Moving to Hong Kong from the Philippines? How to Find Schools in Hong Kong for Your Child

Relocating to a new country is exciting – but when it comes to your child’s education, you want to feel confident and informed. For Filipino families moving to Hong Kong, the school search process can feel overwhelming: different systems, varying requirements, competitive admission cycles, and distinct school types (local, DSS, international, etc.). This guide will walk you through the steps, processes, requirements, and tips to help your child land a good school in Hong Kong.

1. Understanding Hong Kong’s Education Landscape

Before jumping into applications, it helps to get a lay of the land. Hong Kong offers a spectrum of schooling options. Below are the main categories you’ll encounter:

Also, keep in mind the structure of schooling in Hong Kong:

• Kindergarten / Early Childhood: typically ages 3–5 (optional, before primary). (source)
• Primary (Primary 1 to 6): ages 6 to 12 – this is part of compulsory education. (source)
• Junior Secondary (Forms/Grades 1–3): ages 12 to 15 – still part of the mandatory schooling. (source)
• Senior Secondary (Forms 4–6 / Grades 10–12 equivalent): leads to the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) or other international qualifications. (source)

Because of this diversity, your first major decision is what kind of school and curriculum you want for your child.

2. Key Decisions: School Type & Curriculum

As you plan, consider the following decision points:

A. Local vs. International / DSS

Unless your child is already in the system or you secure special clearance, many local schools may not accept non-local students right away. Non-local children usually cannot enroll in public sector schools without special approval from the Director of Immigration. (source)

Most expat families therefore opt for DSS or international schools.

B. Curriculum / Educational Track

You’ll find many curricula in Hong Kong. Some of the common ones:

• British / UK system (IGCSE → A-Levels)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• American / US system + Advanced Placement (AP)
• Bilingual / English + Chinese / cultural hybrid
• French / German / other national systems (for those wanting continuity in those languages)

Some schools emphasize Mandarin/Chinese bilingual education; others focus more on international standards. (source)

Choosing the curriculum aligned with your child’s future path (returning to the Philippines, applying abroad, or staying in Hong Kong) helps guide your school shortlist.

C. Location, Commute & Neighborhood

Hong Kong’s geography (islands, hills, congested roads) means commute matters. You’ll want to pick a school that is reasonably accessible from your future home, or vice versa. Also check whether the school has transport services (buses, pick-ups).

D. Campus Culture, Extracurriculars & Support

Look into whether the school provides support for English-as-second language, remedial help, guidance counseling, arts, sports, clubs, etc. These non-academic elements can make or break your child’s experience.

3. Legal / Immigration & Visa Considerations

Before your child can enroll, their immigration status must align with schooling rules in Hong Kong.

A. Student Visas / Entry Permits

If your child is a non-local (i.e. foreign passport, not holding a permanent HK ID), they must enter Hong Kong with a proper visa/permit that allows them to stay for education. Visitor visas or landing slips labeled “Visitor” do not entitle your child to enroll in schools. (source)

Applications for a student visa (or extension of stay for study) are handled through the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The forms and supporting documents will be required. (source)

B. Dependent Visas & Rights of Abode

If you (the parent) are moving with a work visa, dependent visa, or other immigration status, your child may get an entry permit under the same family visa package. Ensure that your visa status supports enrolling children in school. (source)

C. Public / Aided School Restrictions

As mentioned earlier, children who arrive on visitor visas or with “visitor” status generally cannot be admitted to public or aided schools unless they obtain special clearance from the Director of Immigration. (source)

D. Timing & Processing

Visa processing may take time (several weeks) particularly during peak seasons. Submit your application early, with all supporting documents. (source)

4. The Step-by-Step School Search & Application Process

Below is a general outline of how you can go about the school application journey:

Step 1: Set Your Priorities & Budget

Decide your non-negotiables. For example:

• Curriculum type (IB, British, American, bilingual)
• Location / commute time
• Campus size, facilities, class sizes
• Support for ESL / learning needs
• Extra-curricular offerings
• Tuition budget and additional costs

Once you have criteria, you can start compiling a shortlist of schools that match.

Step 2: Research & Shortlist Schools

Use school directories, expat forums, school websites, and recommendations. Some online guides list top international schools in Hong Kong. (source)

For each school, check:

• Whether they accept non-local students (many do)
• Entry requirements, age cutoffs, assessment process
• Available spaces in the grade your child will join
• Application deadlines
• Tuition fees and extra charges
• Transportation options

Step 3: Pre-Application Inquiry

Contact the admissions offices of your shortlisted schools. Ask:

• Is there space in your child’s grade in your desired entry year?
• What are the required documents (see section below)?
• Will your child have to take a test, interview, or language assessment?
• Ask for a school prospectus, visit policy, open-house schedule

Step 4: Application Submission

Fill out the application forms for each school. Often you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee (ranging commonly from HK$1,000 to HK$3,500 or more). (source)

You may also submit:

• Academic transcripts / school reports
• School recommendations
• Birth certificate, passport copy, visa / immigration documents
• Health record, immunization record
• English language test or assessment (if applicable)
• Portfolio of student work (especially for older children)
• Interview / oral test

Be sure to submit ahead of deadlines.

Step 5: Testing / Interview / Assessment

Many schools require your child to take placement tests (math, English, other subjects) and sometimes undergo an interview or oral test. (source)

The interview is usually informal and designed to assess your child’s compatibility with the school environment, not to intimidate them. (source)

Step 6: Offer & Acceptance

If your child is accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter, often conditional on receipt of final transcripts or visa approval. To accept, you usually pay a deposit or admission fee. Some schools also use a debenture (one-time large capital payment) in addition to deposits. (source)

Step 7: Visa / Eligibility Confirmation

Once your child has accepted the offer, submit the confirmed school offer letter to Immigration to secure the student visa or entry permit (if applicable). Ensure all immigration conditions are satisfied.

Step 8: Orientation, Enrollment & Start

Complete enrollment by submitting final documents (original transcripts, health records, ID cards, passport, visa, photo, etc.). Attend orientation sessions, school tours, meet teachers, get school uniforms, textbooks, stationery, transport pass, etc.

5. Common Documents & Requirements

While requirements differ by school, these are often requested:

1. Child’s identification documents
   • Birth certificate or equivalent
   • Passport copy
   • Hong Kong visa / entry permit or proof of right to stay
2. Parent / guardian documentation
   • Parent(s)’ passport(s)
   • Work visa / proof of employment
   • Proof of address in Hong Kong (or future address)
3. School records and transcripts
   • Report cards or progress reports from previous school(s)
   • Standardized test scores (if available)
   • Teacher recommendation(s)
4. Language proficiency / assessments
   • Some schools may request English or other language assessments
5. Medical / health records
   • Immunization / vaccination records
   • Medical certificate or health check
6. Photo(s) of student
7. Application / assessment fees
8. Interview / oral test
9. Debenture / Admission Deposit
   • Some schools require a capital payment (debenture) that is refundable or partially refundable when the student leaves. (source)

Make sure all documents are translated / notarized if required, and originals or certified copies are submitted where asked.

6. Timeline & Practical Tips

When to Start

Begin your school search 6 to 12 months in advance of your move, especially for premium international schools with long waitlists.

School Year Calendar

The academic year generally starts in early September. Schools may also have mid-year intake in January. (source)

Key Deadlines & Application Windows

• For public schools, applications for Primary 1 / Secondary 1 must often be filed by 31 August of that year. (source)
• Many international schools have earlier deadlines (even in the preceding year), so check each school’s calendar.

Waitlists & Alternatives

Popular schools may already be full. Being flexible with entry grade, semester, or even school options helps. Ask if you can join a waitlist.

Visiting Schools / Campus Tours

If possible, schedule visits or attend open days. That helps you get a feel for the learning environment, culture, facilities, and transport. Meet with admissions officers, talk to parents if possible.

Engage Other Expat Parents

Join Facebook groups, expat forums, or parent communities to hear firsthand experiences and recommendations.

Backup Plan

Always have a backup school option in case your first choice has no availability. Some families temporarily place children in tutorial / language bridging programs while waiting for slots.

7. Cost, Fees & Hidden Expenses

Education in international / DSS schools in Hong Kong can be expensive. Be sure to budget for all elements.

Tuition / Annual Fees

International school tuition can range widely. For example, in some schools you might see HKD 100,000+ for primary level rising to HKD 250,000+ for secondary levels. (source)

Application, Assessment & Deposit Fees

• Application / registration fees: HK$1,000–HK$3,500 (non-refundable) (source)
• Assessment / testing fees
• Enrollment / deposit (upon acceptance): deposit may be refundable or partly refundable
• Debenture: one-time large payment (some schools require up to HKD 500,000 per child) (source)

Extra Costs

• Uniforms, textbooks, stationery
• Transportation / school bus fees
• After-school programs, sports, arts, camps, excursions
• Lunch / meals
• Technology / device / laptop
• Insurance, medical checks, immunization
• Parent contributions, facility fees

Be sure to ask the school for a full breakdown of all costs and “hidden fees” before you accept an offer.

8. Sample Schools & Resources

Here are a few sample schools and helpful resources to explore further:

Sample Schools in Hong Kong

• Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
  Requires proof of visa status, shows clear admissions guidelines. (source)
• Harrow International School Hong Kong
  Offers a long age span (Early Years to Year 13). (source)
• Kiangsu-Chekiang College, International Section (KCIS / KCCIS)
  A bilingual international section of a local school. (source)
• Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA)
  A bilingual IB school (English + Chinese) from primary through secondary. (source)

Useful Resources & Websites

• Education Bureau, Hong Kong – Placement assistance and school allocation for non-local children
• William Russell – Guide on what expats should know about Hong Kong schools
• HKStay – Expat guide to international schools in Hong Kong
• Allianz Care – Overview of school options in Hong Kong for expats

These can help you build your shortlist, compare school reputations, check location maps, and understand tuition ranges.

9. Final Thoughts & Quick Checklist

Finding the right school for your child in Hong Kong as a Filipino expat is doable with planning, flexibility, and research. Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:

• Decide priorities: curriculum, location, support services
• Confirm your child’s visa / legal status for schooling
• Create a shortlist of 5–8 schools
• Contact admissions offices, request prospectuses, ask questions
• Prepare and assemble documents well in advance
• Be aware of deadlines and possible waiting lists
• Visit schools or attend open houses if possible
• Understand full cost breakdown (tuition + extras)
• Accept an offer and finalize visa / enrollment
• Prepare child for transition (orientation, language adjustment)

Relocating is always a journey, and your child’s schooling is among the biggest transitions. With a friendly approach, open communication with schools, and timely planning, you can help make that transition smoother and set your child up for success in their new environment.