Kindergarten is the first step in a child's life of learning. Choosing a suitable school and mastering the application process can help parents start with peace of mind. Based on expert advice, EdCity has compiled the following 10 Q&As to help parents navigate the various aspects of kindergarten enrolment with ease.
1. How to apply for ‘Free Quality Kindergarten Education’?
Under the Kindergarten Education Scheme (since the 2017/18 school year, the government has provided fixed subsidies to eligible local non-profit kindergartens, enabling all children aged 3–6 to receive free half-day (HD) education. Those enrolled in whole-day (WD)/long whole-day (LWD) programs receive additional subsidies of 30%/60%), each child eligible for education in Hong Kong will receive only one registration document. All participating kindergartens may only admit children holding a valid registration document.
Parents must apply to the Education Bureau(“EDB”) for a ‘Registration Certificate for Kindergarten Admission’ (“Registration Certificate”) for their children between September and November 2025. Applications for the Registration Certificate open annually in September; during that time, the Education Bureau will announce the application details. Parents may refer to the EDB website: https://www.edb.gov.hk/k1-admission_en
2. How long does the Education Bureau take to process an application?
With all the required documents are submitted, the EDB typically completes the review within 6 to 8 weeks. Depending on the method used to submit the application (including online submission, via the “iAM Smart+” app, by mail, or in person at the EDB offices), the Bureau will issue an electronic Registration Certificate to eligible applicants through the corresponding channel. Children who are eligible to receive education in Hong Kong but do not qualify for financial assistance will be issued a ‘Kindergarten Admission Pass’ (“Admission Pass”) instead. Parents may use this Admission Pass to register and enrol their child in a participating kindergarten but must pay the full tuition fee before any subsidy deductions, as indicated on the school's fee statement.
3. How can I obtain information about K1 enrolment?
The EDB organises multiple ‘Parent Seminar on Admission Arrangements for Nursery (K1) Classes in Kindergartens’ annually between July and August, providing detailed explanations of the admission process and important considerations. If parents are unfamiliar with the procedures, attending these sessions is recommended to gain a better understanding. Should parents have missed the scheduled seminars, they may also directly contact their preferred kindergarten to inquire about admission procedures and requirements.
4. What is the age requirement for entering K1?
According to the regulations of the EDB, children admitted to K1 must be at least 2 years and 8 months old. Taking the 2026/27 school year as an example, children born on or before 31 December 2023, will be eligible for application; if they are born on or after 1 January 2024, they will not meet the application requirements for that school year.
5. What if I missed the ‘Centralised Registration Dates’?
If parents fail to complete registration by the specified date, their preferred kindergarten may be unable to process their child's admission. Therefore, it is essential to make your application and obtain an electronic “Registration Certificate” before the deadline to ensure a smooth registration process.
6. What happens if my child receives an admission offer after the ‘Centralised Registration Dates’?
If your child is admitted after the “Centralised Registration Dates,” parents must still complete registration using the electronic Registration Certificate or Admission Pass. If parents wish to transfer their child to another kindergarten having already registered at a kindergarten, they must first scan the QR-code on the electronic Registration Certificate Admission Pass by visiting the original kindergarten to cancel the registration. Note that in most cases, the registration fees are non-refundable after cancellation.
7. How do I choose a suitable kindergarten for my child?
Kindergarten marks a child's first learning stage in life. The most important thing is for your child to enjoy going to school, rather than crying or reluctantly getting through it every day. Experts suggest reserving time for diverse extra-curricular activities can help children develop interests and talents. For example, children enrolled in morning half-day classes in kindergarten, followed by occasional afternoon interest classes in music, arts, or sports can contribute to physical and mental well-being. At the same time, parents should leave adequate downtime when scheduling extra-curricular activities for their child, to prevent overly packed schedules from hindering their child’s enjoyment of their developmental journey. Also, attending one kindergarten is sufficient for young children.
8. Should I choose a kindergarten that is closed to my home?
Since young children require ample sleep, if the kindergarten is too far from home, parents must consider not only commuting and walking time but also the need for children to wake up earlier. This can affect both their mental state and parent-child relationships. If parents and children interact more in the evenings, an afternoon session may better suit the child's schedule. Experts recommend choosing a kindergarten within a moderate distance, ideally with a commute time of about 15 to 30 minutes, to avoid fatigue from lengthy travel. However, they also caution against choosing one that is too close, as having classmates living nearby might make parents concerned about privacy being overly exposed within the neighborhood. Some education experts point out that attending a nearby kindergarten is sometimes more ideal than blindly pursuing prestigious schools.
9. How can I improve my child’s performance during interviews?
Most kindergartens base their admission decisions on children's interview performance. Polite children who can express themselves proactively typically have an advantage. However, if your child is shy and hesitant to speak, there's no need to worry excessively. Demonstrating their self-care abilities can equally enhance their chances of enrolling in their preferred kindergarten. Additionally, if older siblings are already attending the school, they usually receive priority consideration.
10. Is enrolling in N1 necessary to improve K1 admission chances?
Some parents may believe that enrolling their child in N1 or PN (Pre-Nursery) increases the likelihood of K1 acceptance. Consider this: if a child is a “late-born” (born near the end of the year) and starts school at age two, not every child will adapt well. Therefore, whether a child attends N1 is entirely a parental choice and not a requirement. Children can apply directly for K1 admission. Not having attended PN or N1 generally does not affect K1 admission chances; the most critical factor remains the interview performance.
Choosing a suitable kindergarten for your child can be the best gift for their growth. We trust parents will make the most appropriate arrangements for their little ones based on these Q&As.