SEA

Choosing Between Band 1 and International: Learning Style, Language and Future Plans Matter Most

Choosing between a Band 1 local secondary school and an international school in Hong Kong is really about which environment best fits your child’s learning style, language needs and future plans. What is a Band 1 local school?Band 1 secondary schools are high‑performing local schools that admit the strongest Primary 6 students and send a […]

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Choosing Between Two Great International Schools: How Do I Pick the Right One for My Child?

Choosing between two good international schools comes down to which is the right school where your child can be happy, supported and challenged at an appropriate level. Start with your “why”Revisit why these two schools made your shortlist in the first place – was it the community feel, curriculum, language, track record, fees, or location. Remember

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My Child Didn’t Pass the Assessment – What Happens Next?

Assessments are taking place, results are being released and parents are starting to ask the question why did my child not pass the assessment. What schools look for: Early years and primary assessments are usually play based and focusing on whether a child is developmentally appropriate for their age. For example, a 2 year old

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The importance of having an international passport for international school admissions

An international passport can help with Hong Kong international school admissions, but it is only one factor and not an automatic barrier if your child holds only a Hong Kong passport. Key question: HK passport and accessMany “land grant” international schools must reserve at least 70% of places for non-local students (typically defined as students holding a

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Australia’s New Visa Priority System – And How to Avoid a Student Visa Refusal

From 14 November 2025, Australia introduced a new visa priority system under Ministerial Direction 115 that changes how offshore student visa applications are queued and processed. Your processing speed now depends heavily on the education provider you choose and where they sit in the government’s priority tiers. These changes apply to offshore applicants (for example,

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Unlock Your Australian Dream: Your Guide to the Skilled Work Regional (491) Visa

Thinking about relocating to Australia? The Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa is a great option, if you want to pursue a pathway to permanent residency via the skilled route. It is designed for applicants whose occupation is on an eligible skilled occupation list, such as the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the Medium to

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The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500): A Guide for International Students

Applying for an Australian student visa can feel overwhelming, understanding the key requirements will help you prepare confidently. Below is a clear breakdown of what you need to know before lodging your Subclass 500 Student Visa application. Requirements for the Student Visa (500) To apply for the 500 student visa, you must: • Apply from offshore (outside Australia) • Hold a valid Confirmation

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🏡 Helping Your Child Feel at Home in Australia: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Homestay

Sending your child overseas for study is a big step, and finding the right homestay can make all the difference. A safe and caring environment helps students settle in, adjust to a new culture, and focus on their studies with confidence. SEA has prepared these practical tips to help parents choose the right homestay for

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Why some kindergartens are closing, yet ESF is opening another 3 kindergartens

The birth rate is declining, kindergartens are closing. Yet, the news reports that ESF is opening 3 kindergartens – ESF Renaissance College Kindergarten (Sai Sha), Quarry Bay School Kindergarten (Kornhill) and West Kowloon.  Strategically, this is to the advantage of those looking for “through-train” schools. Sai Sha will align with Renaissance College, Kornhill will provide

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