ratio of qualified applicants to vacancies, an average of 9.8:1 for 1970-71.
As much of the government's anxiety to expand tertiary level education stems
from fear of the political consequences of unmet demand for further education
resulting from the very rapid secondary-level expansion, no shortage of
qualified applicants need be anticipated.
17. Traditionally the Colony has been heavily dependent on overseas
institutions of higher education: in 1967 less than a quarter of the stock of
university-educated citizens in the 20 to 29 age group had received this
higher education in Hong Kong. In 1971-2 there were as many Hong Kong
students enrolled in tertiary level institutions in the USA alone as in the
whole of Hong Kong. Hong Kong will in future have to pay a larger proportion
FOREIGN of the cost of these places in feren universities, and in view of this it will
undoubtedly prove cheaper to expand university equivalent education
domestically, as well as being possible to provide an education more appropriate
to the needs of Hong Kong.
18. The establishment of teaching staff has been increased from 285 in
1974 to 450 in 1975. Approximately 25% of the staff are expatriates recruited
mainly from Britain, the United States and Australia, the majority being recruited
from Britain on two year contracts. Although every effort is made to appoint
local candidates there will be a need for expatriate recruitment for some years
to come. It is anticipated that the demand can continue to be met from the UK
market, but only if Hong Kong salaries remain ahead of British salaries.
19.
The role of the Polytechnic in relation to other education facilities in
Hong Kong may be illustrated by the attached diagram (Annex A). The main
danger would appear to be of overlapping with the developing Technical
Institutes; however, this danger has been foreseen and a formal system of
liaison has been established with the Education Department to ensure proper
co-ordination.
20.
In conclusion, courses at the Polytechnic seem to be consistent
/with