HK Kindergarten Guide: Pre-Primary Education Voucher Scheme

Are you struggling to navigate the maze of kindergarten options for your child in Hong Kong? What are the tuition fees for kindergartens? Are there any free kindergartens? This article will guide you through the process of selecting a kindergarten, as well as provide information on kindergarten tuition waivers and education subsidy programs to help parents make informed decisions.

Types of Kindergartens in Hong Kong

Hong Kong boasts 1,027 kindergartens, which can be broadly categorized into non-profit schools, private schools, and international schools. Within the non-profit category, kindergartens can be further divided into “Voucher Scheme” and “Non-Voucher Scheme” types.

What Is the Pre-Primary Education Voucher Scheme?

“Voucher Scheme Kindergartens” are those that participate in the government’s “Kindergarten Education Scheme.” In Hong Kong, over 70% of kindergartens fall under this category, covering all 18 districts. Children enrolled in voucher scheme kindergartens can receive tuition reductions or even complete waivers, with parents only needing to cover additional costs such as snacks and books. The average monthly tuition fee for voucher scheme kindergartens is around HKD $1,000.

Free Education vs. Voucher Scheme

Prior to 2017, children who were Hong Kong residents and had reached the age of 2 years and 8 months by August 31 of the enrollment year were eligible to apply for the “Pre-primary Education Voucher Scheme.” This scheme provided tuition subsidies directly to parents in the form of vouchers.

From the 2017-2018 school year onwards, Hong Kong introduced the “Free Quality Kindergarten Education” policy to replace the voucher scheme, with the Education Bureau providing subsidies directly to eligible local non-profit kindergartens.

Under the “Free Quality Kindergarten Education” policy, the Education Bureau offers free half-day kindergarten services to all eligible children aged 3 to 6. Additionally, kindergartens that offer full-day or long full-day programs receive extra subsidies, which amount to 30% and 60% of the half-day unit subsidy, respectively. Moreover, the Education Bureau provides tuition fee waivers and education expense allowances to families in need.

Kindergarten Tuition Waiver Plans

For families experiencing financial difficulties, the Hong Kong government provides tuition waiver options through the “Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme” (KCFRS). Eligibility for KCFRS requires passing both a means test and, for full-day fee remission applications, a social needs assessment.

How to Choose a Kindergarten in Hong Kong?

When choosing a kindergarten, parents should consider the following aspects:

• Proximity and Convenience: Selecting a kindergarten close to home with convenient transportation can reduce your child’s commuting time.
• Local Amenities: Check if the kindergarten is near facilities like hospitals and parks, which can add convenience to daily life.
• Safety and Hygiene: Ensure that the premises meet safety standards and that the environment is hygienic.
• Teacher Qualifications: Confirm that the teachers have professional qualifications and ample teaching experience.
• Educational Philosophy: Montessori education focuses on self-directed learning, while Waldorf education emphasizes arts and sensory development.
• Curriculum Design: Look for a diverse and balanced curriculum that stimulates your child’s thinking and interests.
• Teacher-Student Ratio: The overall teacher-student ratio in Hong Kong kindergartens is 1:11, which supports personalized education.

Kindergarten Enrollment Process

1. Prepare for Enrollment a Year in Advance
   Parents should start preparing for kindergarten enrollment a year in advance. Typically, the application period for kindergartens runs from September to December each year.
2. Apply for “Voucher Scheme” Kindergartens
   If you choose to enroll in a “Voucher Scheme” kindergarten, follow these steps:
• Submit Application Form: Submit the “Kindergarten Admission Registration Certificate” application form to the Education Bureau and apply for admission to your preferred kindergartens.
• Receive Confirmation: The Education Bureau will send a confirmation notice within 6 to 8 weeks after submitting the application form.
• Collect Registration Certificate: Follow the instructions in the notice to collect the “Registration Certificate” by the specified date.
3. Post-Admission Steps
   Once your child is admitted to a kindergarten, you must submit the “Registration Certificate” to the kindergarten promptly to secure the place.
4. Scope of the “Registration Certificate”
   Note that the “Registration Certificate” only applies to kindergartens participating in the “Voucher Scheme.” The following types of schools do not require a “Registration Certificate”:
• Non-participating non-profit kindergartens
• Private schools
• International schools

Common FAQs About Kindergarten Enrollment in Hong Kong