The number of Hong Kong students studying for undergraduate degrees in the US has hit a record low, falling below 3,000 for the first time in more than 50 years, according to official data.
The high cost of US education and emigration routes in other countries had spurred parents and students to look for opportunities elsewhere, said Ng Po-shing, a consultant with the Hok Yau Club, a youth counselling organisation.
Further possible restrictions under the next administration led by Donald Trump might also reduce the number of international students from Hong Kong even more, Ng added.
According to the latest US government-sponsored annual survey by the Institute of International Education, there were 2,762 undergraduates from Hong Kong in the country in the last school year.
They were among 5,627 Hongkongers enrolled in tertiary education programmes, including bachelor, graduate and non-degree courses.
The figure marked a drop of 4 per cent from the previous school year and a record low since 1969-70, when there were 7,202 Hongkongers studying in the country.
