CONFIDENTIAL
DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR AND SENIOR OFFICIALS : OVERSEAS STUDENTS' FEES : ESSENTIAL FACTS
DECISION
1.
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The decision to increase overseas students fees to full cost
was made purely for financial reasons. New money would be required
to reinstate subsidy to Dependent Territories. No chance of getting
this for present.
FUTURE
2.
As a result of the decision there has been a 50% drop in number
of Hong Kong students coming to UK and comparative increase in number
going to North American Universities. Accept importance to both UK
and Hong Kong of having Hong Kong students in UK. We are monitoring
consequences; and are considering review of the whole policy towards
But no short-term solutions can be expected.
overseas students.
HONG KONG SCHEME
Emergency
3. Hong Kong Government now preparing to go it alone.
loan scheme approved to help needy students currently on first
degree or equivalent courses.
considered separately.
Longer term loan scheme being
Hong Kong and General Department
March 1981
CONFIDENTIAL