Overview of the General Education System

Hong Kong, a land once owned by the British before it was returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, has undergone major transformation in its education system. The region is determined to helm a strong and modern system, which is why its education framework was rebuilt. It is now recognized as one of the world's top performers in international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

In modern times, the Hong Kong government provides 12 years of free education in public sector schools, including primary and secondary levels. The region’s educational system is structured into four primary levels. Education starts at ages 3 to 6 in pre-primary school, proceeds to primary education for ages 6 to 12, and secondary education for ages 12 to 18. In 2012, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination was introduced to replace the previous multi-examination system. This exam is taken to complete secondary schooling at the end of Secondary 6 to expand vocational education and improve access to higher education.

The Education Bureau (EDB) is the central authority that manages education policies, monitors schools, and develops curricula. The Secretary for Education leads it and supervises the bodies, including the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (for exams) and the Vocational Training Council (for vocational education). Schools are divided into government schools, aided schools run by voluntary organizations with government funding, private schools, and international schools.

Education in Hong Kong advocates bilingualism and trilingualism. Chinese (Cantonese) is the primary language of instruction, while English is the second language, Putonghua (Mandarin) is integrated into the curriculum. In the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), Hong Kong ranked second among 43 participating regions, earning a notable score of 573, a well above the average benchmark of 500. Conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, PIRLS evaluates the reading literacy skills in one's mother tongue among students aged 9 to 10 who are in the fourth grade, referred to as Primary 4 (P4) in Hong Kong.

Generally, Hong Kong’s educational system aims to shape a “whole-person education” that nurtures students ethically, intellectually, socially, and physically, ready for success in a globalized world.

In Hong Kong, compulsory education covers nine years. It starts at the age of six and extends through the end of junior secondary (Secondary 3). Although not legally mandatory, early childhood education is highly encouraged and publicly funded through programs like the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (FQKES). Primary school lasts six years, where students build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, sciences, and social values. Moving from primary to secondary education involves a central allocation system where students apply to schools through preference submissions, point systems for government and aided schools, and a lottery process with ranked preferences.

Furthermore, secondary schooling spans six years with three years of junior and three years of senior secondary. After Secondary 3, students can continue either with academic studies or choose vocational training programs to ensure multiple pathways based on interests and abilities.

Higher education in Hong Kong is prominent for its global competitiveness, academic freedom, and intense focus on molding research capabilities. The 22 higher education institutions include research-intensive universities, community colleges, and vocational institutions. Aside from these, 22 post-secondary institutions provide access to various locally-accredited sub-degree programmes.

In 2012, a significant modification occurred when undergraduate programs shifted from a three-year to a four-year structure to keep up with international standards. This enabled a broader curriculum with interdisciplinary studies, exchange opportunities, and service learning. In 2023, approximately 93,800 students will be enrolled in full-time undergraduate degree programs in Hong Kong.

Higher education qualifications include four-year Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees, Doctoral degrees, and sub-degree qualifications such as Associate Degrees and Higher Diplomas. Students who complete sub-degree programs can enter "top-up" degree programs through a "2+2" pathway, which entails two years of sub-degree + two years of bachelor's completion. Entry into higher education generally requires completion of the HKDSE, and admission is competitive.

The University Grants Committee (UGC) and the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) maintain governance and quality assurance. Hong Kong’s universities have also formed strong collaborative associations with institutions in Mainland China and Macao further to enhance research, teaching, and student exchange programs.