N-Class Fees Overview
N-class (also called PN class or Pre-Nursery) is a preparatory programme for children aged 2–3 in Hong Kong kindergartens. Under Education Bureau regulations, N-class is NOT covered by the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme — parents must pay fees even at subsidised schools.
Key Statistics
| Item |
Data |
| Schools offering N-class |
504 |
| Free Scheme schools (with N-class) |
343 |
| Private/International schools (with N-class) |
161 |
| Fee range |
$200–$158,640/year |
⚠️ N-class at Free Scheme schools is not government-subsidised. Most charge low fees ($0–$10,000) but it is not free.
N-Class Schools by District
Hong Kong Island
| District |
N-Class Schools |
Free Scheme |
Private |
Private Fee Range |
| Eastern |
46 |
29 |
17 |
$35,930–$151,030 |
| Central & Western |
28 |
12 |
16 |
$44,506–$151,030 |
| Southern |
18 |
11 |
7 |
$86,900–$154,200 |
| Wan Chai |
16 |
9 |
7 |
$72,600–$135,000 |
Kowloon
New Territories
| District |
N-Class Schools |
Free Scheme |
Private |
Private Fee Range |
| Sai Kung |
38 |
21 |
17 |
$58,800–$134,728 |
| Sha Tin |
37 |
26 |
11 |
$27,478–$84,000 |
| Tuen Mun |
33 |
28 |
5 |
$5,140–$79,200 |
| Yuen Long |
33 |
26 |
7 |
$69,600–$127,380 |
| Kwai Tsing |
26 |
23 |
3 |
$54,890–$86,400 |
| Tsuen Wan |
23 |
17 |
6 |
$3,280–$113,190 |
| North |
19 |
16 |
3 |
$5,500–$71,500 |
| Tai Po |
18 |
10 |
8 |
$54,285–$108,680 |
| Islands |
13 |
8 |
5 |
$70,840–$102,300 |
Popular Brand N-Class Fees
Education Groups
| Brand |
PN Branches |
Annual Fee Range |
Features |
| Learning Habitat |
8 |
$84,000–$86,400 |
Inquiry-based, strong P1 placement |
| Victoria |
10 |
$38,870–$137,973 |
IB PYP, VSA through-train |
| Creative |
10 |
$0–$80,000 |
Thematic teaching, some free |
| Think International |
4 |
$76,120–$90,420 |
Small classes, bilingual |
| St. Hilary's |
2 |
$75,460 |
IB curriculum, through-train |
| Cannan |
3 |
$3,280–$9,800 |
Free Scheme, low PN fees |
Most Expensive N-Class Programmes
Budget-Friendly N-Class (Free Scheme Schools)
What N-Class Fees Include
| Cost Item |
Range |
Notes |
| Tuition |
$200–$158,640/year |
Main cost, paid in 10–12 instalments |
| Application fee |
$20–$150 |
Non-refundable |
| Registration fee |
$500–$1,500 |
Partially refundable |
| Miscellaneous (snacks, materials) |
$500–$3,000/year |
Varies by school |
| Uniform/bag |
$500–$2,000 |
One-time cost |
Financial Assistance
- Free Scheme: Does NOT cover N-class — subsidy starts from K1
- Child Care Centre Subsidy: SWD programme, means-tested, only for child care centres
- School fee remission: Some schools offer hardship discounts
Choosing N-Class by Budget
| Monthly Budget |
Recommendation |
Annual Fee Range |
| < $500/month |
Free Scheme school N-class (Cannan, Jing Jing) |
$200–$5,500 |
| $500–$3,000 |
Free Scheme school N-class |
$5,500–$35,000 |
| $3,000–$7,000 |
Private brand N-class (Think, St. Hilary's) |
$35,000–$86,400 |
| > $7,000 |
International school N-class (Yew Chung, Tutor Time, ESF) |
$86,400–$158,640 |
Selection Priorities
- K1 priority: Most schools give N-class students priority for K1 admission
- Location: Children aged 2 shouldn't travel far — aim for within 15 minutes
- Curriculum: Play-based vs structured learning
- Teacher ratio: N-class ideal at 1:6 or below
- Settling-in: Gradual entry arrangements suit different temperaments
Related Resources
FAQ: N-Class Fees
How much are N-class fees per month?
It depends on school type: free-scheme schools' N-class costs about $20–$900/month ($200–$10,000/year); private brand N-class costs about $3,000–$7,200/month ($35,000–$86,400/year); international school N-class can reach $7,000–$13,220/month ($86,400–$158,640/year). The territory-wide N-class annual fee range is $200–$158,640 — a gap of over 790 times.
Why isn't N-class subsidised by the government?
The Education Bureau's Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme only covers the formal K1-K3 academic years. N-class (pre-nursery) is positioned as informal preschool education, outside the scheme's subsidy scope. Even at a free-scheme school, N-class fees are fully borne by parents — though typically far lower than private or international school N-class fees.
Which school has the cheapest N-class fees?
The two cheapest N-class options territory-wide are Jing Jing Kindergarten (Shun Lee) (Kwun Tong, $200/year) and Po Leung Kuk Lee Shu Fook Kindergarten (Kwun Tong, $2,020/year) — both free-scheme school N-classes, far cheaper than private or international options.
How does N-class compare to K1 fees?
N-class is entirely self-funded; K1 at a free-scheme school is fully waived (only miscellaneous fees apply). At private/international schools, K1 fees are usually similar to or slightly higher than the same school's N-class. In other words, for families choosing a free-scheme school, N-class is the only year requiring full self-funding throughout the preschool stage.
Data sources: EDB Approved Fee Certificates 2025/26. Fee ranges based on Nursery class fee data. Actual charges subject to school announcements.
