48 Hong Kong DSS schools approved for expansion, 170 non-local students enrolled
Hong Kong's Education Bureau says 48 Direct Subsidy Scheme schools have been approved for an expansion plan, with 170 non-local students enrolled this academic year, up 13 per cent. The bureau will help develop a code of practice for student accommodation.
Hong Kong's Education Bureau has announced that 48 Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools have been approved to participate in the "DSS expansion" plan. In the current academic year, 170 non-local students holding student visas have enrolled in DSS schools under a self-financing model, an increase of 13 per cent from the previous year, which the bureau described as a good start.
Writing in a bureau publication, Undersecretary for Education Lee Bik-sai said that in addition to seven DSS schools that have enrolled non-local students for two consecutive years, another seven DSS schools have begun admitting overseas students this academic year. The non-local students holding student visas come from several countries, including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and European and American nations.
Lee said the bureau would promote the DSS expansion plan on multiple fronts. As accommodation is an important factor for overseas students studying in Hong Kong, the bureau will actively assist the DSS Council in developing a "Code of Practice for the Operation of Student Accommodation Facilities". The code will set standards for accommodation facilities, hygiene, safety and warden arrangements.
The Education Bureau will also help the DSS Council establish a "Student Accommodation Facilities Committee" to review whether operators are following the code of practice, in order to safeguard student welfare.