Application Procedures

Kindergartens under Kindergarten Education Scheme

Please visit the Education Bureau’s (EDB) website for more details.

Non-Kindergarten Education Scheme / International / ESF Kindergartens

Many international kindergartens conduct admissions on a rolling basis and accept applications since the birth of the child(ren) or up to one to two years before entry. ESF kindergartens and some local non-scheme kindergartens usually accept applications one year before admission. You should check with individual schools for the exact admission timeline and procedure. You may gain a rough idea based on the following timeline.

By Sep / Oct

Submit application forms and supporting documents

Oct – Jan of the following year

Attend interviews or receive confirmation of waiting list for a possible future interview opportunity

Feb onwards of the following year

Receive application results and complete registration

Aug / Sep of the following year

Start school

Local Public / Private Primary & Secondary Schools
ESF Primary & Secondary Schools

Applications for Year 1/ 7 students admitted in the coming year’s August should be submitted during the Central Application period. Applications submitted thereafter will be placed on the waiting list.

For Years other than Year 1/ 7 or Year 1/ 7 students admitted after the coming year’s August, applications should be submitted through General Applications, which are open all year round.

School zoning applies to most ESF schools which you shall apply to schools located in the designated school zone based on your Hong Kong residential address. You may also opt for an out-of-zone school if places are available.

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. If you are applying from overseas, please apply to the school zone of your expected area of residence. Below is a general timeline for ESF school applications. Please check ESF’s website for the most updated admission timeline and procedure.

International Primary & Secondary Schools

Admission timeline varies greatly across international schools. Some accept applications up to two years before admission, and many of them conduct admission on a rolling basis. Some schools can also arrange online assessments for overseas applicants.

Please check with individual schools for the exact admission timeline and procedure.

Application Documents

Here is a summary of the documents you should prepare for school applications.

  • Student’s recent passport-sized photo
  • Student’s birth certificate/ HKID card/ passport/ valid visa status proof
  • Student’s past school reports (if applicable)
  • Parents’ passports/ HKID cards
  • Application fee payment receipt
  • Registration Certificate (RC)/ Admission Pass (AP) issued by the government (only applicable to applications submitted to kindergartens under the Kindergarten Education Scheme)

Please check with individual schools for the exact documents required.