[Popular Subject] : Exploring Learning Pathways in Speech Therapy

Speech therapy (Speech Therapy / Speech-Language Pathology) is a professional qualification in Hong Kong. To become a speech therapist, one must obtain a recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree. Although Hong Kong offers local degree programmes, many students choose to pursue studies in the UK or Australia. These three regions differ significantly in curriculum design, clinical practicum structure, professional regulations, and recognition upon returning to Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong： 

Current speech therapy programmes in Hong Kong emphasize holistic development and bilingual (Cantonese and English) phonetics. The curriculum includes phonetics, language development, swallowing disorders, voice disorders, aphasia, articulation and social communication disorders in both children and adults, and more. Given Hong Kong’s bilingual linguistic environment, courses offer in-depth coverage of Cantonese phonology and assessment of Chinese language disorders, enabling graduates to meet local clinical needs directly.

United Kingdom and Australia： 

Programmes in the UK and Australia focus primarily on English phonetics and language disorders. Their training models emphasize a balance between medical and educational approaches, covering interdisciplinary fields such as linguistics, audiology, neuroscience, and clinical psychology. However, because their primary service users are not Cantonese or Chinese speakers, these programmes offer limited teaching on Chinese language disorders, Chinese phonology, or language assessments in bilingual environments. Students may need additional training to fully adapt to Hong Kong’s clinical context.

Hong Kong： 

Local programmes are supervised by the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists (HKAST). Students must complete clinical placements across various settings, including hospitals, schools, special education centres, and elderly centres. They will encounter cases involving Cantonese and Mandarin, ensuring training closely aligned with real local practice. 

United Kingdom and Australia： 

Overseas programmes also involve extensive placements, but the linguistic environment is predominantly English. Clinical cases differ from those in Hong Kong—for example, English phonological disorders, grammar-related language delays, and communication issues influenced by different cultural backgrounds. While returning graduates generally possess strong clinical foundations, they still need to adapt to the Chinese language environment. Some employers may require overseas graduates to undergo additional supervision or on-the-job training.

To practise as a speech therapist in Hong Kong, one must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree or higher in speech therapy or an equivalent qualification.

Bachelor’s Degree Programmes： 

Master’s Degree Programmes： 

In addition to local programmes, many overseas universities offer speech therapy degrees, including 4-year bachelor’s and 2-year master’s programmes. Speech therapists who obtain qualifications recognized by any of the following associations are eligible to become full members of the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists:

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Overall, speech therapy programmes in Hong Kong, the UK, and Australia each have their strengths. Hong Kong’s programmes offer highly localized clinical training tailored to local linguistic needs. The UK and Australia provide internationally recognized qualifications and well-established professional systems with solid clinical training, though the linguistic environments differ. Recognition for returning graduates is generally good, but those trained overseas may need additional adjustment to Chinese contexts and might face extra supervision requirements. 

For students intending to practise long-term in Hong Kong, the most important considerations are whether their clinical language skills meet local needs and whether they are willing to pursue ongoing training to bridge knowledge gaps. 

This article examines the distinctive features of speech therapy programs in Hong Kong, the UK, and Australia, highlighting the differences in clinical placements and professional accreditation. Considering the above factors, parents can help their children acquire professional skills and clinical language proficiency that align with the needs of the Hong Kong market when selecting suitable educational pathways, thereby laying a strong foundation for their future careers.

Synchro Overseas Education, our dedicated team is always ready to assist in developing tailored academic pathways, ensuring that students secure valuable experience and opportunities in occupational therapy.  For further information, please feel free to call 2111 1480 or WhatsApp 5117 4380 to contact Synchro Overseas Education, and let us help your child embark on their educational journey smoothly.      

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