Talent children must reside 2 years in Hong Kong for local education benefits

Children of non-local talent in Hong Kong will be required to reside in the city for at least two years to become eligible for local students’ benefits at publicly funded tertiary education institutions starting in the 2027-28 academic year, as part of the government’s efforts to prevent abuse.

The government announced on Thursday the key change requiring holders of dependent visas or entry permits under the age of 18 to have lived in the city for two years before applying for subsidised sub-degree, undergraduate and post-graduate programmes as local students.

“To clarify the eligibility criteria for government-subsidised post-secondary student institutions and subsidies and to ensure the proper use of public funds, the Education Bureau ... considers it necessary for dependent children to reside in Hong Kong for two years before becoming eligible,” the bureau said.

“Holders of a full-time employment visa/work permit or a visa/entry permit for various admission schemes will no longer be eligible for government-subsidised post-secondary student places.”

The bureau said the revision would take effect from the 2027-28 academic year, with the application cycle starting in October 2026.

It added that the time frame would ensure reasonable time for applicants to make their own plans.