Voucher Scheme vs Free Kindergarten Education: History and Policy Explained
Comprehensive analysis of Hong Kong kindergarten subsidy policy evolution: from the 2007 Voucher Scheme to the 2017 Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme, covering subsidy amounts, eligibility, and school participation requirements.
The Evolution of Kindergarten Subsidies in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's kindergarten education subsidy system has undergone significant changes. Understanding this history helps parents comprehend the rationale behind current policies.
Before 2007: The Self-Funded Era
Before the voucher scheme, Hong Kong kindergarten education was primarily self-funded, with limited government support:
- Most kindergartens were privately or non-profit operated
- Schools set their own fees
- Low-income families could apply for fee remission
- Government only subsidised teacher training and professional development
2007-2017: The Voucher Scheme Era
In 2007, the government launched the Pre-primary Education Voucher Scheme, creating a new era of kindergarten subsidies.
The Voucher Scheme (2007-2017) Explained
What Was the Voucher Scheme?
The voucher scheme was a "money follows the student" subsidy model. The government issued vouchers to eligible Hong Kong children, which parents could use to pay fees at participating kindergartens.
Evolution of Voucher Amounts
| School Year | Half-Day Voucher | Full-Day Voucher |
|---|---|---|
| 2007/08 | HK$13,000 | HK$13,000 |
| 2010/11 | HK$14,000 | HK$14,000 |
| 2012/13 | HK$16,000 | HK$16,000 |
| 2014/15 | HK$20,010 | HK$20,010 |
| 2016/17 | HK$22,510 | HK$22,510 |
Voucher Scheme Eligibility
Student Requirements:
- Hong Kong resident status
- Aged between 2 years 8 months and 6 years
- Enrolled at an eligible kindergarten
School Requirements:
- Non-profit kindergarten
- Registered with the Education Bureau
- Fees not exceeding specified ceiling
- Employed teachers with recognised qualifications
Features of the Voucher Scheme
Advantages:
- Reduced financial burden on parents
- Promoted kindergarten quality improvement
- Increased parental choice
Limitations:
- Limited subsidy amount; parents still paid the difference
- Only applicable to non-profit kindergartens
- Did not cover full operating costs
Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (2017-Present)
From the 2017/18 school year, the government launched the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme, replacing the voucher scheme with substantially increased subsidies.
Scheme Objectives
- Provide three years of free half-day kindergarten education for all eligible children
- Enhance kindergarten education quality
- Strengthen support for families with financial needs
- Promote teacher professional development
Changes in Subsidy Model
The free scheme adopts a "direct subsidy to schools" model, with government funding schools directly based on student numbers:
Basic Subsidies (2024/25 School Year):
| Subsidy Type | Half-Day | Full-Day | Long Full-Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Unit Subsidy | ~HK$37,080 | ~HK$55,620 | ~HK$64,410 |
What "Free" Really Means
What's Covered:
- Tuition for half-day local curriculum
- Basic teaching expenses
Items Still Requiring Payment:
- Fees exceeding basic subsidy (if applicable)
- Meal fees
- School bus fees
- Miscellaneous fees and textbooks
- Interest classes and extracurricular activities
School Participation Requirements
Kindergartens joining the scheme must meet these conditions:
- Non-profit nature: Cannot distribute surplus
- Salary structure: Pay according to government recommended scales
- Teacher-student ratio: Commit to maintain or improve
- Fees: Free for half-day or charge approved fees
- Governance: Accept Education Bureau monitoring
Fee Adjustment Mechanism
Some kindergartens with higher operating costs are approved to charge additional fees:
- Fee Remission Scheme: Assists families with financial needs
- Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme
- Remission amount determined by means test
Key Differences Between the Two Schemes
| Comparison | Voucher Scheme | Free KG Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation | 2007-2017 | 2017-present |
| Subsidy Model | Voucher (money follows student) | Direct school subsidy |
| Subsidy Amount | ~HK$22,510/year | From ~HK$37,080/year |
| Fee Coverage | Partial subsidy | Half-day basically free |
| Full-Day Support | Same subsidy | Additional subsidy |
| Teacher Salaries | Set by schools | Recommended pay scale |
How to Apply for Free Kindergarten Education
Eligibility Requirements
Student Requirements:
- Hong Kong resident status
- Enrolled in a participating local kindergarten
- Meet admission age (must be 2 years 8 months by K1 entry)
No means test required for free half-day education
Application Process
- Choose School: Confirm if preferred school participates
- Submit Application: Apply as per school requirements
- Admission: Receive school admission notice
- Register: Complete registration procedures
- Automatic Subsidy: No separate application needed
Fee Remission Application
If additional fee remission is needed:
- Obtain application form from school
- Complete and submit income proof
- Student Finance Office assessment
- Receive remission based on results
Private and International Kindergartens
Kindergartens Not Participating in the Scheme
The following types typically don't participate:
- Private Independent Kindergartens: For-profit nature
- International Kindergartens: Non-local curriculum
- Kindergartens with fees exceeding ceiling
Private Kindergarten Fees
For non-participating kindergartens:
- Fees set by schools themselves
- Not regulated by government fee ceiling
- Parents cannot use government subsidies
- Fees range from tens of thousands to over HK$100,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can my child receive both free education and fee remission?
Yes. If enrolled in a full-day programme requiring fees, eligible families can apply for fee remission to reduce the additional fee burden.
Q2: Does changing schools affect the subsidy?
No. As long as the new school also participates in the free scheme, the subsidy transfers automatically.
Q3: Can non-local children apply?
Only children with Hong Kong resident status are eligible. Children on student visas or dependant visas typically don't qualify.
Q4: Is the PN class before K1 subsidised?
The Free Kindergarten Education Scheme only covers K1 to K3. PN (Nursery) classes are not included, and parents must pay full fees.
Q5: How do I know if a kindergarten participates?
Check through these channels:
- Education Bureau's Kindergarten Profile
- School website
- Direct enquiry to school
Summary
From the Voucher Scheme to the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme, Hong Kong's kindergarten subsidy system has continuously improved. The current scheme provides three years of free half-day kindergarten education for all eligible children, with additional support for full-day programmes and families with financial needs. When selecting schools, parents should understand whether their preferred school participates in the scheme and any additional fees that may apply.
Related Resources
- Education Bureau - Free Quality Kindergarten Education
- Student Finance Office - Kindergarten Fee Remission
- Kindergarten Profile
- List of Participating Kindergartens
This article is based on 2024/25 school year policies. Subsidy amounts may be adjusted annually; please refer to official Education Bureau announcements for updates.