Key facts
- Hong Kong parents are increasingly seeking summer school options within Asia due to rising airfares.
- Applications for British summer schools have fallen by 35% this year.
- The cost of UK summer school programs has increased, with fees alone rising by HK$1,960.
- Round-trip economy fares to London have increased by 39% compared to last year.
- Education consultants report a sharp surge in demand for summer school alternatives in Asia.
Hong Kong parents are increasingly opting for summer school programs within Asia, shifting away from traditional destinations like Britain and North America due to soaring airfares. Samuel Chan Sze-ming, founder of education consultancy Britannia StudyLink, reported a 35% decrease in applications for British summer schools this year. This trend is attributed to a significant increase in flight costs, with round-trip economy fares to London climbing to HK$8,500 in August, a 39% rise from May.
The cost of a two-week residential camp in the UK, which includes English tuition, sports, and cultural excursions, now stands at HK$34,800 in fees alone, an increase of HK$1,960 from last year. Chan noted that more parents are now considering Asian alternatives.
Within Hong Kong, the summer camp market is experiencing high demand, with an estimated 256,000 primary students expected to attend camps in 2026, representing 35% of the total primary student population. This growth, driven by demand for bilingual and STEM camps, means popular sessions fill up earlier, and early bird discounts often end by mid-June. Programs like ESF Explore offer week-long sessions from late June to mid-August, covering various activities from drama and art to sports. Academic and language programs are also expanding, with DSC International School offering sessions from July to August and new French cultural camps being introduced. STEM and science camps, such as Newtonshow, have extended dates from late May to late August, while Stamford American School provides a mix of arts, coding, English, science, and sports in July and August. The cost of these camps varies significantly, with daily rates starting around HK$657 for science camps and weekly programs ranging from HK$2,800 to HK$6,000. Parents are advised to take advantage of early bird discounts and clarify what is included in the fees, such as materials, uniforms, meals, and transportation.