📚 Kindergartens

All are privately run: non-profit kindergartens (most join the EDB Kindergarten Education Scheme), private independent kindergartens, and international kindergartens offering non-local curricula. The EDB Profile of Kindergartens (www.chsc.hk/kindergarten) lists approved fees, teacher-student ratios, teacher qualifications, curriculum and admission details for around 970 kindergartens.

Introduced in 2017/18, it directly subsidises participating local non-profit kindergartens and replaced the old voucher scheme. In 2025/26 about 97% of eligible kindergartens joined; around 90% of half-day places are free and full-day fees stay low. The Profile shows approved fees after subsidy.

Typically: apply to kindergartens between August and November; apply to the EDB for a Kindergarten Admission Registration Certificate in September–November; interviews from November; schools announce results by mid-December; register at one school during the centralised registration period in January. Each child receives only one certificate, so only one school can be registered.

Yes. A child must be 2 years 8 months old for K1 (calculated by admission year) and must be a Hong Kong resident (HKID, right of abode, entry permit or valid visa).

Consider ① curriculum and language (local curriculum, IB, Montessori); ② teacher-student ratio and qualifications (all in the Profile); ③ distance and commute, which matters a lot for a three-year-old; ④ support for non-Chinese-speaking or special-needs children; ⑤ half-day versus full-day fit with family routine. Visiting an open day tells you more than any ranking.

For scheme kindergartens the Profile shows approved fees after government subsidy and requires disclosure of major expenditure. Private independent kindergartens set their own fees, which vary widely. Remember to add registration fees, books, uniforms, school bus and meals.