Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Saturday, April 1
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    The HK HUB
    • What’s On

      Fitness + Wellness Expo (FWE) 2023 : Hong Kong’s Biggest Fitness Event Returns This May

      2023-03-31

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-03-29

      Rock On: Music Festivals & Concerts In Hong Kong You Need To Attend In 2023

      2023-03-29

      Get Ready For The First-ever Easter Hat Parade At Victoria Harbour 2023 This Sunday

      2023-03-29

      What’s On: The Most Exciting Events For All This Month

      2023-03-29
    • Eat & Drink
      1. Bars
      2. Food
      3. Restaurants
      4. Reviews
      5. View All

      34 Best Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong Over The Weekend

      2023-03-08

      Where To Drink Mulled Wine & Buy Hot Wine Spices In Hong Kong

      2022-11-28

      15 Awesome Happy Hour Deals Around Hong Kong

      2022-10-31

      15 Great Restaurants & Bars To Visit In Causeway Bay

      2022-09-15

      Easter Egg Hunt: Where To Buy Easter Eggs, Themed Pastries & Desserts In Hong Kong?

      2023-03-22

      34 Best Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong Over The Weekend

      2023-03-08

      10 Lucky Chinese New Year Foods, Snacks & Treats

      2023-01-12

      Guide To Poon Choi & Where To Buy The Lunar New Year Dish In Hong Kong

      2023-01-03

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurants & Bars You Can’t Miss In April 2023 (Warning: May Lead To Uncontrollable Cravings)

      2023-03-31

      5 Certified Halal Restaurants In Hong Kong (And Some Have Iftar Meal Sets)

      2023-03-31

      5 Hong Kong Restaurants Make It To Asia’s 50 Best List For 2023

      2023-03-29

      8 Hong Kong Restaurants Named In Asia’s Top 51-100 List For 2023

      2023-03-17

      Restaurant Review – Modern Chinese Vegetarian at Miss Lee

      2020-03-05

      Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Brunch at FRANCIS, Wan Chai

      2019-12-04

      Restaurant Review: Hue, Modern Australian with Harbour Views

      2019-11-27

      Review: Micasadeco & Café, Langham Place

      2019-09-20

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurants & Bars You Can’t Miss In April 2023 (Warning: May Lead To Uncontrollable Cravings)

      2023-03-31

      5 Certified Halal Restaurants In Hong Kong (And Some Have Iftar Meal Sets)

      2023-03-31

      18 Delicious Cake Shops For Your Birthday Cakes In Hong Kong

      2023-03-30

      5 Hong Kong Restaurants Make It To Asia’s 50 Best List For 2023

      2023-03-29
    • Lifestyle
      1. Beauty
      2. Fashion
      3. Entertainment
      4. Interviews
      5. Outdoor
      6. Shopping
      7. View All

      15 Amazing Day Spas & Massages You’re Going To Love In Hong Kong

      2022-12-29

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      Our Review of LifeHub’s IV Drip Treatment For Glowing Skin

      2021-12-09

      Our Review Of EstheClinic’s OXYPURE Oxygenation Facial

      2021-11-18

      20 Plus Size Clothing Shops In Hong Kong For Curvy People

      2023-03-06

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      Hong Kong Fashion Show By Lumiere Runway Hits Haw Par Mansion On 26 Nov (And We Got You 4 VIP Passes)

      2022-11-10

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      Don’t Miss Out On 9 World Premieres & 67 Asia Firsts At The Hong Kong International Film Festival

      2023-03-30

      Hong Kong’s Best Gay Bars For Everyone On The LGBTQIA+ Spectrum

      2023-03-30

      Tony Leung Makes History As First Chinese Actor To Receive Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion For Lifetime Achievement

      2023-03-28

      Michelle Yeoh Wins 2023 Best Actress Oscar, Becomes First Asian To Win The Award

      2023-03-13

      International Women’s Day 2023: Chinese Entrepreneur Ashley Dudarenok On Gender Equity In China, Hong Kong

      2023-03-02

      International Women’s Day 2023: 8 Women On 8 Dimensions Of Well-being

      2023-03-01

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      The 10 Best Hiking Trails For Families And Experienced Hikers In Hong Kong

      2023-03-17

      13 Must-Visit Outlying Islands For An Unforgettable Day Trip In Hong Kong

      2023-03-08

      Experience The Magic Hour: 19 Spectacular Sunset Spots You Must Go In Hong Kong

      2023-02-24

      13 Awesome Skateparks In Hong Kong

      2023-01-11

      20 Plus Size Clothing Shops In Hong Kong For Curvy People

      2023-03-06

      Our Review Of The “Origin Hybrid Mattress”, One Of The Best Mattresses In Hong Kong

      2023-02-20

      10 Best Flower Shops In Hong Kong With Fresh Bouquets For Every Occasion

      2023-01-30

      20+ Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals In 2022 To Shop Online Or In-Person

      2022-11-25

      Don’t Miss Out On 9 World Premieres & 67 Asia Firsts At The Hong Kong International Film Festival

      2023-03-30

      Hong Kong’s Best Gay Bars For Everyone On The LGBTQIA+ Spectrum

      2023-03-30

      Tony Leung Makes History As First Chinese Actor To Receive Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion For Lifetime Achievement

      2023-03-28

      The 10 Best Hiking Trails For Families And Experienced Hikers In Hong Kong

      2023-03-17
    • News
      1. Covid Pandemic
      2. Local News
      3. Nature & Science
      4. Society
      5. Sport
      6. View All

      Official: No More Covid Tests When Travelling To Hong Kong From April 1

      2023-04-01

      Hong Kong Drops RAT Tests To Enter Care Homes & Hospitals, From March 25

      2023-03-23

      Only Hong Kong Remains With Outdoor Mask Mandate As Macau Drops The Rule Today

      2023-02-27

      Paul Chan Expects The Recently Extended Mask Mandate To End After Flu Season

      2023-02-24

      9 Million Cross-Border Tourists Expected During Ching Ming-Easter Holiday Rush

      2023-03-30

      MTR Increases Fares By 2.3% In First Ticket Price Rise In 4 Years

      2023-03-29

      Hong Kong Airport Hits 2-Million Passenger Mark for First Time Since Pandemic

      2023-03-27

      Western Harbour Crossing Toll Down By 20%, Flat Rate For Taxis For All Victoria Harbour Crossing Tunnels

      2023-03-22

      Don’t Miss The Lunar Occultation Of Venus In Hong Kong This March 24, Next Chance In 2063

      2023-03-06

      Tropical Cyclone Nalgae : T8 Issued At 1.40PM.

      2022-11-02

      Total Lunar Eclipse Visible In Hong Kong On November 8

      2022-10-27

      Hexagonal Rock Formations In Sai Kung Declared A Geological Heritage Site

      2022-10-25

      Hongkongers Predict Over 20 Years Of Poor Health In Retirement, Highlighting Need To Plan For The Future

      2023-03-30

      100 Jobs Available On March 29 & Walk-in Recruitment Days Every Thursday At Water World

      2023-03-28

      Mainland Chinese Buyer Offers HK$1.2 Billion (US$153 Million) For Mansion On The Peak

      2023-03-23

      Hong Kong Retains Its Title As Asia’s Priciest Business Travel Destination

      2023-03-23

      2023 Hong Kong Sevens: Hong Kong’s Women And Men’s Teams Announced

      2023-03-28

      Hong Kong Becomes First Asia-Pacific City To Host The FIA World Rallycross Championship

      2023-03-22

      Eco-Friendly Green Power Hike To Take Place In January 2023

      2022-12-19

      Hong Kong’s First Mountain Bike Practice Ground Opens In Lantau

      2022-12-17

      Official: No More Covid Tests When Travelling To Hong Kong From April 1

      2023-04-01

      9 Million Cross-Border Tourists Expected During Ching Ming-Easter Holiday Rush

      2023-03-30

      Hongkongers Predict Over 20 Years Of Poor Health In Retirement, Highlighting Need To Plan For The Future

      2023-03-30

      MTR Increases Fares By 2.3% In First Ticket Price Rise In 4 Years

      2023-03-29
    • Family
      1. Activities
      2. Education
      3. Kids
      4. Pets
      5. View All

      Chill Kids Club At 11SKIES: New 32000 Sq. Ft Indoor Play Area For Kids With 18 Amazing Attractions

      2023-03-30

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-03-29

      Get Ready For The First-ever Easter Hat Parade At Victoria Harbour 2023 This Sunday

      2023-03-29

      Super Sports Park : HK’s Largest Indoor Play Area With Zipline, Trampolines & Roller Skating Rink To Open On April 1

      2023-03-28

      End Of Secondary School Daily RATs On March 1, Primary, KGs And Special Schools Continue Till March 15, At Least

      2023-02-22

      The University Of Hong Kong Tops List Of Most International Universities In The World For 2023

      2023-02-01

      Hong Kong Schools To Resume Full-Day In-Person Classes, Starting February 1, 2023

      2022-12-29

      Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong Provides Innovative Modern Education Focused On Technology, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability

      2022-12-02

      Hong Kong’s Top Easter Camps For Kids: Arts, Adventure, Science & Language

      2023-03-20

      14 Winter Camps In Hong Kong For A Stimulating Christmas Holiday

      2022-11-14

      29 Awesome Autumn Holiday Camps In Hong Kong For 2022

      2022-09-28

      14 Family-Friendly Restaurants In Hong Kong For A Yummy Time With The Little Ones

      2022-09-26

      Yum Cha With Your Dog? Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Launches A “Doggy Dim Sum Cart” (And A Dog Hotel)

      2023-03-13

      SPCA’s Dog-Walking Event, Dogathon, Scheduled For March 26

      2023-01-18

      Giant Panda An An Passes Away At 35

      2022-07-21

      Hong Kong Gets 12 More Pet-Friendly Parks

      2022-06-29

      Chill Kids Club At 11SKIES: New 32000 Sq. Ft Indoor Play Area For Kids With 18 Amazing Attractions

      2023-03-30

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-03-29

      Get Ready For The First-ever Easter Hat Parade At Victoria Harbour 2023 This Sunday

      2023-03-29

      Super Sports Park : HK’s Largest Indoor Play Area With Zipline, Trampolines & Roller Skating Rink To Open On April 1

      2023-03-28
    • Culture

      Thai Songkran Festivities Return To Hong Kong After 3 Years, Starting April 5

      2023-03-27

      The Cultural Guide To Ching Ming Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day

      2023-03-13

      The Cultural Guide To Tam Kung’s Birthday, Boy God Of The Sea

      2023-03-07

      Cheung Chau Bun Festival’s Parades And Tower Climbing Competition Return After 3 Years

      2023-02-24

      Discover The 13 Best Temples To Visit In Hong Kong And Unveil Your Spiritual Side

      2023-02-17
    • Sustainability

      What Are The Ethical & Environmental Impacts Of Mining Gemstones?

      2023-03-30

      Hong Kong To Begin E-Ferry Trials In 2024

      2023-02-22

      How BIRON® Creates Lab-Grown Gemstones That Rival Natural Gems

      2023-02-20

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      Greenwashing: How To Distinguish Between Real Sustainability Practices & Marketing Tactics?

      2022-07-11
    • Wellness
      1. Diet
      2. Fitness
      3. Health
      4. View All

      Bust the Belly Fat: Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss and Maintenance

      2018-02-27

      Hong Kong’s Top Gluten Free Restaurants and Cafés

      2014-12-01

      Fitness + Wellness Expo (FWE) 2023 : Hong Kong’s Biggest Fitness Event Returns This May

      2023-03-31

      10 Muay Thai Studios You Should Visit In Hong Kong To Kick The Stress Away

      2022-09-29

      10 Amazing Yoga Studios In Hong Kong To Find Your Balance At

      2022-08-16

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Digital Addiction Diseases: 6 Negative Side Effects Of Using Mobile Phones For A Long Time

      2023-03-27

      The Cultural Guide To Traditional Chinese Medicine, An Ancient System Of Wholistic Health

      2023-02-21

      5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

      2023-01-18

      What Is Occupational, Emotional, And Pandemic Burnout?

      2022-12-19

      Fitness + Wellness Expo (FWE) 2023 : Hong Kong’s Biggest Fitness Event Returns This May

      2023-03-31

      Digital Addiction Diseases: 6 Negative Side Effects Of Using Mobile Phones For A Long Time

      2023-03-27

      The Cultural Guide To Traditional Chinese Medicine, An Ancient System Of Wholistic Health

      2023-02-21

      5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

      2023-01-18
    • Travel
      1. Hotel Reviews
      2. Staycations & Hotels
      3. Travel Guides
      4. Travel To Hong Kong
      5. View All

      Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

      2022-02-09

      Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali

      2018-11-09

      Review: Weekend Escape At The Grand Lapa, Macau

      2015-10-02

      Review: Family Staycation At The Grand Coloane Resort, Macau

      2015-08-19

      20 Best Staycation Package Deals In Hong Kong For Your Next Special Occasion

      2023-02-09

      The Ultimate List Of Hong Kong’s Best 5-Star Hotels, For A Luxury Stay In The City

      2022-07-28

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08

      8 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels in Hong Kong

      2021-09-13

      What Are The International Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Passengers Departing Hong Kong?

      2023-01-03

      19 Best Travel Destinations To Visit In Asia-Pacific (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-10-05

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      Official: No More Covid Tests When Travelling To Hong Kong From April 1

      2023-04-01

      John Lee Admits ‘Some Chaos’ With Post-Pandemic Tourism Surge, Says Tour Groups Need Better Planning

      2023-03-28

      “Hello Hong Kong”: Cathay’s Free Ticket Giveaway For Mainland China & Greater Bay Area Begins On April 17

      2023-03-27

      “Hello Hong Kong”: How To Get The Free Airline Tickets, Vouchers, And Gifts?

      2023-03-27

      Official: No More Covid Tests When Travelling To Hong Kong From April 1

      2023-04-01

      John Lee Admits ‘Some Chaos’ With Post-Pandemic Tourism Surge, Says Tour Groups Need Better Planning

      2023-03-28

      “Hello Hong Kong”: Cathay’s Free Ticket Giveaway For Mainland China & Greater Bay Area Begins On April 17

      2023-03-27

      “Hello Hong Kong”: How To Get The Free Airline Tickets, Vouchers, And Gifts?

      2023-03-27
    • HK Living
      1. Around HK
      2. Essential HK
      3. Neighbourhoods
      4. Work
      5. View All

      Vertical Wonders: A Guide To Hong Kong’s Most Jaw-dropping Skyscrapers

      2023-03-14

      Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Hong Kong To Celebrate Spring

      2023-02-06

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      10 Awesome Gazetted Swimming Pools For Olympic Pools, Water Slides & Kids’ Facilities

      2021-10-07

      61 Organizations Offering Volunteer Opportunities And Charity Work in Hong Kong

      2023-03-30

      6 Strawberry Farms To Visit For Picking Season In Hong Kong

      2022-12-01

      10 Places To See Autumn Leaves In Hong Kong

      2022-11-14

      42 Best Smartphone Apps In Hong Kong You Must Download

      2022-08-18

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Kung

      2022-12-28

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai O Fishing Village

      2022-12-19

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai Hang

      2022-09-22

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      100 Jobs Available On March 29 & Walk-in Recruitment Days Every Thursday At Water World

      2023-03-28

      Protect Your Business: 5 Must-Have Professional And Financial Insurances in Hong Kong

      2023-03-27

      10 Awesome Co-Working Spaces To Try In Hong Kong

      2023-01-30

      Bela Offices, Affordable Luxury Serviced Offices In Central And Sheung Wan

      2022-11-03

      61 Organizations Offering Volunteer Opportunities And Charity Work in Hong Kong

      2023-03-30

      100 Jobs Available On March 29 & Walk-in Recruitment Days Every Thursday At Water World

      2023-03-28

      New Study By NordVPN Identifies Adult Content And Video Streaming Sites As Major Security Vulnerabilities

      2023-03-28

      Protect Your Business: 5 Must-Have Professional And Financial Insurances in Hong Kong

      2023-03-27
    The HK HUB
    Home»Family»Education»Applying to Hong Kong International/ESF Schools
    Education

    Applying to Hong Kong International/ESF Schools

    The HK HUBBy The HK HUB2014-03-06Updated:2018-11-13No Comments8 Mins Read
    School building Hong Kong

    Understanding the Application Processes, Costs and Timeframes  for International and ESF Schools in Hong Kong

    Content of this article hide
    Understanding the Application Processes, Costs and Timeframes for International and ESF Schools in Hong Kong
    APPLYING TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS: THE GIST
    1. WAITING LISTS: THE REALITY IN HONG KONG
    3. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
    4. ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
    English fluency expected
    5. TUITION FEES, DEBENTURES, CAPITAL LEVIES
    Summing it all up

    by TigerMom.com with contributions from Anne Murphy of ITS Educational Services Ltd

    To apply to international schools in Hong Kong you need to understand that most schools have waiting lists, many demand debentures (or having a debenture is clearly an advantage), tuition fees are high, entry interviews/assessments start at a very young age, English fluency is expected even for very young children, and final decisions on acceptance of a place is expected within two weeks.

    While this sounds daunting, once you come to terms with it, it is possible to tackle the admissions process efficiently and effectively. In plain language, we tell you the issues you need to understand and pay attention to from the very beginning.

    Good luck!

    APPLYING TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS:  THE GIST

    Here are the 5 most important issues to understand:

    1. Waiting lists
    2. Application timing
    3. Admission requirements
    4. English requirements
    5. Tuition fees, debentures, capital levies

    1. WAITING LISTS:  THE REALITY IN HONG KONG

    International schools in Hong Kong have very long waiting lists and receive hundreds of applications every year.

    For example, as of February 2014, Discovery College had a waiting list of 90 applicants for Year 1 and Year 2; 120 applicants on the waiting list for Y5 and 140 for Y6. English Schools Foundation (ESF) received 1,980 applications for Y1 across all their primary schools, but are only able to offer 1020 places. Hong Kong International School received 350 Reception 1 applications for 135 places.

    There are many factors that can affect a child’s priority position on a waiting list, including debenture holders, siblings, and children of school staff.  As a result, waiting lists continuously change and applicants may find themselves moving up or down the waitlist even if an application is filed from birth or before others who have gained a place.

    It is imperative that you begin your school search as soon possible. Understand that your first-choice school may not have a vacancy for your child, and your child may not pass the assessment.

    See also  Guide to The Hong Kong Education System

    What you need to know before you begin:

    • British or American Passport holders do NOT receive priority at any international schools
    • The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is one of the most popular school systems in Hong Kong,  Applications are accepted (chronogically by date) starting in September.  Application deadline is in October. (Late applications are accepted, but are put at the bottom of the chronological pile.)
    • Some schools will not accept an application once a deadline has passed and others will put your name on a ‘late submission list’(Canadian International School, ESF, Chinese International School, Independent Schools Foundation Academy, Singaporean International School)
    • British curriculum schools will only accept Y11 (and up) students if they come from the British system, as they have already prepared for the GCSE.

    What you need to know when you begin:

    • SEARCH: familiarise yourself with the schools by searching the free interactive search database on TigerMom.com, checking parent school reviews, and participating on the community and admissions forums.
    • SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: school placement consultants, realtors, and relocation agents can offer advice. For example, ITS Education Asia offers school placement services and alternative solutions for interim schooling. They also produce the Unique Asia Schools Guide sold at bookshops in Hong Kong and Singapore, or online through their website.
    • APPLY EARLY: even if the move to Hong Kong might not happen for 2 years, submit applications anyway. The applications submission period is usually from September to November.
    • SUBMIT MULTIPLE: applications to several schools since your first choice may not be available. Ensure all documentation and records are complete.
    • VISIT: schools as early as possible. Meet with the teachers and observe the classes. Always make an effort to meet with a Principal or admissions manager.
    • FOLLOW-UP: with schools at least one week after you submit the application.
    • REACH OUT: to admissions managers frequently and send updated reports and other new information on your child’s achievements.
    • PREPARE: your child for the interview and testing; make sure they are relaxed on the day.

    What you need to know if you are placed on a waiting list:

    Even if your child is put on a waiting list, there are some excellent alternative solutions. Here are our suggestions.

    • INTERIM SCHOOLING: consider temporary tuition at centres such as such as  ITS Education Asia, registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB). At ITS, children can continue their education in a specific curriculum in one-to-one lessons or small-group classes tailored to match a student’s learning needs. Teachers are qualified to teach various curricula, including IB, the UK National Curriculum, and Canadian, Australian and American curricula. As an Edexcel centre, ITS also administers official examinations. Visit their website or contact ITS at [email protected] for a consultation and to arrange a tour of their tutorial schools.
    • BACK-UP SCHOOLS: have second and third choice schools that you are comfortable with. Consider pre-schools that offer classes for 6 to 7 year olds as an interim solution for your younger children. (Most pre-schools listed on TigerMom.com offer full-day, 5 days options for children up to 6 or 7yrs.)
    • BOARDING SCHOOLS: in Hong Kong and neighbouring countries offer alternative choices for senior students. Click here for a list of boarding schools in the region
    See also  School Profile: Yew Chung International School (YCIS)

    2. APPLICATION TIMING

    Every school has different application due dates, but here are the general time frames to keep in mind.

    September – early November Applications accepted and due
    December – March Interviews and testing (in person)
    March – April Results announced, down payments due within 2 weeks (no reserves allowed)

    Here is an interactive calendar showing application dates as well as holidays, exam dates, etc.Most schools require a fresh (new) application each year. Some schools accept applications from birth (French International School, German Swiss International School, Kellett The British International School), others accept applications for reception classes up to 2 years in advance (Chinese International School).

    3. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Interviews and assessments

    Almost all schools have interview and assessment requirements for entry at all year levels, including kindergarten. The content and structure of the interview and assessments differ according to school and year level. However, there are some core traits that are similar across most schools:

    TYPICAL INTERVIEW AND TESTING FORMATS

     YEAR LEVEL GROUP INTERVIEW FORMAT  ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW  TESTING
     Kindy/Pre-school   (up to 4-5 years)  Usually unaccompanied, observation of motor skills and socialization skills Sometimes accompanied
    Reception/Lower primary (5-8 years) Unaccompanied, observation of group-interactions, group work Unaccompanied, questions include maths and English/communication skills Maths, English
    Upper primary (8-11 years) Unaccompanied, observation of group-interactions, group work Unaccompanied, questions include maths (applied) and English/communication skills Maths, English
     Secondary (11 years and up) Maths, Problem Solving and Reasoning, English, and Mandarin (or other second language)

    4. ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

    English fluency expected

    Most schools, with the notable exception of Delia School of Canada (Taikoo Shing) require fluency in English. Some schools are stricter than others, but most expect English fluency for entry in to all grades (ages 4 and up) if the primary language of instruction at that school is English.

    See also  StandOut Internships

    5. TUITION FEES, DEBENTURES, CAPITAL LEVIES

    How much does it all cost?

    Tuition Fees: HK$70,000/US$9,000 and up

    All international and ESF school fees are high.  In general, they range from a minimum of HK$70,000 to a maximum of around HK$200,000.

    Annual Tuition Costs at international schools (lowest possible in HK$)

    GRADE LEVEL LOWEST HIGHEST
    Primary LIS: 58,400(Lantau International School) HKIS: 155,700(Hong Kong International School)
    Secondary KCCIS: 88,000(Kiangsu Chekiang College, International Section) CIS: 179,800(Chinese International School)

    Debentures: HK$70,000 and upIn addition to these fees, debentures or capital levies or often required which means paying upwards of HK$70,000 (and into the millions) for entry per child. Notable exceptions are Delia School of Canada, Kiangsu Chekiang International School, and Korean International School which do not have debentures.

    In plain language, debentures are a sort of entry-fee that give priority in the admissions process, provided the child passes the assessment.  They range in cost from HK$70,000 to HK$10,000,000.

    Schools have a certain number of debentures they can sell, so sometimes there are simply none available to be purchased. Debentures are usually (not always) refunded when the child leaves the school, though sometimes at a depreciated level.

    For more details on the different types and values of debentures, please click here.

    Summing it all up

    We hope that, with the understanding of the five issues outlined above, you will find yourself very well equipped to make timely, effective, and smart decisions regarding the applications process in Hong Kong.

    We sincerely hope that you will be faced with far less surprises and unanticipated situations. Because we know that moving to a new country, or entering a new school, is very stressful. We hope that this guide will have lessened the anxiety and stress involved!

    We would like to thank Anne Murphy, Director of ITS Education Services Ltd., who contributed crucial and valuable information to this guide. She is not only a very knowledgeable professional, but her personality and perspectives are refreshingly candid and down-to-earth.

     

     

     

    Share this article with your friends ~

    • Whatsapp


    • Facebook


    • Twitter


    • Linkedin


    • Messenger


    • Wechat

    Rate this post
    The HK HUB
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Created by Hong Kong lovers for Hong Kong lovers, The HK HUB offers you a daily dose of stories, deals, and tips about this unique and amazing city. If you're looking for the best places to visit, to know more about the Hong Kong Culture, to find a cool restaurant or bar to chill with your friends, or an exciting thing to do over the weekend with your family, we've got you covered. The HK HUB opens the doors to Hong Kong.

    Related Posts

    End Of Secondary School Daily RATs On March 1, Primary, KGs And Special Schools Continue Till March 15, At Least

    2023-02-22 Covid Pandemic

    The University Of Hong Kong Tops List Of Most International Universities In The World For 2023

    2023-02-01 Education

    Hong Kong Schools To Resume Full-Day In-Person Classes, Starting February 1, 2023

    2022-12-29 Covid Pandemic

    Add comment

    Partners
    CCW banner
    banner coral hub hong kong
    compass offices side banner
    Vipop - Sustainable Fashion Shop
    tutor time international nursery and kindergarten in hong kong

    Subscribe to updates

    Open the door to Hong Kong and get your weekly dose of stories, deals and tips.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    • Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Designed by Get Clicks.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.