Letters | Can a Hong Kong looking to cut university funding attract foreign students?

Readers discuss the government’s plans to slash funding for universities, the native English teacher scheme, and students ‘lying flat’

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Students celebrate their graduation at the University of Hong Kong on August 2, 2024. Photo: Daniel Suen

Published: 11:30am, 12 Feb 2025

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The projected HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) deficit for 2024-25 has prompted the Hong Kong government to adopt an austerity approach, which includes cutting university funding. However, this could run counter to its “Study in Hong Kong” campaign.

Universities need government funding. Tertiary institutions can now admit more overseas students, and the government does not subsidise them. But, as the secretary for education acknowledged, increasing tuition fees for non-local students may hinder Hong Kong’s competitiveness.

In the face of rising costs, if a university cannot raise its tuition fees enough to make up for the reduced funding, critical cost reduction measures such as staff dismissal will be inevitable. This may not be a repercussion policymakers would like to see.

This austerity may also hinder the quality of our universities and the policy effectiveness of “Study in Hong Kong”. With fewer financial resources, universities cannot attract and retain renowned scholars. Without adequate financial liquidity, tertiary institutions may not be able to develop campus facilities to cater to the latest learning needs, especially in innovation and technology. With fewer teaching staff, there may be larger class sizes and students will receive less individual support.

Hong Kong universities, with their multicultural environment and advanced facilities, have long attracted foreign students. However, if these institutions have to minimise the spending needed to maintain, let alone enhance, their offerings, in the long run they may follow in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, once an education paradise for young people from around the world. The UK is now experiencing declining teaching quality, massive lay-offs and even bankruptcy and shutdown in some cases.