Hong Kong Kindergarten Fees 2025/26: Free Scheme, Fee Standards & Subsidy Guide
Complete guide to Hong Kong kindergarten fees: Free Quality Kindergarten Education subsidy rates, half-day/full-day tuition, registration fee caps, and fee remission eligibility for parents.
Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (FQKE)
According to the Education Bureau's "Profile of Kindergartens and Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres", the subsidy standards for the 2025/26 school year are:
Subsidy Ceiling
| Class Type | Annual Subsidy per Student |
|---|---|
| Half-day | HK$26,520 |
| Full-day | HK$45,180 |
| Long full-day | HK$57,540 |
For scheme-participating kindergartens with fees within the subsidy ceiling, eligible children enjoy free half-day education. Full-day and long full-day students pay the difference after subsidy deduction.
Eligibility Requirements
- Kindergarten must be non-profit with local curriculum
- Child must have Hong Kong right of abode or One-way Permit
- K1 children must be 2 years 8 months old by 31 August of the school year
Currently, approximately 760 kindergartens participate in the scheme, covering about 90% of local kindergarten places.
Fee Comparison by Kindergarten Type
2025/26 Tuition Reference
| Item | FQKE Kindergartens | Private Kindergartens | International Kindergartens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day (monthly) | Free | $2,500 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Full-day (monthly) | $800 - $2,500 | $4,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $30,000 |
| Registration fee cap | $970 (HD) / $1,570 (FD) | No cap | No cap |
Registration Fee Regulations
EDB regulations set registration fee caps for scheme-participating kindergartens:
- Half-day: Maximum $970
- Full-day/Long full-day: Maximum $1,570
Registration fees must be refunded or credited toward tuition upon admission.
Other Essential Costs
Parents should budget for additional expenses:
| Fee Item | Reference Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Textbooks | $500 - $2,500/year | Varies by materials |
| Snacks | $200 - $600/month | Higher for full-day |
| Uniform | $500 - $2,000 | Summer and winter sets |
| School bus | $400 - $1,200/month | Distance dependent |
| Interest classes | Extra | Optional |
Fee Remission & Assistance Schemes
Kindergarten Fee Remission Scheme
Administered by Student Finance Office, providing fee assistance for families in need:
- Full remission: Household income at or below 50% of median
- Half remission: Household income 50% - 75% of median
- Also covers "School Textbook Assistance" and "Student Travel Subsidy"
Application: Submit through the "Combined Application for Student Financial Assistance" (SF1) form.
Working Family Allowance Scheme
Eligible working families may also apply for:
- Basic allowance and child allowance
- Can be received alongside fee remission
Kindergarten Fees at a Glance
Parents searching for "kindergarten fees" usually want a quick answer to "how much will this cost". It depends on the school type:
| School Type | Half-day (annual) | Full-day (annual) | Share of All Kindergartens |
|---|---|---|---|
| FQKE (non-profit, scheme) | $0 | $0 - $57,540 (post-subsidy difference) | ~74% |
| Private local kindergartens | $30,000 - $80,000 | $50,000 - $120,000 | ~15% |
| International kindergartens | $65,000 - $150,000+ | $100,000 - $240,000+ | ~11% |
Three key points:
- "Free" only covers tuition, not incidental fees: Half-day tuition is fully waived, but textbooks, snacks, uniforms, and school bus fees still apply, typically $2,000-$8,000 per year.
- N-class (PN class) is not subsidized: The free scheme only covers K1-K3. Parents pay full N-class fees out of pocket — see N-Class Fee Comparison 2026.
- Fee gaps within the same district can be 3-5x: Free-scheme and private/international kindergartens in the same area can differ dramatically in cost, so confirm your budget range before shortlisting schools.
Want exact fees for a specific school? Browse Rankings filtered by district, or search the school name directly.
How to Check Fees
- Kindergarten Profile System: EDB website provides approved fee information
- School websites: Check latest fee circulars
- School open days: Enquire directly for detailed fee breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the "free" scheme really completely free?
Half-day tuition is genuinely free, but parents still pay for snacks, textbooks, uniforms and miscellaneous fees. Full-day classes require payment of the post-subsidy difference.
Q: Are private kindergartens better quality?
Not necessarily. Many scheme-participating kindergartens provide excellent education. School selection should consider teaching philosophy, staff quality, and curriculum suitability for your child, not just fee levels.
Sources: Education Bureau "Profile of Kindergartens and Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres 2025/26", Student Finance Office