Unstable Finances: Hong Kong Schools Announce Largest Fee Increase in Last 5 Years

Hong Kong Private Schools Increase Fees by 5.36%, International Schools by 4.53%

Students in Hong Kong are about to face the issue of rising private school fees, which are steadily increasing over time. It looks like families will have to adjust their budgets as education costs keep going up. Now Hong Kong's semi-private schools have been authorized to raise tuition fees by approximately 4.8% on average, marking the largest increase in five years. Private schools will see an average fee increase of 5.36%, while international schools will raise fees by 4.53%.

The Education Bureau announced on 25 September that it had received applications from 191 schools to adjust tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year, including private, international, and semi-private schools participating in the government's direct subsidy scheme (DSS). 53 DSS institutions, 73 private schools, and 65 international schools applied for an increment in tuition fees. After getting the green light for tuition fees increment, for the academic year 2025-26 fees for DSS schools will rise by an average of 4.76%. The bureau carefully reviewed applications from DSS schools based on their submitted budgets, evaluated the reason for the increment, and confirmed whether they had communicated their reasoning to parents.

DSS schools need to allocate at least 10% of their total tuition revenue for fee reductions and scholarships so that student's education is not impacted by their families' financial situations. Last year, these schools received approval to raise their fees by an average of 4.09% for the 2023-24 academic year, while private schools were allowed a 5.41% increase and international schools 4.5%. Dion Chen, the principal of Ying Wa College, a DSS school in Cheung Sha Wan, mentioned that the fee would go up by 5.4%. The college typically raises fees every two years due to rising operational costs, particularly electricity bills but students would not have to pay extra for many activities that are included in the annual fee.

The rising fees from contractors and service providers have led to an adjustment in the school's annual fee as without this increase, keeping up with inflation would be difficult. Despite the increase, the yearly fee would still be below the median for vocational schools, and the school provides various scholarships for students. Ngai Shan-ting, president of the Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations in Kowloon City, emphasized that schools should notify parents about fee increases and provide a financial report explaining the reasons. She urged the bureau to consider whether parents with significant financial responsibilities can afford the higher fees. She advised families to assess their financial capabilities when applying to private or semi-private schools.

The bureau critically considered the justifications provided by schools for fee increases, such as rising rents, adjustments in staff salaries, the hiring of additional teachers, the purchase of teaching materials, and necessary repair work. It would also evaluate each school's financial situation, their communication with parents, and how they addressed parents' concerns.

Editor’s Note:

Hong Kong's semi-private schools have been granted permission to increase tuition fees by nearly 5% on average, marking the largest hike in five years. Private schools will see an average increase of 5.36%, while international schools will raise fees by 4.53%. This development raises important questions about affordability and access to education for families in the region. The Education Bureau has carefully evaluated the applications for fee increases and assured that parents should be aware of the valid reason to hike the fee. The bureau will critically analyze the reasons behind the rising cost of education, including increasing rents, staff salaries, and the hiring of additional teachers. Schools are also expected to arrange scholarships to ensure that student's education is not adversely affected by these fee increases. 

Skoobuzz anticipates that the scholarships offered to students will help alleviate the financial burden on their families, making education more accessible.