This is a topic that comes up frequently, especially as more local schools in Hong Kong begin offering international streams within their existing structure. The most common examples are Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools that add international curricula at upper secondary levels (around Year 10–11 / Grade 10–12) for selected students whom teachers believe can achieve strong results in programmes such as IGCSE and the IB Diploma. Notable schools include Good Hope School, Diocesan Boys’ School, Diocesan Girls’ School, St Paul’s Co-educational College, and Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School (CKY).

As discussed previously, these selective pathways can have an impact on students’ mental health. Only a small group will be invited into the international stream and go on to target scores of 40–45 in the IB Diploma Programme, while many others remain in the local system to complete the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) or parents will choose options for their child to either study at international school in Hong Kong or study abroad in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia etc

For families seeking a more well-rounded environment but still wanting strong Chinese, there are hybrid and bilingual schools such as The ISF Academy, Chinese International School (CIS), Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA), Yew Chung International School (YCIS), and Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau, where students receive significant exposure to Mandarin in the younger years before transitioning to more English. 

It is also becoming more common for international schools to strengthen their Chinese programmes. Schools like Hong Kong International School (HKIS) and Canadian International School (CDNIS) now offer bilingual or Putonghua-rich options in the early years, alongside IB and other international qualifications in the upper year. 

One important point for parents to note: Cantonese, although one of Hong Kong’s official languages, is generally not taught as a main language in international schools. Most focus on English and Putonghua.

For families who want their children to be more fluent in home languages such as French or German, schools like French International School (FIS) and German Swiss International School (GSIS) offer dedicated language streams in French and German, as well as international curricula

Common parent questions

Are debentures mandatory?
Debentures and capital levies are used by schools to fund campus development and major projects. Some schools charge mandatory capital enrolment fees or require a refundable or non-refundable family debenture. Policies vary: some debentures can be transferred, partially refunded, or depreciate in value when your child withdraws or graduates.

Is it important to have a foreign passport?
For schools officially designated as international schools, Education Bureau rules require the majority of students to hold foreign passports. In practice, many schools aim for at least 70% non-local passport holders, leaving only around 30% of places for local passport holders. There are no formal exemptions, even for strong local applicants. 

However, private independent schools that offer international curricula but are not classified as “international schools” do not have these passport quotas. Examples include schools such as Oxbridge School, Stamford American School (SAIS), Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, and others. 

If you are looking for professional advice on how to navigate the Hong Kong education system, including bilingual, and international school options, contact us today via WhatsApp to arrange a complimentary 15-minute call.