Number of Hong Kong private and semi-private schools increasing tuition fees nearly doubles
- Nearly 100 international, private and semi-private schools given permission to raise rates
- Some 88 subsidised kindergartens across city also have applications to increase costs approved by Education Bureau
The number of international, private and semi-private schools in Hong Kong given permission to raise tuition fees this academic year has nearly doubled, with 87 institutions increasing rates by an average of about 3 per cent.
At least 88 subsidised kindergartens also had their applications approved by the Education Bureau – a significant drop from last year’s 280.
But one school has more than doubled its annual fees despite the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.
Some principals said they believed many kindergartens were cautious in raising fees given the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic and a falling student population, while one head predicted more primary and secondary schools could apply for an increase next year.
Statistics released by the bureau on Thursday revealed that 24 of the city’s 53 international schools, 38 of its 78 private ones, as well as 25 of all 71 direct subsidy scheme schools – semi-private institutions which receive some government help – were raising fees in the 2021-22 school year.
