A different ‘feel’, a different will: Institutional habitus and the choice of higher educational institutions in Hong Kong

This study examined students’ choice of higher educational institutions in Hong Kong, an educational system characterised by a huge expansion and greater differentiation since 2000. Drawing on semi-structured interview data from a longitudinal study and with a detailed classification of higher educational institutions and transition pathways taken by Hong Kong students, we found that the concept of ‘institutional habitus’ of higher educational institution manifested itself in three forms: infrastructure, prestige, and culture; and they had shaped the higher educational decisions of students from different socio-economic backgrounds. Moreover, students’ educational choices reflect an alignment between institutional and individual habituses. Implications on higher education policy are discussed.