Study in U.K.
Study in the UK
About the UK
British education is renowned worldwide for its long history, rigorous standards, and high quality. Most British schools undergo strict vetting processes by quality control bodies. Schools offer high-quality, diverse curricula, a strong academic atmosphere, and outstanding academic results. British boarding schools are internationally acclaimed, making the UK a consistently popular choice for Hong Kong students. According to a 2019 report by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), there are currently over 5,000 Hong Kong students studying in British boarding schools. On average, over 1,500 Hong Kong students travel to the UK each year to study at boarding schools.
Excellent Educational Environment
The UK has a comprehensive and large-scale education system. As of 2020, the UK had 1,397 private schools, 592 boarding schools, and over 100 universities registered with the International School of Education (ISC). Compared to the United States, British higher education places greater emphasis on fundamental theoretical research and the development of high-tech technologies. Its research achievements are world-renowned. The UK is considered a cradle of science and creativity and has the second-highest number of Nobel laureates globally.
Short study period, high global recognition
British courses are not only widely recognized worldwide, but also have a compact and rigorous curriculum. A bachelor's degree can typically be completed in three years, and a master's degree in one year, allowing students to enter the workforce and pursue professional studies more quickly, while also reducing the cost of studying abroad.
Tuition Fees
Boarding School £4,000 - £10,000 / term(3 terms total)
GCSE / IGCSE £12,000 - £26,000 / year
A-level £10,000 - £28,000 / year
Foundation Courses £10,000 - £18,000 / year
Diploma Courses £10,000 - £25,000 / year
Bachelor's Degree Courses £10,000 - £20,000 / year
Master's Degree COurses £10,000 - £20,000 / year
British Education System
Primary and Secondary School
Primary and secondary education in the UK is generally divided into three stages: six years of primary school, five years of secondary school, and two years of pre-university studies. Upon completion of Grade 11, students must take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams, equivalent to the old Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE). After obtaining GCSEs, students can progress to A-Levels (Advanced Level courses).
University bridging courses - International Diploma
The International Diploma (IDB) is similar to the first year of university. This course is exclusively for international students in the UK, suitable for Form Six students, and lasts one year. It can also be considered a conditional offer to British universities; students who meet certain academic requirements can progress to the second year of their original school, meaning they need to study for two more years to obtain a British university degree. The advantages are lower admission requirements compared to direct entry to university and the ability to seamlessly transition to the second year, making it a popular choice for many students aiming for prestigious British universities.
University Foundation Courses
Most UK universities offer Foundation programs to help students transition to university. These programs are suitable for Form 5 and Form 6 students and typically last 6-12 months. If Form 6 students do not meet the direct entry requirements for university or have not taken the required electives for their desired university, they can choose to take this course to facilitate their transition to a UK university. Foundation programs are a popular choice for studying in the UK; upon completion and meeting the specified requirements, students can directly enter the first year of university.
Comparison of Hong Kong and British education systems
UCAS (United Chinese University Admissions Service)
UCAS is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, similar to JUPAS in Hong Kong. Hong Kong students can apply to UK universities directly using their Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) results without needing additional qualifications like A-Levels, by applying to a maximum of five universities. Application progress can be checked online at any time.
If all five choices are unsuccessful, students can participate in the waitlist or supplemental admissions process.
When applying for a bachelor's degree in the UK, UCAS converts the HKDSE results into UCAS Tariff Points. Below is a table comparing Hong Kong HKDSE and UCAS scores:
Below is a comparison of scores for core subjects and Category A elective subjects.
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