Textbook Prices Surge 3.6%, Highest in Years; Lawmaker Calls for Allowance Review
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Textbook prices for the 2026/27 academic year have risen by an average of 3.6%, marking the steepest increase in recent years, with some families spending over 8,000 Hong Kong dollars on school materials. Education sector legislator Tang Fei has called on the government to review the student textbook allowance scheme, arguing that the price hikes fail to cover publishers' rising operational costs. The introduction of annual electronic activation codes has also sparked concerns about restrictions on second-hand textbook use, prompting calls for greater transparency in pricing arrangements.
Key Points
- Parents face substantial financial strain as a working family spends over 8,200 Hong Kong dollars on textbooks for two daughters in Primary 6 and Secondary 2
- Education sector legislator Tang Fei acknowledges that rising costs for publishers are substantial, and population decline compounds their financial challenges
- Publishers must offer both a basic "plain version" without digital resources and a "teaching materials version" with electronic activation codes
- Approximately 70% of schools select the version bundled with teaching materials, while 30% opt for the plain version
- The number of approved textbook allowance applications dropped to approximately 110,000 cases, with total disbursements falling from over 800 million to 46 million Hong Kong dollars
Why It Matters
The rising cost of textbooks adds pressure to Hong Kong families already struggling with high living expenses, particularly for working-class households who fall between eligibility thresholds for government assistance. The debate over electronic activation codes highlights broader questions about education affordability and the balance between updated digital resources and accessible second-hand materials. As school selection of textbooks directly impacts parental costs, greater transparency in pricing and clearer communication about purchasing options could help ease the burden on families preparing for the new academic year .
The rising cost of textbooks adds pressure to Hong Kong families already struggling with high living expenses, particularly for working-class households who fall between eligibility thresholds for government assistance. The debate over electronic activation codes highlights broader questions about education affordability and the balance between updated digital resources and accessible second-hand materials. As school selection of textbooks directly impacts parental costs, greater transparency in pricing and clearer communication about purchasing options could help ease the burden on families preparing for the new academic year .