Free Kindergarten Scheme Guide | 2025/26 Subsidy, Eligibility & School List
Complete guide to Hong Kong's Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (FQKGE): 2025/26 subsidy amounts, eligibility requirements, participating schools, and fee remission options. Official policy explained.
Scheme Overview
The Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (FQKGE) was launched in the 2017/18 school year and is administered by the Education Bureau (EDB). The scheme provides three years of subsidised half-day kindergarten education for eligible children, significantly reducing the financial burden on families.
According to EDB Circular No. 4/2024, approximately 730 kindergartens (75% of all kindergartens in Hong Kong) participate in this scheme.
Subsidy Amounts (2025/26 School Year)
The EDB announces subsidy amounts annually. For the 2025/26 school year:
| Mode | Annual Subsidy | Monthly Equivalent | Parent Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day | HK$44,640 | HK$3,720 | $0 (Free)* |
| Full-day | HK$63,720 | HK$5,310 | Varies |
| Long full-day | HK$77,280 | HK$6,440 | Varies |
*Parents pay the difference if school fees exceed the subsidy amount.
Important: PN classes (Pre-Nursery/Playgroup) are NOT covered under this scheme.
Eligibility Requirements
Child Eligibility
According to EDB regulations, children must meet the following criteria:
- Age requirement: At least 2 years and 8 months old by 1 September of admission year (for K1)
- Residency status: Hold a Hong Kong Identity Card or valid visa
- School status: Not yet enrolled in primary school
Information for Parents
- No separate application needed: Automatically entitled upon enrolling in a participating school
- Non-local children: Those with valid student visas are also covered
- Admission process: Handled through the "Registration Certificate for Kindergarten Admission" (RC)
Participating Schools
How to Check If a School Participates
- EDB Kindergarten Profiles: chsc.hk/kindergarten
- This website: Use the "Free Scheme" filter function
- Direct enquiry: Request fee information from schools
Participation Rates by District
| District | Participation | District | Participation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wong Tai Sin | 98% | Yau Tsim Mong | 70% |
| Kwun Tong | 94% | Sai Kung | 67% |
| North | 94% | Southern | 67% |
| Kwai Tsing | 92% | Central & Western | 61% |
| Tuen Mun | 90% | Wan Chai | 55% |
Non-Participating Schools
The following types of schools typically do not participate:
- International schools: Offering non-local curricula
- Private independent kindergartens: Fees exceed subsidy limits
- Alternative pedagogy schools: Such as Montessori, Waldorf
Note: Non-participation does not indicate lower quality—it may simply reflect different curricular positioning.
Fee Remission Scheme
Families with financial difficulties can apply to the Student Finance Office (SFO) for additional assistance:
| Assistance Level | Coverage | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| Full assistance | 100% | Full-day fee difference, non-scheme school fees |
| 3/4 assistance | 75% | Same as above |
| Half assistance | 50% | Same as above |
Application: Submit via the SFO website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is half-day class truly free? A: Tuition is free, but schools may charge miscellaneous fees (snacks, activities) of around HK$200-500/month. Check with individual schools.
Q: Can I apply to multiple free kindergartens? A: Yes, you can apply to multiple schools but may only accept one place. Submit your Registration Certificate to complete enrolment.
Q: What if the full-day subsidy doesn't cover the fees? A: Apply for the "Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme" to cover the shortfall.
PN Class (Pre-Nursery) Fees
A common question among parents: Is PN class free in Hong Kong? The answer is no — PN classes are not covered by the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme. Parents must pay the full fees.
PN Class Fee Ranges
| School Type | Annual PN Fee (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FQKGE school (with PN class) | HK$20,000–$50,000 | Only K1–K3 are free; PN still charges |
| Private kindergarten | HK$40,000–$90,000 | Varies by location and curriculum |
| International kindergarten | HK$60,000–$150,000+ | Non-local curriculum, higher fees |
Why Is PN Class Not Free?
The Free Kindergarten Scheme subsidises three years of kindergarten education from K1 to K3 (ages 3–6). PN classes (ages 2–3) are considered pre-kindergarten and fall outside the government subsidy. However, families with financial difficulties may apply for PN class fee remission through the Kindergarten Fee Remission Scheme.
How to Save on PN Class Costs
- Choose FQKGE schools with PN classes — typically cheaper than private or international options
- Apply for fee remission — via the Student Finance Office
- Explore community programmes — some NGOs offer lower-cost pre-school services
- Compare options in your area — use the kindergarten map to compare local PN fees
For more on PN classes, see our PN Class Complete Guide.
Official Reference Documents
- EDB - Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme
- EDB Circular No. 4/2024
- Kindergarten Profiles 2025/26
- SFO - Kindergarten Fee Remission Scheme
Information updated April 2026. Subsidy amounts are subject to EDB's latest announcements. Please verify with official sources.