- Hong Kong raises nonlocal undergraduate admission quota to 50% from 2026–27, boosting its global education hub status
- Govt launches HK$40M 'Study in Hong Kong' campaign, expands hostel schemes, and plans University Town in Northern Metropolis
- HK$2B set aside to integrate AI in school curricula, alongside cultural hub development in West Kowloon and Airport City
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing Hong Kong's education and cultural environment in delivering his fourth Policy Address, which revealed a slate of measures embraced by stakeholders. He committed to further developing the city's higher education sector and solidifying its status as an international education center par excellence.
A key statement was the raising of the limit for nonlocal undergraduate admissions to 50 percent from the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year, from the existing 40 percent. This comes after a dramatic spike in recent years, with quotas doubling from 20 to 40 percent in the previous year. The reform has already shown its effects, with the number of nonlocal students growing from 14,800 in 2023-24 to more than 17,000 in 2024-25 in over 200 University Grants Committee-funded degree programs. The ceiling for self-financing research postgraduate admissions will also be increased to between 100 and 120 percent, Lee disclosed.
To promote international visibility, the government will also roll out a mass-scale 'Hong Kong: Your World-class Campus' campaign under the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand. Supported by HK$40 million of UGC funding, the drive will enhance promotion and extend teacher and student recruitment abroad and on the mainland. Responding to concerns over student accommodation, Lee stated the Hostels in the City Scheme would be expanded to include redevelopment schemes, dispensing with the need for rezoning and promoting commercial-to-hostel conversions. The government will also provide new sites for purpose-built hostels and request private sector proposals this year.
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The construction of the Northern Metropolis' University Town is a core focus area, and land release is planned in stages at Hung Shui Kiu in 2026, Ngau Tam Mei in 2028, and New Territories North New Town in 2030. The authorities will study international models and consult with stakeholders to customize the project into an economic and academic growth driver.
At the school level, HK$2 billion will be spent to introduce artificial intelligence in primary and secondary curricula, with a Digital Education Blueprint to be rolled out next year. The blueprint covers an AI literacy framework, teacher training, and curriculum alignment.
Aside from education, Lee emphasized the development of culture, vowing to make Hong Kong a cross-cultural arts and cultural center. Plans involve the development of an arts ecosystem at Airport City, progression of the West Kowloon Cultural District, and development of creative industries and intangible cultural heritage.
