Chinese Families Shut Out: A Chilling Omen for Hong Kong's Meritocracy The High Court's recent decision dismissing the challenge by 87 mainland Chinese families to the government's policy change on university fees serves as a stark reminder of Hong Kong's dwindling commitment to merit based access to education.
The ruling upholds the Education Bureau's requirement that children of visa dependants must have lived in the city for at least two years before they can enjoy subsidised fees, sending a chilling message: family ties and privilege are increasingly trumping academic excellence in this global financial hub.
The policy change was announced in July 2025, with a gradual tightening of eligibility criteria.