The number of South Korean students at top universities in Hong Kong has dramatically increased by 1.6 to 3 times from a year ago.

The University of Hong Kong on Sept. 18 said 58 South Korean students were admitted to its undergraduate programs for the academic year 2009-2010, which began in early September, up from a mere 24 in 2008. Thirty two South Korean students were admitted in 2007. Meanwhile, 29 Korean students were admitted to the Chinese University of Hong Kong in autumn 2007, rising to 40 in 2008 and 56 this year.

Ten South Korean students applied but three were admitted to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2007. This year, 88 applied and 30 were admitted.

International students at the University of Hong Kong pose for a photo in front of the university’s administration building on Aug. 28. /Courtesy of the University of Hong Kong

The sharp increase is attributed to cheaper fees than in the U.S. or Europe, while students can also learn more about China while attending classes in English and find jobs easily after graduation from top Asian schools.

The average tuition fees at Hong Kong universities are HK$100,000 (approximately W16 million) per year, and the dormitory fee is between HK$8,000 and HK$10,000 a month.

The University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology are ranked among the top Asian schools in a survey by the Chosun Ilbo and Quacquarelli Symonds in May, coming first, second and fourth. The third-ranked university was Tokyo University.

Because of these strengths, many Korean students choose Hong Kong universities when they are also admitted by universities in the U.S., Europe and Korea.