Hong Kong Education System

Today, Hong Kong is considered the "world city" of Asia, there are a number of world-class universities and branches of multinational organizations. Having experienced the influence of West and East, the administrative district of Hong Kong has a unique culture and atmosphere.

Despite the fact that today Hong Kong is again under the control of China, the area still retains the relative independence and education system established by the British. Understanding Hong Kong's higher education system is a prerequisite for successfully submitting documents to your local institution and then enrolling.

Schools in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, there are a number of higher education institutions that issue professional degrees and associate degrees, certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees. The choice of a particular educational institution directly depends on what qualifications and in which field you need to get.

Private universities

A number of Hong Kong's independent, private educational institutions offer education in general, technical, and special fields, such as performing arts at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Courses, training programs and admission requirements are different in each private university, so the exact information should be clarified by directly contacting the educational institution.

Colleges

Colleges issue qualifications from certificates to bachelor's level and some of them are allowed to officially include the title "university" in their name. There are 5 colleges in Hong Kong, each of which offers education in general and special fields. For example, Hong Kong University Shue Yang offers liberal arts programs, and Hang Seng College of Management students can choose one of 5 study programs for themselves.

Polytechnic institutes

It offers technical training programs focused on the development of applied skills in general areas, such as the humanities and the sciences, without considering them from an exclusively academic point of view. Usually, institutes give out professional and bachelor's degrees.

Universities

There are 8 state-funded universities in Hong Kong. Each of them offers training programs at the level of associate, bachelor, master and doctoral studies, almost all of them are taught in English.

Hong Kong is currently modernizing its academic structure and making it more balanced and versatile in order to better prepare students for the realities of the modern, globalized world. As a result of these transformations, the duration of undergraduate programs in Hong Kong has also increased from 3 to 4 years.

Undergraduate

The undergraduate structure in Hong Kong is similar to the British structure. Students study in general areas by choosing a specialization in which they must complete a series of courses to obtain a degree. Hong Kong universities are divided into faculties, each of which offers a number of general and special undergraduate programs.

In addition to the main specialization, the student can also choose a second specialization with fewer required courses. Today, the duration of undergraduate studies in Hong Kong is 4 years for full-time students.

In some educational institutions, students can earn a double bachelor's degree by completing two separate study programs at the same time. Typically, such programs have a longer duration than standard ones.

Each university offers a number of study programs in general areas with different specializations, a credit system, and entry requirements. For example, at the University of Hong Kong, 6 credits are given for one course, and the total number of credits that you need to get for the academic year is 60 credits. At their request, students can take more or less courses, the main thing is to meet the general requirements of the curriculum.

Master and doctoral studies

Postgraduate education in Hong Kong is represented by graduate and doctoral programs. Compared to undergraduate programs, such programs are more specific.

Features of master's and doctoral programs also depend on the specific educational institution and faculty, so they need to be checked with representatives of the university. Master's programs usually last 1 year and include theoretical, practical and research classes, as well as writing a thesis or dissertation.

Academic culture

In accordance with the latest academic transformations, universities in Hong Kong strive for the holistic development of the student’s personality, including his cultural and social enrichment, and interpersonal skills. Students here develop critical thinking and practical skills, as well as prepare for the realities of the modern world.

Although Hong Kong has retained the British model of education, Chinese culture still influences the local academic system. In particular, the exam results here are considered the main indicator of student performance, and particularly hard work and the principles of meritocracy are given. Studying at Hong Kong universities is systematic and versatile.

In addition, students of Hong Kong universities should independently monitor their educational process and deepen their knowledge on the topics discussed in the classroom. Communication style here implies courtesy and respect for higher ones, so students who are accustomed to a more relaxed academic environment should be careful when choosing behavior and expressions.

Despite the fact that some classes at Hong Kong universities involve cool discussions, open expression of one’s own opinion here is not always considered a sign of student knowledge.