According to the new changes on requirement provided by Education Bureau, private and international schools in Hong Kong, they need to explain on the additional charges that added on students, and they need to tell parents regard this issue.
There are parents that are not happy with the additional charges, as they feel this allow the schools to get extra income, and feel like for those that willing to afford more would appear as get priority on their children’ acceptance to the school.
Education Bureau is looking into the problem, to see the charges that parents pay to the school for tuition and extra charges, after received critique from the city ombudsman. As the city ombudsman found authorities did not keep up checking on the extra charges of the school that covers in different aspects, refundable and non-refundable. This result in some schools that total of extra charges become more than tuition. It shows the importance of Education Bureau regulation on the schools.
Education Bureau sent out letter that inform private and international schools need to submit their pose charges base on the new changes. Both private and international schools need to ask for approval from Education Bureau for the extra charges. Approvals will be effective for five years.
The transition arrangement approval would base on the justifications for each school. There are education officials met with school representatives. Some international schools think the new requirement would be difficult, especially due to the pandemic of Covid 19.
This shows the importance for schools to be transparent with charges. They should list out all charges clearly as to what it would be use, includes any optional charges, more importantly they have listed out which can be transferred or refunded.
Education Bureau would keep in touch with the school about the concern, and some parents support on the action Education Bureau react on extra charges.