In late 2022, Hong Kong introduced the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), a type of Hong Kong work visa scheme designed to attract highly skilled individuals from around the globe. Within just a year, nearly 51,000 applications were approved, with about 36,000 hopefuls making their way to Hong Kong, bringing along nearly as many spouses and children. Remarkably, almost 95% of these applicants hail from mainland China, sparking curiosity about why so many families are choosing to relocate to this vibrant city.

Advantages of the TTPS

Why Hong Kong? The Appeal for Mainland Families

For many Mainland families, the decision to move to Hong Kong is driven by various factors, with education being one of the most significant. In Mainland China, students are entitled to only nine years of free education, after which they face the highly competitive High School Entrance Examination (Zhongkao). In major cities, only about half of the applicants manage to pass Zhongkao and advance to high school. In contrast, Hong Kong provides 12 years of free primary and secondary education in public schools. Moreover, students are not required to take high-stakes exams during middle school, fostering a friendlier and more holistic learning environment.

Other factors also make Hong Kong an appealing destination for TTPS families. Economic fluctuations, adjustments in foreign education policies, and uncertain employment prospects upon returning from overseas have reduced the allure of studying abroad. Families are also concerned that studying abroad might distance children from their family and national ties. Coupled with the high costs and pressures of overseas education, culturally similar Hong Kong, as a Special Administrative Region of China, has emerged as an affordable, convenient, and ideal alternative

While Hong Kong’s education system is designed to be inclusive, mainland students can struggle to keep up, especially when it comes to English proficiency. Lee Kit Ming, Principal of Lai Chack Middle School, points out that even though many mainland students shine in mathematics, their English skills often lag behind local students. For newcomers, this linguistic gap can be a real challenge, especially since many subjects, like math, are taught in English. Suddenly, what should be a straightforward lesson can become a linguistic puzzle.

The city’s locally spoken Chinese, Cantonese, and the use of traditional Chinese characters in its written system might also present challenges for mainland Chinese migrants. In mainland China, students are mostly taught in Mandarin Chinese with simplified Chinese characters. This change in the language system not only affects these students’ school performance but also their ability to make friends with local people and integrate into society.

Adaptation goes beyond just languages. The teaching styles and assessment methods can differ significantly. Students who were top performers in mainland universities may find themselves floundering when it comes to writing reflective essays or adapting to a new curriculum style in Hong Kong universities. This disconnect highlights the hurdles mainland students face as they attempt to integrate into Hong Kong’s educational landscape.

The Quest for School Admissions

Another major concern for families is the process of transferring to schools in Hong Kong. Recent surveys show that nearly 40% of TTPS children in Hong Kong schools attend subsidized institutions. But gaining admission is becoming increasingly tricky. For instance, Ying Wa College, a prominent Direct Subsidy Scheme school, admits only about ten transfer students each year, and mainland applicants represent less than half of that number. Principal Dion Chan notes that schools sometimes struggle to meet the local demand, adding another layer of complexity for mainland families.

The implementation of the TTPS, along with Hong Kong's culture and its comprehensive and affordable education system, has made the city a top choice for many Mainland families. However, the transition is not without challenges. Mainland students often face various obstacles in integrating into Hong Kong's education system. Additionally, fierce competition for school places in Hong Kong further adds to the stress on families.

The TTPS provides Mainland Chinese individuals with abundant opportunities for development in Hong Kong, with undeniable positive impacts on the city’s economy and culture. However, Hong Kong must also address the challenges faced by Mainland families and students by offering supportive educational frameworks and streamlined administrative processes. By fostering vibrant and diverse communities, Hong Kong can continue to attract talent for the future.

Reference:

1.The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Press Releases. "LCQ5: Top Talent Pass Scheme." January 22, 2025.https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/22/P2025012200216.htm

2.HKTKWW. "施政報告｜19.6萬人才經各計劃來港 6.6萬「高才」已到港." October 16, 2024.https://www.tkww.hk/a/202410/16/AP670f7ab0e4b0519806aff4d5.html

3.Ming Pao. "今年首10個月高才通獲批逾3.4萬宗 近95%來自內地 逾4萬受養人抵港." November 27, 2024.https://finance.mingpao.com/fin/instantf/20241127/1732699384781

4.Hong Kong Immigration Department. "Top Talent Pass Scheme" [n.d.].https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/TTPS.html

5.HK01. "高才通等三項計劃來港人才子女 新增可讀官津直資校 獲港府津貼." September 15, 2023.https://www.hk01.com/article/941008?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral

6.BBC. "「換一個戰場再競爭」：高才通計劃逾兩年後大陸家長看香港插班潮." February 19, 2025.https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/cvgw3mjmwepo/trad

7.HK01. "高才通｜調查：21.6%來港人才失業 團體促政府聯繫企業支援就業." August 15, 2025.https://www.hk01.com/article/1048192?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral

8.DotDotNews. “Top Talent Pass renewal platform launches today, headcount estimates unclear.” November 01, 2024 https://english.dotdotnews.com/a/202411/01/AP67248de7e4b079cd3fbbff64.html

9.Hong Kong Baptist University. “Challenges Faced by Mainland Chinese Students of an Associate Degree (AD) Programme: A Case Study of College of International Education” [n.d.].https://www.fste.edu.hk/files/Challenges%20Faced%20by%20Mainland%20Chinese%20Students%20of%20an%20Associate%20Degree%20(AD)%20Programme

%20A%20Case%20Study%20of%20College%20of%20International%20Education,%20Hong%20Kong%20Baptist%20University(3).pdf

10.South China Morning Post. “Cantonese, English use in Hong Kong schools ‘biggest problem’ for new migrants” November 25, 2024 https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3288093/cantonese-english-use-hong-kong-schools-biggest-problem-new-migrants

11.香港01。「高才通等三項計劃來港人才子女 新增可讀官津直資校 獲港府津貼」。September 14, 2023 https://www.hk01.com/article/941008?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral

Related Topics: Navigating Your Path to Hong Kong (Part I): Tips for GEP and ASMTP Success

Should you need any assistance or wish to obtain more information, please also browse our official website at www.kaizenvis.com or contact us through the following means:

T: +852 2341 1444

M: +852 5616 4140, +86 152 1943 4614

WhatsApp / Line / Signal / WeChat: +852 5616 4140

Skype: kaizencpa

E: info@kaizenvis.com