Sending your child to study abroad
Benefits of studying abroad
Studying abroad offers more than an international education – it's a life-enriching experience. Not only does it enhance your children's language proficiency, but it also fosters independence, adaptability, resilience, and critical thinking.
Living and studying overseas exposes your children to diverse cultures and prepares them for a global career. They'll gain newfound confidence and lifelong friendships.
Overseas university entry requirements
Admission requirements for universities vary from country to country. Some recognise the results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), while others require standardised tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, SAT and ACT. Letters of recommendation, proof of financial ability and other supplementary documents may also be requested.
In terms of scores, most colleges or disciplines require an HKDSE average score of 4 or above or an IELTS score of 6.0 or above. Prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, even require 7.0 points for the IELTS score. Alternatively, your children can enrol in a community college or university prerequisite class for two years. When the requirements are met, they can transfer their credits to a related undergraduate programme.
Application procedures
Certain universities require application submissions a year before the school term starts. These can be completed via post or the Internet. Once you receive the confirmation of admission, you can apply for a student visa at the relevant immigration office.
Tuition and expenses
Studying abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan are the most popular choices. Your choice of city and university will impact your expenses. The cost of living is influenced by proximity to campus.
| Country | Tuition | Living expenses (including accommodation, food and transportation) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | HKD235,500 (USD30,000) |
HKD180,500 (USD23,000) |
HKD416,000 (USD53,000) |
| UK | HKD219,100 (GBP22,000) |
HKD146,400 (GBP14,700) |
HKD365,600 (GBP36,700) |
| Canada | HKD173,900 (CAD29,700) |
HKD87,200 (CAD14,900) |
HKD261,100 (CAD44,600) |
| Australia | HKD166,900 (AUD32,500) |
HKD154,000 (AUD30,000) |
HKD320,900 (AUD62,500) |
| Japan | HKD46,500 (JPY875,000) |
HKD58,100 (JPY1,095,000) |
HKD104,600 (JPY1,970,000) |
| Country | USA | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition |
HKD235,500 (USD30,000) |
HKD235,500 (USD30,000) |
| Living expenses (including accommodation, food and transportation) |
HKD180,500 (USD23,000) |
HKD180,500 (USD23,000) |
| Total |
HKD416,000 (USD53,000) |
HKD416,000 (USD53,000) |
| Country | UK | UK |
| Tuition |
HKD219,100 (GBP22,000) |
HKD219,100 (GBP22,000) |
| Living expenses (including accommodation, food and transportation) |
HKD146,400 (GBP14,700) |
HKD146,400 (GBP14,700) |
| Total |
HKD365,600 (GBP36,700) |
HKD365,600 (GBP36,700) |
| Country | Canada | Canada |
| Tuition |
HKD173,900 (CAD29,700) |
HKD173,900 (CAD29,700) |
| Living expenses (including accommodation, food and transportation) |
HKD87,200 (CAD14,900) |
HKD87,200 (CAD14,900) |
| Total |
HKD261,100 (CAD44,600) |
HKD261,100 (CAD44,600) |
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| Tuition |
HKD166,900 (AUD32,500) |
HKD166,900 (AUD32,500) |
| Living expenses (including accommodation, food and transportation) |
HKD154,000 (AUD30,000) |
HKD154,000 (AUD30,000) |
| Total |
HKD320,900 (AUD62,500) |
HKD320,900 (AUD62,500) |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Tuition |
HKD46,500 (JPY875,000) |
HKD46,500 (JPY875,000) |
| Living expenses (including accommodation, food and transportation) |
HKD58,100 (JPY1,095,000) |
HKD58,100 (JPY1,095,000) |
| Total |
HKD104,600 (JPY1,970,000) |
HKD104,600 (JPY1,970,000) |
Apply for a loan for your child's overseas studies
Studying abroad is a big investment. A four-year programme often requires more than a million Hong Kong dollars. If financing proves to be difficult, consider applying for an HSBC Personal Instalment Loan, which provides a loan amount up to 23 times your monthly salary or HKD3 million (whichever is lower), to enjoy better liquidity. The maximum 60-month repayment period offers you a comfortable repayment schedule while covering tuition costs and living expenses. It's possible to redraw the repaid loan without applying again in case additional education funds are needed.
More information about studying overseas
Studying abroad is not a simple decision. Other than visiting the websites of different institutions for more details, you can get additional information from different public and private resources, like the Education Bureau and Hong Kong Education & Careers Expo.
Frequently asked questions
Besides tuition and living costs, what other finances matter when your child studies abroad?
Top study destinations, such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, require proof of enough savings to cover tuition and living costs before issuing a visa. You usually need to have at least one year's expenses saved for 6 months or more.
How can I use HSBC's Personal Instalment Loan?
You can use funds from HSBC Personal Instalment Loan for various purposes, including tuition, accommodation, flights, and daily expenses abroad.
Apart from personal loans, what other financial tools can help with overseas study costs?
You can use your savings or education funds, and encourage your children to apply for scholarships and grants abroad. Credit card cash instalment plans, spending instalment plans and cash advances are alternative financial options that provide flexibility.
To find out more about HSBC Personal Instalment Loan, feel free to call us on (852) 2748 8080, or apply online now.
To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!
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