Hong Kong Free Kindergarten Scheme 2026: Eligibility, Subsidies & Application Guide
Complete guide to Hong Kong's Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (QKEP): free half-day K1-K3 tuition, subsidy amounts, eligible schools (739 out of 991), and application process for local and expat families.
What is the Kindergarten Education Scheme?
The Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme (QKEP) is Hong Kong's government-funded programme providing direct subsidies to eligible non-profit kindergartens. Launched in 2017/18, it replaced the previous Pre-primary Education Voucher Scheme and makes half-day kindergarten education free for all eligible children.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2017/18 school year |
| Coverage | ~74% of kindergartens (739 schools) |
| Half-day tuition | Free |
| Full-day subsidy | HK$38,632/year (2025/26) |
| Long full-day subsidy | HK$56,192/year (2025/26) |
| Applicable levels | K1–K3 (excludes PN class) |
Eligibility
Child's eligibility
- Hong Kong resident status
- Enrolled in an EDB-recognised kindergarten K1–K3 class
- Meets age requirements for the relevant level
School eligibility
Participating kindergartens must be:
- Non-profit — Private independent kindergartens are not eligible
- Local curriculum — Offering programmes based on the local curriculum framework
- Reasonable fees — Tuition within the EDB-approved ceiling
- Qualified staff — Meeting teacher qualifications and student-teacher ratio requirements
⚠️ International kindergartens, private independent schools, and non-local curriculum classes are generally excluded.
Subsidy Amounts (2025/26)
| Mode | Annual Subsidy | Parent Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Half-day | $38,632 | $0 (free) |
| Full-day | $56,192 | Difference after subsidy |
| Long full-day | $56,192 | Difference after subsidy |
Low-income families can apply for additional fee remission (100%, 75%, or 50%) through the Student Financial Assistance Agency.
How to Apply
Parents do not need to apply for the subsidy separately. Simply enrol your child in a participating kindergarten — the subsidy is automatically applied to the fees.
Enrolment Steps
- Choose a school — Browse participating schools
- Apply — Submit application (typically September–November)
- Interview — Attend school interview
- Register — Complete registration upon acceptance
- Subsidy activates — Automatically applied after school confirms enrolment
Free Scheme vs Non-Scheme Schools
| Scheme School | Non-Scheme School | |
|---|---|---|
| Half-day fees | Free | $20,000–$200,000+/year |
| School type | Non-profit | Private/International |
| Curriculum | Local | Local/International/Dual |
| Teaching language | Bilingual (mostly) | Some all-English |
| Quality assurance | EDB-monitored | Self-regulated |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PN class (pre-nursery) free? No. The scheme only covers K1–K3. PN class fees range from $200–$158,640/year regardless of school type. See N-Class Fees Comparison.
Can expat families use this scheme? Yes, as long as the child holds Hong Kong resident status. The scheme is not restricted by nationality.
Are there any other fees at free scheme schools? Schools may charge application fees ($40), registration fees ($970–$1,500), and miscellaneous fees (snacks, uniform, materials), all subject to EDB approval.
How do I identify participating schools? Look for the "Joined Scheme" label on our school pages or the EDB's kindergarten profiles.
Related Resources
- 📊 Free Scheme Schools — all 739 participating schools
- 💰 N-Class Fees Comparison — PN class fees
- 📅 K1 Admission Timeline — application process
- 📊 Kindergarten Rankings — browse schools by district
Subsidy amounts are subject to the latest EDB announcements.