Asian Tigers Lead Education Surge: Hong Kong Tops, South Korea Joins Top 10
The Asian education sector is witnessing a surge in international interest, with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, dubbed the Asian Tigers, leading the charge. A 19% increase in search interest from March to June 2025 has placed these destinations ahead of Japan and China in popularity.
Hong Kong has emerged as the top Asian Tiger destination, experiencing a remarkable 125% increase in student searches during the same period. This growth can be attributed to the region's affordability and high-quality education, as seen in Singapore's 33% increase in student searches. Additionally, the strategic locations of these destinations provide easy access for Asia's growing middle-class population seeking quality international education.
South Korea has also joined the top 10 study destinations for the first time in Keystone's 2025 State of Student Recruitment Report. The Asian Tigers are predominantly attracting students from the Asia-Pacific region, with India and Indonesia showing the most interest. Investment in higher education and initiatives to boost intra-Asian mobility are key drivers behind this success.
The Asian Tigers' appeal continues to grow, with Hong Kong leading the pack. Their affordability, high-quality education, and strategic locations are drawing students from across the Asia-Pacific region. As investment in higher education and mobility initiatives increase, the Asian Tigers are set to maintain their competitive edge in international education.
