Ms. Li from Shenzhen has an average educational background and average English skills. She doesn’t meet the points requirements for the ”Talent” or “Highly Skilled” immigration programs, but she wants to secure 15 years of free education in Hong Kong for her child. She used to think that “obtaining Hong Kong residency” was the exclusive privilege of academic stars and the wealthy—until a friend pointed out that she could also obtain residency by pursuing a one-year master’s degree in Hong Kong.
In 2026, thanks to improvements to the IANG visa program, this ”study abroad” pathway has become broader and more stable. With low entry requirements and a clear process, it is the most reliable fast track for ordinary people to obtain Hong Kong residency.
01
What Kind of Path?
The logic is simple: go to Hong Kong as a student to pursue a full-time master’s degree → apply for an IANG visa after graduation to work in Hong Kong → apply for permanent residency after accumulating 7 years of residence. The key advantage is:From the moment I received my student visa, time began to accumulate., and the one year spent studying is also included in the seven years.
The initial IANG visa has now been extended to 2 years (3 years for STEM majors). Applicants must apply within 6 months of graduation and are not required to have secured employment in advance; subsequent renewals follow a ”2+3+3” model, provided the applicant is employed or has started a business in Hong Kong. After 7 years, upon meeting the ”habitual residence” requirement, the entire family may apply for permanent residency and a Special Administrative Region passport.
02
Is the barrier to entry really that low?
Compared to the "Talent Admission" and "Highly Skilled Talent" programs, the entry requirements for the "Further Studies" program are indeed the most accessible. Basic requirements: applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, and be able to cover one year’s tuition and living expenses in Hong Kong (proof of funds of approximately 200,000 to 300,000 RMB).
In terms of education, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient; a two-year college degree combined with several years of management experience can also qualify you for a higher diploma or a professional master’s degree. Don’t worry if your English isn’t strong—Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Zhuhai College, the University of Education, and others offerPrograms Taught in Chinese(e.g., Chinese Environmental Studies, Chinese Literature, Applied Finance), no IELTS or TOEFL scores required.
The approval rate speaks volumes: According to 2025 data from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, there were 28,710 IANG applications, of which 27,630 were approved,Approval rate as high as 96.241 TP3T...with master’s degree graduates accounting for 80% of the core group. The certainty of this path far exceeds that of other talent programs.
03
How much will it cost, and is it worth it?
In terms of costs, annual tuition for a one-year taught master’s program ranges from approximately 100,000 to 220,000 HKD, and the total annual cost, including living expenses, is about 200,000 to 320,000 HKD—far lower than the costs associated with investment immigration. Starting in March 2026, the deadline for submitting IANG renewal applications will be extended from 4 weeks before expiration to 3 months, alleviating concerns about visa lapses.
The greatest hidden benefit is that ”one person studies, the whole family gains residency status”: While studying, you can apply for dependent visas for your spouse and children under 18. Your spouse can work in Hong Kong without needing an additional work visa, and your children are entitled to 15 years of free public education in Hong Kong, with the same rights as local students.
Zhuhai College is set to be elevated to university status; admission requirements are currently lenient, making this a prime opportunity to enroll at a low cost. The Master’s program in Environmental Protection at Metropolitan University offers weekend classes, so working professionals in mainland China don’t have to take an extended leave from work. These two Chinese-taught programs are a safe bet for applicants with limited English proficiency.
Scan the QR code to add Qicaiying’s online customer service
—— E N D ——
As a professional one-stop business service platform, Qicaiying is committed to providing our clients with high-quality services, including mainland company registration, Hong Kong company registration, offshore company registration, bookkeeping and tax filing, annual reviews and audits, corporate bank account opening, financial and tax compliance, equity structuring, ODI filing, cross-border e-commerce services, Hong Kong residency, immigration, and study abroad—all designed to support businesses in their global expansion. Feel free to add me on WeChat (phone number and WeChat ID are the same: 18620388671) for inquiries at any time.
