In the latest financial budget, the Hong Kong government has cut higher education spending by 2% over the next three years. The eight public universities in Hong Kong are expected to return HK$4 billion to the government from their "General and Development Reserve Fund" (GDRF) in a one-time payment in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

According to a report by Times Higher Education, while the government's early request for the return of funds was surprising, it does not seem to have caused excessive concern within the university sector, as most university leaders have accepted the budget cuts.

Professor Mok Ka-ho, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, stated in an interview that universities can manage their finances by gradually increasing other income streams, such as tuition fees and research funding from businesses.

Media Report:

Times Higher Education  |  Universities 'sharing burden' after Hong Kong claws back reserves  |  28/02/25