The number of Hong Kong universities enrolling mainland students has increased to 17.
It is reported that the 5 new Hong Kong universities enrolling mainland students in 2014 are Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Ming Chuan University, Tung Wah College, and Hang Seng Management College, among others. Additionally, the Hong Kong Institute of Higher Education (abbreviated as THEi) is now recruiting mainland students for the first time. Most of these new institutions have been established in recent years and have relatively low requirements for students' academic performance, but they do require students to possess strong English capabilities.
As of now, a total of 17 Hong Kong universities are enrolling students from the mainland. The Chinese University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong are included in the centralized admissions process for mainland senior high school graduates, allowing candidates to apply during the early admission phase; the other Hong Kong universities have independent admissions processes that require candidates to apply separately, submit materials as required by the schools, and participate in written exams or interviews.
It is understood that with the increasing number of mainland candidates for Hong Kong universities, the competition for admission has also intensified. In the past two years, over 10,000 mainland students have applied to the University of Hong Kong. Last year, the university received a total of 12,513 admission applications, the highest ever, ultimately admitting 303 mainland undergraduates, among whom 16 were the top scorers in their respective regions.
Some Hong Kong universities have increased tuition and living expenses.
According to reports, most universities have begun accepting online applications from students, and some Hong Kong universities have announced enrollment plans and required fees, with tuition fees increased by HKD 10,000 to 20,000 in some schools. For example, City University of Hong Kong anticipates costs of HKD 160,000 to 170,000 this year, compared to HKD 140,000 to 160,000 last year; Hong Kong Baptist University estimates its costs to be HKD 120,000 this year, an increase of HKD 10,000 compared to last year.
The newly added Hang Seng Management College has also announced its required fees, with tuition for the new term set at HKD 98,000 (undergraduate program) and HKD 72,000 (associate degree program). Accommodation fees (including electricity, water, and laundry costs) are approximately HKD 950 per month, and tuition and accommodation costs may be adjusted annually.
To reward outstanding mainland students with exceptional admission results and comprehensive qualities, most Hong Kong universities offer scholarships, with the full scholarship at the University of Hong Kong amounting to HKD 175,000 per year, while City University of Hong Kong offers a top full scholarship of HKD 160,000 per year. However, only a few candidates obtain full scholarships, and the majority still need to cover part or all of their expenses themselves.
