Sending your children to study abroad is a smart investment that will boost their career prospects and gain invaluable experience. It is a good time for the children to learn to be independent while living away from home and also to improve their English language skills.
Before making any decision, parents should speak to their children about where they prefer to further their studies. There are several things that they should know before studying abroad, including the destinations, admission process and the programs available.
Top study abroad destinations
United Kingdom, United States and Australia have typically been the top study abroad destinations for students from Hong Kong. Below’s a quick overview of different systems and things to know before deciding where to go.
| Term begins - ends |
Entry Exam |
Years to take for a bachelor’s degree |
Tuition Fees* |
|
| Australia |
Feb - Nov |
/ |
3 years (4 years for professional programs such as LLB and Medical) |
HKD$140,000 - $220,000 |
| UK |
Sep/Oct - May/Jun |
UCAS |
3 years (4 years for professional programs such as LLB and Medical) |
HKD$110,000 - $360,000 |
| USA |
Aug - Jun |
SAT/ACT |
4 years |
HKD$200,000-400,000 |
*For reference only. Fees may vary according to different institutions and fluctuating currency exchange rate.
Planning for study abroad
How can parents and their children prepare for studying abroad?
- Apply For a Student visa
Getting a student visa is perhaps the most important preparation for overseas studies. Find out about the visa requirements and start the application early.
- Finding accommodation
Most international students are likely to be living in school dormitories in their first one or two years abroad. Speak to the counsellors on the options available at the campus or other areas that are close to school.
- Open a bank account
Find out about the procedures and requirements needed for opening a bank account in your destination country. Having a local bank account will help your child to manage daily expenses and rent, while you will be able to avoid hefty conversion rates. Certain banks with a global network allow parents to pre-open an account abroad and offer services including instant money transfers.
- Getting insured
Next, getting health insurance is just as important as the student visa. It is helpful that the parents have a good understanding of the healthcare system in the destination country, besides the health insurance that their children will need when living abroad.
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