HSICDATA
HSIC V2.0Subclass

853000Universities and colleges providing post-secondary courses

大學及提供專上課程的院校

Why 6 digits?

HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.

This activity encompasses institutions that offer post-secondary education, including universities and colleges. It includes a variety of educational establishments such as colleges of education that train teachers, open universities that provide flexible learning options, and performing arts schools that offer higher education in the arts.

This classification includes

  • colleges of education providing training for teaching
  • open universities
  • performing arts schools providing higher education
  • universities

Classified elsewhere

These activities look similar but belong under different codes.

  • educational support services

Licences and approvals

What this activity needs to operate

No sector-specific licence applies to this activity. It can be set up as a standard Hong Kong company without extra regulatory approvals. Premises-based or product-based permits can still apply case by case; Emerhub confirms the exact position during scoping.

Offshore profits claim feasibility

Low

This activity is closely tied to Hong Kong as universities and colleges typically serve local students and require local licenses. Contracts for educational services are usually negotiated and executed within Hong Kong, making it difficult to qualify for offshore treatment.

Business registration wording

Suggested business nature for this activity

English

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES PROVIDING POST-SECONDARY

50/60 characters

Chinese 中文

大學及提供專上課程的院校

12/30 characters

Test your own wording in the checker

Standard compliance

Compliance every Hong Kong company shares

Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.

See the full Hong Kong compliance calendar

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to operate a university?

Yes, you need to obtain a license from the Hong Kong Education Bureau to operate a university or college.

What are the tax implications for educational institutions?

Educational institutions may qualify for tax exemptions under certain conditions, but they must comply with local regulations.

Can I offer online courses from Hong Kong?

Yes, you can offer online courses, but you must ensure compliance with local education regulations and licensing requirements.

Incorporate in Hong Kong

Starting a universities and colleges providing post-secondary courses business in Hong Kong?

Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.

Start incorporation with Emerhub