The Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is the central government authority responsible for overseeing and regulating the education system from pre-primary to post-secondary levels. Established in 2003, the EDB formulates policies, implements curriculum frameworks, and ensures the quality and accessibility of education across Hong Kong. Headed by the Secretary for Education, appointed by the Chief Executive, the bureau collaborates with key departments like the Curriculum Development Council and the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority to maintain high educational standards.
The EDB plays a pivotal role in shaping Hong Kong's higher education landscape, which includes 22 degree-awarding institutions. It oversees the alignment of tertiary education with global benchmarks and local workforce needs, ensuring institutions like the University Grants Committee-funded universities meet rigorous academic and operational standards. The bureau also facilitates the expansion of vocational and professional education, bridging gaps between industry requirements and student skills.
Accreditation in Hong Kong's higher education sector is managed in collaboration with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). The EDB mandates institutional reviews for post-secondary colleges seeking registration under the Post-Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320) or applying for university titles. These reviews assess governance, curriculum, and teaching quality, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. The bureau also approves fee structures for accreditation services, maintaining transparency and accountability.
Through initiatives like the School-based Support Services (SBSS), the EDB provides tailored assistance to schools and kindergartens in curriculum planning, pedagogy, and assessment. Annual programs and sharing forums promote professional development among educators, while circulars like EDBCM No. 7/2025 outline updated support frameworks for each academic year.
The EDB actively promotes lifelong learning through partnerships with community organizations and funding for adult education programs. It also supports parents and families with resources to foster home-school collaboration, reinforcing Hong Kong's commitment to inclusive and continuous education.
The Education Bureau of Hong Kong SAR is instrumental in maintaining the region's reputation as a global education leader. By driving policy innovation, accreditation rigor, and institutional support, the EDB ensures Hong Kong's education system remains adaptive, equitable, and future-ready.
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