Free Kindergarten Scheme Guide | 2025/26 Subsidy, Eligibility & School List
Complete guide to Hong Kong's Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (FQKGE): 2025/26 subsidy amounts, eligibility requirements, participating schools, and fee remission options. Official policy explained.
Scheme Overview
The Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (FQKGE) was launched in the 2017/18 school year and is administered by the Education Bureau (EDB). The scheme provides three years of subsidised half-day kindergarten education for eligible children, significantly reducing the financial burden on families.
According to EDB Circular No. 4/2024, approximately 730 kindergartens (75% of all kindergartens in Hong Kong) participate in this scheme.
Subsidy Amounts (2025/26 School Year)
The EDB announces subsidy amounts annually. For the 2025/26 school year:
| Mode | Annual Subsidy | Monthly Equivalent | Parent Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day | HK$44,640 | HK$3,720 | $0 (Free)* |
| Full-day | HK$63,720 | HK$5,310 | Varies |
| Long full-day | HK$77,280 | HK$6,440 | Varies |
*Parents pay the difference if school fees exceed the subsidy amount.
Important: PN classes (Pre-Nursery/Playgroup) are NOT covered under this scheme.
Eligibility Requirements
Child Eligibility
According to EDB regulations, children must meet the following criteria:
- Age requirement: At least 2 years and 8 months old by 1 September of admission year (for K1)
- Residency status: Hold a Hong Kong Identity Card or valid visa
- School status: Not yet enrolled in primary school
Information for Parents
- No separate application needed: Automatically entitled upon enrolling in a participating school
- Non-local children: Those with valid student visas are also covered
- Admission process: Handled through the "Registration Certificate for Kindergarten Admission" (RC)
Participating Schools
How to Check If a School Participates
- EDB Kindergarten Profiles: chsc.hk/kindergarten
- This website: Use the "Free Scheme" filter function
- Direct enquiry: Request fee information from schools
Participation Rates by District
| District | Participation | District | Participation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wong Tai Sin | 98% | Yau Tsim Mong | 70% |
| Kwun Tong | 94% | Sai Kung | 67% |
| North | 94% | Southern | 67% |
| Kwai Tsing | 92% | Central & Western | 61% |
| Tuen Mun | 90% | Wan Chai | 55% |
Non-Participating Schools
The following types of schools typically do not participate:
- International schools: Offering non-local curricula
- Private independent kindergartens: Fees exceed subsidy limits
- Alternative pedagogy schools: Such as Montessori, Waldorf
Note: Non-participation does not indicate lower quality—it may simply reflect different curricular positioning.
Fee Remission Scheme
Families with financial difficulties can apply to the Student Finance Office (SFO) for additional assistance:
| Assistance Level | Coverage | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| Full assistance | 100% | Full-day fee difference, non-scheme school fees |
| 3/4 assistance | 75% | Same as above |
| Half assistance | 50% | Same as above |
Application: Submit via the SFO website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is half-day class truly free? A: Tuition is free, but schools may charge miscellaneous fees (snacks, activities) of around HK$200-500/month. Check with individual schools.
Q: Can I apply to multiple free kindergartens? A: Yes, you can apply to multiple schools but may only accept one place. Submit your Registration Certificate to complete enrolment.
Q: What if the full-day subsidy doesn't cover the fees? A: Apply for the "Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme" to cover the shortfall.
Official Reference Documents
- EDB - Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme
- EDB Circular No. 4/2024
- Kindergarten Profiles 2025/26
- SFO - Kindergarten Fee Remission Scheme
Information updated April 2026. Subsidy amounts are subject to EDB's latest announcements. Please verify with official sources.