The implementation of the free kindergarten education policy from the 2017-18 school year will cost the Government $6.7 billion annually.
Secretary for Education Eddie Ng said at a press conference on the 2016 Policy Address today, the subsidy for non-profit-making kindergartens will be largely increased under the new policy.
A long whole-day kindergarten with 90 students currently receiving an annual subsidy of $2 million will get $4.9 million under the new policy.
Mr Ng said up to 80% of the places in half-day kindergartens will become free of charge, adding that the new policy reflects the Government’s commitment to education.
On the initiative to increase the number of offers under the Targeted Scholarship Scheme to attract more students from Belt & Road countries to study in Hong Kong, Mr Ng said this will not reduce opportunities for local students.
The Government has increased tertiary places for local students and there are scholarship schemes to help local outstanding students study overseas, he added.
