Hong Kong to require 2-year stay for children seeking local education perks

Children of non-local talent will be required to stay in Hong Kong for at least two years to become eligible for resident student benefits at publicly funded tertiary education institutions from the 2028-29 academic year, as part of efforts to prevent abuse.

Authorities said on Thursday eligibility would be tightened over a transition period, with the city to introduce a one-year residency requirement for applications for 2027-28, before increasing the threshold to two years for 2028-29.

The policy will cover any subsidised sub-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

“To clarify the eligibility criteria for government-subsidised post-secondary student institutions and subsidies and to ensure the proper use of public funds, the Education Bureau … considers it necessary for dependent children to reside in Hong Kong for two years before becoming eligible,” a spokesman said.

“Holders of a full-time employment visa/work permit or a visa/entry permit for various admission schemes will no longer be eligible for government-subsidised post-secondary student places.”

The bureau said the policy’s timeline would give applicants a reasonable amount of time to make their own plans.