Undergraduate students at eight universities currently pay HK$42,100 (US$5,380) a year, but this amount has been frozen for 27 years. Cost recovery rates have fallen from 18% in 2012-13 to 13.3% in 2022-23, according to the University Grants Commission, which allocates funds to universities.
However, a fee increase is unlikely to occur until the 2025-26 school year at the earliest.
Choi also said the new goal of increasing non-local enrollment at public universities may take four to five years to achieve.
The government announced last year that it would double the number of subsidized non-local places for undergraduate students to 40% from September this year.
“The university will definitely not run out of capacity within a year,” Choi said. “If we did that, we would see a jump in first-year enrollment. “Instead, it would be a gradual process, as the institutions themselves would also need to hire additional personnel and maintain quality. .”
Non-local students pay annual tuition fees ranging from HK$140,000 to HK$171,000.
In response to criticism that the number of mainland Chinese students dwarfs other students among non-local students, Choi said adding joint programs with overseas institutions would help Hong Kong become more diverse. He said it could help attract a group of undergraduate students.
However, she noted that it is also common for mainland students to dominate international admissions to universities in Western countries.
Hong Kong considers raising tuition fees at public universities = Education Secretary
Hong Kong considers raising tuition fees at public universities = Education Secretary
The Post earlier reported that the number of mainland students taking undergraduate courses at public universities in Hong Kong has exceeded 10,000 for the first time and now accounts for about 70% of all non-local students.
Choi said increasing joint programs with foreign universities could be helpful, as students would be able to spend two years in the city and two years at an overseas educational institution.
“There are joint programs going on at several universities now. I think they could offer more to attract overseas students,” she said.
Mr Choi also cited concerns over the declining number of students in public schools, saying the government is targeting non-Hong Kong students other than those born in the city or those who came with their parents under various talent schemes. He said he has no plans to admit people.
“We're not trying to commercialize elementary schools,” she says. “If we open up, all non-local students will be from the mainland. Is that our goal?”
Hong Kong PolyU plans medical school, hospital and hotel in northern metropolis
Hong Kong PolyU plans medical school, hospital and hotel in northern metropolis
Choi said she doesn't think reducing class sizes will solve the declining enrollment, saying, “Having too few students in a class is not good for social development.”
In the interview, Choi also reported on the effectiveness of various programs that take students on trips to the mainland.
He said that the national identity of the participants had grown, and that some young people were willing to stand up and sing the national anthem when the national flag was raised.
Choi said schools don't need to be overwhelmed by different national education programs if they have the right staff.
