Why study in Hong Kong?
7th January 2019
A growing reputation
Hong Kong (also known as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) is home to three of the world’s top 50 universities. This is a remarkable achievement considering the population is only slightly over 7 million. The Hong Kong government has worked hard to promote higher education in the country, and an increase in international students is part of this incentive.
It’s possible to gain a world-class education from some of the best institutions in Hong Kong. The city-state is particularly well-known for their business-related programmes. However, there is a broad selection of subjects to choose from. There are also many options available in terms of exchanges and short-term studies.
The potential for a scholarship
Part of Hong Kong’s drive to attract the best talent from around the world comes from the scholarships they offer. Non-local students may be eligible for a range of funding incentives. Some are aimed at overseas students, while others are open to both local and non-local pupils.
Outstanding students could be eligible for either the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Scholarship or The Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund. Both local and non-local students are eligible for these. Successful candidates receive HK$80,000 (around £7,800 or US$10,000).
Explore a city of cultures
It’s often said of Hong Kong that it’s a place where Eastern and Western cultures meet. This mix of influences is evident across the city, with huge skyscrapers towering next to historical sites. Hong Kong was a British colony until 1997, so English and Chinese are both spoken and widespread. But, there’s very much an international feel it.
The food is world-renowned, with both local and overseas delicacies being available in many locations. There are also plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs to explore. If you’re a nature lover, there are lots of stunning destinations that can be easily reached by the excellent public transport system.
Opportunities to work while studying
International students previously couldn’t work while they were studying. However, the government relaxed laws in an effort to make Hong Kong a more appealing destination. This means that both internships and on-campus part-time work are now possible if you’re studying there.
There are some requirements to be eligible. For example, you must be on a full-time locally-accredited programme that lasts no less than one academic year. However, if you meet these criteria, you can make some money and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The chance to learn new languages
As mentioned above, the official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English. Cantonese is spoken most widely, but Mandarin is also popular. Many universities teach courses in English. With this varied mix of languages, studying in Hong Kong is the perfect opportunity to learn or improve a new language.
There are plenty of chances to practice in the city. Most universities also offer language and culture courses for their students.
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