GPO Box 12276
Hong Kong
Contact: Mr David Chan
Email: info@faaahk.org.hk
Tel: (852) 2543 8836
Fax: (852) 2543 7370
Website: faaahk.org.hk/newsite/

The Federation of Australian Alumni Associations Hong Kong (FAAA) was founded in December 1995 under the initiative of the Australian Cousulate General and a number of alumni associations of Australian universities in Hong Kong.  The objective of FAAA is to foster networking among fellow Australian graduates.

Australian International School Hong Kong
3A Norfolk Road
Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Email: gregory_clarke@aishk.edu.hk
Tel: (852) 2304 6078
Fax: (852) 2304 6077
Website: www.aishk.edu.hk/

Established in 1995, one of the missions of the Australian International School is to provide an Australian-based education system in Hong Kong that will allow a seamless transition for students arriving from, and returning to, Australia.

Vocational Training Council
VTC Tower
27 Wood Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Contact: Dr Carrie Willis, MBE, JP
Email: admission@vtc.edu.hk
Tel: (852) 2836 1000
Fax: (852) 2838 0667
Website: www.vtc.edu.hk

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the single largest vocational education, training and professional development group in Hong Kong.  VTC provides valuable credentials for over 160,000 students each year through a full range of pre-employment and in-service programmes with internationally recognised qualifications.

Hong Kong Securities Institute
2403-08, 24/F., Wing On Centre
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Contact: Mr Sam Lee
Email: info@hksi.org
Tel: (852) 3120 6100
Fax: (852) 2899 2611
Website: www.hksi.org

The Hong Kong Securities Institute was officially formed in December 1997 as a professional body to raise the standards of securities and finance practitioners in Hong Kong. The HKSI provides continuous professional development by offering comprehensive examinations and an extensive programme of training courses and events.

Hong Kong Institute of Human Resources Management
Suite 1503, 15/F., 68 Yee Wo Street
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Email: info@hkihrm.org
Tel: (852) 2881 5113
Fax: (852) 2881 6062
Website: www.hkihrm.org

The Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) is the largest professional body representing human resource management professionals in Hong Kong.

Government, business and trade resources for Hong Kong

Hong Kong SAR Government – www.gov.hk
Australian Consulate General – www.hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au
Australian Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong – www.austcham.com.hk

Media

South China Morning Post – www.scmp.com (major English language newspaper) –  A special education supplement is available on every Thursdays.
Apple Daily – appledaily.atnext.com  (major Chinese language newspaper) - Education supplement is published around early August every year.
Ming Pao – www.mingpao.com (major Chinese language newspaper) – An education section is published daily.