Number of Hongkongers seeking to study in mainland China, Taiwan reaches highest point in years
- Some 20 per cent more Hong Kong students applied to mainland universities this year than in 2020, the most since 2012
- The number of students applying to Taiwanese schools jumped 30 per cent to its highest level since 2015
The number of Hong Kong students seeking to study at universities in mainland China and Taiwan has reached its highest point in years, with the latter experiencing a 30 per cent spike in applications compared to 2020.
A major student guidance centre linked the surge to a broader increase in interest in studying at universities outside Hong Kong – even as competition for spots at local institutions has declined – saying the trend could be related to political concerns at home or a perception of better prospects abroad.
“Over the past two years, more students – no matter whether they are pro- or anti-government – tended to feel that leaving Hong Kong to pursue further studies was more suitable,” said Ng Po-shing, a student guidance consultant with the Hok Yau Club.
“It might be a reflection that the current [scholastic] environment in Hong Kong is no longer as preferable to them.”
Data released on Thursday by the China Education Exchange (Hong Kong) Centre, one of the major routes for students to apply to mainland schools, showed 4,783 applications had been received this year from high school graduates.
