Hong Kong’s public universities have enrolled over 20,000 non-local undergraduate students in the 2025-26 academic year. This number shows a 17% increase from the previous year, after the government doubled the student quotas. Non-local students now make up about 27.1% of local undergraduates, up from 23.2% last year, though still below the 40% quota for this year. The Education University of Hong Kong (EdU) recorded the highest rise of 90%, with non-local undergraduates increasing from 442 in 2023-24 to 841 in 2025-26. Baptist University also saw a strong 82% growth, from 943 to 1,719 students. Meanwhile, the University of Hong Kong had the highest number of non-local students at 4,894, which is 35.1% of the local students. City University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong had the smallest increases, of 21% and 23%, respectively. Overall, non-local undergraduate enrollment has grown 36% since the quota changes began. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said some universities are close to hitting their quotas. "We will keep an eye on the situation. We will not rule out reviewing the quota if there is such a need, and the universities’ supporting facilities are ready," she said. To support more non-local students, about 5,000 hostel places could be added by converting commercial buildings into student hostels through private developers or operators. Choi also announced that Hong Kong will host the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition later this month. Around 2,000 participants from over 70 countries will attend this major global education event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 23 to 27. The last day will include campus tours of all eight public universities in the city.