Non-higher education enrollment peaks due to surge in births during Year of the Dragon

The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) has reported that the number of non-higher education students has reached an all-time high of approximately 89,000, driven largely by the surge in birth rates recorded over the past decade.

According to DSEDJ director Kong Chi Meng, this year’s enrollments reflect a notable increase, particularly among first- and second-year secondary education students.

The spike in numbers comes following a high birth rate observed 12 years ago during the auspicious lunar year of the dragon, traditionally seen as a favorable time for births in Chinese culture.

Additionally, many students have returned to Macau to continue their education after studying in the Greater Bay Area.

To accommodate the influx of students, schools have opened nearly 30 additional classes for first-year secondary students, with an increase of around 1,200 students compared to the previous academic year.

Kong noted that the DSEDJ coordinated closely with schools to ensure a smooth admission process for returning students, who often face challenges due to their late return to Macau. While the overall enrollment figures are encouraging, the official noted a decline in the number of students entering the first year of primary education, reflecting a lower subsequent birth rate.

In response, the DSEDJ plans to implement a school development assistance plan aimed at supporting institutions struggling with low enrollment.

This initiative will provide subsidies for the purchase of equipment and teacher training to enhance educational offerings.

Last academic year, Macau recorded a “high peak” of 88,093 non-higher education students, with a mix of 3,591 in official schools and 84,502 in private institutions.

The numbers have steadily increased over the years, with 87,184 such students in 2022/2023, 85,783 in 2021/2022 and 83,984 in 2020/2021. Lynzy Valles