More than 60 percent of Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools are keen to recruit more non-local students under a trial scheme, according to the Hong Kong DSS Schools Council.

The initiative, announced in September’s Policy Address, allows DSS schools to apply for increases in the number and size of classes to accommodate more non-local students who study on a self-financing basis and require visas.

Council chairman Dion Chen said on Wednesday DSS schools have responded positively to the scheme and are keen to learn if they fulfil the Education Bureau’s requirements.

He noted that some 200 non-local students are currently enrolled in DSS schools, with most of them living in school dormitories.

Chen said 12 DSS schools in the city have their own dormitories and can accommodate up to 1,700 schoolchildren.

He noted that while most DSS schools have spare classroom capacity, those with dormitories are considered “most ready” for higher non-local intakes.

“At the beginning stage, I believe that most of the students will come from Asia, especially Southeast Asia,” he said.

“In Hong Kong, we’ve got a very good reputation in no matter basic education or the tertiary education, so I believe this is one of the good reasons [that are attracting] overseas students coming to Hong Kong to start their basic education, to study in a primary school or in the secondary school.”

Chen said he hopes the Education Bureau can streamline the approval process for schools applying to expand their non-local student intakes.

“The process and the time spent will be much longer comparing with those taking in the local students,” he said.

“We may also need to administer some interviews or admission tests.

"But most importantly, those students need to apply for a student visa. It takes time. As per our experience, at least six to eight months are required for applying for the student visa.”

Meanwhile, the council announced a partnership with Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, through which Hong Kong students can receive unconditional offers on the recommendations of their school principals.

Chen said the purpose of the scheme is to make students stress-free for their public exams, adding that the council is in discussions with three to four more Australian universities for similar arrangements.