Press Release

HKBU signs MOU with DSSSC on support for non-local students in their new study pathway in Hong Kong

Sunday,  31 May 2026

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council (DSSSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 28 May to join hands in strengthening the support for non-local students from the schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme, with the aim of assisting in the promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and developing Hong Kong as an international education hub.

The MOU was signed by Ms Sally Ching, Academic Registrar of HKBU, and Sister Margaret Wong, Chairman of DSSSC. The signing was witnessed by Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) of HKBU; Mr Dion Chen, Vice Chairman of DSSSC; and members of DSSSC.

Dr Albert Chau said: “HKBU is deeply committed to developing Hong Kong into an international education hub. The enrolment of non-local students in HKBU’s undergraduate programmes has risen steadily in recent years to about 30% in 2025/26 and is expected to grow continuously to reach 50%. HKBU will take up the convenorship of the Heads of Universities Committee (HUCOM) and its Standing Committee on Internationalisation for the 2026/27 academic year and coordinate the overseas promotion for the eight UGC-funded universities.”

Sister Margaret Wong said: “The collaboration with HKBU will help non-local students enrolled in schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme deepen their understanding of and affection for Hong Kong, which makes them more likely to pursue further studies and careers here in the future, contributing to the local community and fully aligning with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s policy blueprint to promote the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand.”

According to the MOU, the two parties will establish a framework for cooperation to enhance student development for non-local students in DSSSC member schools. Collaborations under consideration include the establishment of a Principal Nomination Scheme for non-local students in DSSSC member schools, the award of scholarships to eligible non-local students of the Scheme, and exploration of joint activities for strategic admissions of non-local students. HKBU will collaborate closely with DSSSC to launch the various initiatives, including joint overseas promotion and summer programmes.

HKBU’s online summer programme for non-local students has expanded significantly throughout the years, and the University will welcome a record-high of over 1,500 participants from 44 countries in late June. The Extended Study Programme under the “One University Two Campuses” strategy of HKBU offers students a valuable opportunity to study at its Zhuhai campus, Beijing Normal – Hong Kong Baptist University, and explore the Greater Bay Area. HKBU will collaborate with DSSSC in the planning of joint outreach activities to recruit non-local students and launch projects to identify and engage students at an early stage.

Last year’s Policy Address proposed on a trial basis that schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme be allowed to apply for an increase in the number and size of classes to expand their intake of non-local students with student visas, who will study in a self-financing mode. The conclusion of the MOU between HKBU and DSSSC will support the implementation of the related policy.

About Hong Kong Baptist University:

As one of Asia’s finest institutions of higher education, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is committed to nurturing future-shaping talents, providing them with a broad-based, transdisciplinary and creative education, as well as offering a diverse range of programmes spanning the arts, business, Chinese medicine, communication, social sciences, science, technology and sport. To tap into the strengths of the University, HKBU has established four overarching research clusters in key areas of excellence that cover Creative Media and Practice, Health and Drug Discovery, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, and Humanities and Cultures, translating its research excellence into tangible benefits, with positive impact for the community and the development of Hong Kong, the nation, the region and the world.

About the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council:

Established in 2000, the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council is a prominent and influential charitable organization within the education landscape of Hong Kong. It comprises Direct Subsidy Scheme primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong. It currently has 69 member schools, covering primary schools, secondary schools, and through-train primary-secondary schools. As the representative body for DSS schools, the Council is committed to promoting excellence in Direct Subsidy Scheme education, encouraging flexibility and innovation in curriculum design, admission policies, and resource utilisation. It also serves as a vital bridge between DSS schools and government departments, actively advocating for policy reforms that benefit schools, educators, and students.

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