In an effort to attract young talent and fill their classrooms, Hong Kong’s top high schools are increasingly targeting students from mainland China. This was evident at the 2024 Greater Bay Area International Education School Fair, held in Shenzhen’s Futian District on Saturday, where 15 prestigious Hong Kong schools sought to appeal to mainland parents and students by offering a world-class education.
Among the participants were elite Band 1 schools such as Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School, United Christian College (Kowloon East), and Ying Wa College. Principals and representatives from these institutions shared insights into their academic programs, university preparation, and pathways to top-tier global universities.
Chan Yee-shun, vice principal of Aberdeen Technical School, highlighted the growing presence of mainland students at his school, where they now make up 10 percent of the student body. Chan emphasized the school’s commitment to helping these students adapt, offering specialized classes to address language barriers, including instruction in traditional Chinese characters and English.
“We’ve found that while mainland students have outstanding qualities, language deficiencies can sometimes hinder their progress, so we offer tailored support,” Chan explained. He also noted that the school frequently participates in similar events across the mainland to increase engagement.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Talent Scheme has played a pivotal role in this growing trend. In 2023, the scheme approved 12,969 applications out of 80,207, with mainland talent accounting for an overwhelming 98.5 percent of these approvals, making it easier for mainland students to study in Hong Kong.
During the fair’s forum, Linda Shen, co-founder of the International Education Network, highlighted the rising interest among mainland families in Hong Kong’s education system. She pointed out that the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) is gaining popularity, providing students with a competitive advantage in global higher education.
Shenzhen’s international schools, including Shenzhen American International School (SAIS), Shenzhen Shekou International School, and Harrow International School Shenzhen, were also in attendance, promoting their ability to offer HKDSE, International Baccalaureate (IB), and A-level programs. SAIS staffer Sun Lelan revealed that her school has introduced a special DSE class for mainland students, further broadening their educational services.
The Greater Bay Area International Education School Fair, organized by the International Education Network, began in 2017 and continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering educational exchanges between Hong Kong and mainland China.