Ibrahim Gardner
Hong Kong has a lot to offer international students, including high-quality education, world-class research, and highly ranked universities. However, in recent years, the city has been plagued by political protests, violent clashes between police and protesters, and the Coronavirus outbreak, which has led some to question whether Hong Kong is still a safe study abroad destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Political situation | Political protests have been known to occur in Hong Kong, with violent clashes between police and protesters. Protests are rare but could happen at any time. |
| COVID-19 outbreak | Hong Kong has confirmed COVID-19 cases and has implemented measures to prevent the spread, including border restrictions and extended holidays for schools and universities. |
| National security laws | The 2020 National Security Law applies to all individuals in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality or residency. Individuals can be detained or removed to mainland China for some offences. |
| University security | Universities have increased security measures, with guards and turnstiles placed at entrances. Students and staff must show university cards before entering campus. |
| Personal safety | Violent crime is low, but street crimes such as pickpocketing can occur. It is important to take precautions to protect valuables and important documents. |
| Driving | International driving permits are required for hire cars, and some companies require a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age. |
| Natural hazards | Typhoon season runs from April to October and can cause flooding and landslides. Public offices and transport may shut down during severe storms. |
| Education quality | Hong Kong offers high-quality academics, innovative courses, and practical education with strong industry ties. Several universities are highly ranked globally. |
| Cost of education | Tuition fees vary depending on the institution, ranging from HKD 90,000 to HKD 265,000 per year for international students. Additional costs include course materials and examination fees. |
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What You'll Learn
Political protests and civil unrest
Hong Kong has been the site of large-scale political demonstrations and civil unrest in recent years, including in popular tourist areas. There have been violent clashes between police and protesters, with police taking controversial measures to curb protests, including the use of tear gas, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, and abuses in detention.
Universities have been a focal point of these protests, with at least six universities being major sites of protests and standoffs between police and demonstrators, resulting in significant property damage. In response, universities have increased security measures, with guards and turnstiles placed at campus entrances, and students and staff required to show their university cards before entering.
The political situation in Hong Kong has raised concerns about the safety of international students. While it is generally advised to stay out of politics and avoid rallies and protests, it is important for international students to be vigilant and mindful of the political climate. Joining political demonstrations can jeopardize personal safety and student visa status.
The Hong Kong National Security Police have broad powers under the 2020 National Security Law, including the ability to issue arrest warrants and financial rewards for individuals outside of Hong Kong. Some people have been prosecuted for publishing or supporting statements critical of the authorities, and individuals can be detained or removed to mainland China for certain offences.
It is recommended that individuals planning to study in Hong Kong closely monitor the political situation, follow local authorities' advice, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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Coronavirus outbreak
Hong Kong has been impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak, with the government introducing measures to prevent its spread. These include restricting travel to and from mainland China, and extending the school holiday period until March, and later April, to contain the virus.
In March 2020, some students began returning to an international school in Hong Kong, despite the coronavirus epidemic forcing a class suspension. This raised questions from a teachers' union over possible unfairness, as local schools were not allowed to bring pupils back to campus. The school responded that students would be organised into small groups according to the subject taken, to maintain social distancing.
The pandemic has significantly decreased international student mobility, with 84% of 2739 respondents showing no interest in studying abroad after the pandemic. However, for those who will continue to pursue further degrees abroad, Hong Kong is listed as one of the top five destinations, along with Japan, Taiwan, the US, and the UK.
Hong Kong was experiencing its second wave of COVID-19 in August 2020, which is something for international students to consider when making travel plans.
In summary, while Hong Kong has been impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak, the government has implemented measures to control its spread, and international students are still considering the city as a study abroad destination. However, students should stay vigilant and informed about the situation, as it continues to evolve.
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Natural disasters
Hong Kong has been billed as the Asian country with the highest natural disaster risk. The city is vulnerable to tropical cyclones between May and November each year, with typhoons being a regular occurrence during the summer. The number of storms since 1900 in Hong Kong has been relatively high, but the government has implemented effective weather warning systems and storm protection plans to minimize their impact in recent years.
In September 2023, Super Typhoon Saola struck Hong Kong, prompting the Hong Kong Observatory to issue Hurricane Signal No. 10 for the first time since 2018. Saola was one of the strongest tropical cyclones to impact the South China Sea since 1950, causing serious flooding in coastal areas and resulting in over 80 injuries.
In September 2024, Hong Kong was hit by another rainstorm that caused flash floods and landslides, leading to widespread disruptions and damage. The storm brought about the longest Black Rainstorm Warning on record, with an hourly rainfall of 158.1 millimetres measured on September 7. This particular storm caused two fatalities and over 140 injuries.
Landslides, droughts, earthquakes, extreme temperatures, floods, mass movements, storms, volcanoes, and wildfires are among the natural disasters that have impacted Hong Kong. Hong Kong's geographical location and high annual rainfall make it particularly vulnerable to certain types of natural disasters.
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Crime
Hong Kong has a reputation for being a safe place for international students, but it's important to be aware of potential dangers. The city has been in the headlines due to political protests, which have resulted in violent clashes between police and protesters. These protests are centred around universities, and international students must be cautious and aware of the political situation to stay safe. Joining these protests may jeopardise not only your safety but also your student visa status.
In addition to the political unrest, Hong Kong has also been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, which has led some universities to suspend their student exchange programmes. The Hong Kong government has implemented measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including restrictions on travel to and from mainland China.
In terms of crime, Hong Kong has a relatively low rate of violent crime. However, pickpocketing and other street crimes do occur, so it is important to take precautions in crowded areas and when checking into hotels. The Hong Kong police have been known to employ controversial tactics to curb protests, such as the use of tear gas, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, and abuses in detention. The National Security Laws apply to all individuals in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality or residency, and some people have been prosecuted for criticising the authorities or supporting those who break these laws.
It is also important to be aware of other laws and regulations in Hong Kong. For example, you can be fined for littering, jaywalking, or spitting, and it is illegal to import or export elephant ivory products. Airports in Hong Kong have strict security measures, and illegal drugs carry severe penalties, including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
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National security laws
Hong Kong's national security law, passed in 2020, has been a source of concern for international students considering studying in the region. The law established four particular crimes: secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign organisations. These crimes are punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The national security law was enacted in response to the 2019–2020 protests, which were sparked by a proposed extradition bill that could have allowed Hong Kong suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial. The law aims to resolve these protests and maintain stability, according to Beijing and Hong Kong authorities. However, critics argue that it has weakened Hong Kong's autonomy and created a climate of fear.
The law has led to the shutdown of numerous pro-democracy news outlets and the arrest of protesters, activists, and former opposition lawmakers. As of July 2023, approximately 260 people had been arrested under the national security law, with 79 of them charged. The law also applies to non-permanent residents and people who are not permanent residents of Hong Kong, which has led to NSL arrest warrants and bounties for individuals who are now overseas.
The impact of the national security law on freedom of speech and the media has been particularly concerning. Hong Kong barrister Wilson Leung has stated that China may find a way to override the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedom of speech, through its own legislation. This has been reflected in the closure of news outlets like Apple Daily, which was critical of the mainland Chinese leadership.
Additionally, the national security law has resulted in increased security measures at universities in Hong Kong. All eight publicly funded universities have ramped up security efforts, with guards and turnstiles placed at entrances to campuses and dormitories. Students and staff must now produce their university cards before entering campus. These measures were implemented following violent protests that occurred at universities, causing significant property damage.
In conclusion, while Hong Kong continues to offer high-quality academics and a diverse cultural experience for international students, the national security law has raised concerns about freedom of speech, media freedom, and the potential for arbitrary arrest. Students considering studying in Hong Kong should remain vigilant and mindful of the political situation, avoiding involvement in political demonstrations that could jeopardise their safety and visa status.
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Frequently asked questions
The answer is not clear-cut. While Hong Kong has high-quality education, world-class research, and highly ranked universities, it has also experienced violent protests, controversial policing tactics, and political instability. International students must be vigilant and mindful of the current political situation to stay safe.
International students in Hong Kong face increased security measures, including guards and turnstiles at university entrances. There have been reports of police closely monitoring students and arbitrary arrests. Violent crime is low, but street crime and pickpocketing can occur. The COVID-19 outbreak has also impacted universities, with some suspending exchange programs. Additionally, Hong Kong's proximity to China may increase the risk of the virus spreading.
International students should avoid political demonstrations and rallies to minimise risk to their safety and student visa status. It is important to follow university safety warnings and comply with authorities. Students should also be aware of Hong Kong's laws and regulations, such as fines for littering and strict drug penalties.
