Admission to Hong Kong schools for mainland students differs from the local central allocation system: schools mostly make their own admissions decisions. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process.
Step 1: Choose School Type and Location
Consider your child's age, family budget, language abilities and long-term goals, then choose among private, international or DSS schools. Also consider the school's district for daily commuting.
Step 2: Contact Schools Directly
Non-public-sector schools publish their own admission timelines. Parents should contact preferred schools about their application procedures, entrance assessments (written tests or interviews) and fees, ideally 6–12 months before the school year.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
- Valid travel document and visa / entry permit application details
- Birth certificate
- Previous academic transcripts and proof of study (notarised / translated if required)
- Vaccination records (schools keep these for health purposes)
- Application form, identification photos, and sometimes recommendation letters
Step 4: Entrance Assessment and Offer
Many schools run entrance assessments covering Chinese and English ability, mathematics and logical thinking. Some also interview parents.
Step 5: Visa and Enrolment
After receiving an offer, mainland students planning to live in Hong Kong should apply for the appropriate visa or entry permit with the Immigration Department, then follow the school's enrolment instructions including registration, uniform purchase and orientation.
Common Questions
- When to apply? Ideally 6–12 months before the intake; some private and international schools accept applications all year round.
- Can my child transfer mid-year? Most non-public-sector schools accept transfers when vacancies exist — ask each school directly.
- How much are school fees? Private and international school fees typically range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of HKD per year, depending on school and year level.