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EDUCATION
Candidates are limited to those who have completed six years of secondary school education in an approved secondary school and have passed a qualifying examination such as the English or Chinese School Certificate Examination. This year, a total of 2,355 can- didates sat for the examination and 1,052 of them passed.
The Education Department provides a local secretary for various examining bodies in Britain and elsewhere and so makes available to students in Hong Kong many overseas examinations at standards comparable with those in Britain. Of these examinations, the GCE is open to both school and private candidates who hold a school certificate of the required standard, and to private candidates of 25 years of age or over who are required to pass this examination as a prerequisite to entering for a professional or university ex- amination. London University degree examinations are also con- ducted annually in May and June. Appendix XXVII shows the more important examinations held in Hong Kong and the number of candidates entering for them.
EDUCATION OVERSEAS
The Hong Kong Students' Office in London assists Hong Kong students to find places in universities and other institutions of higher education in Britain but not in private schools or colleges. The office also notifies qualified students of vacancies in the Hong Kong Government and arranges for candidates to be interviewed in London. In co-operation with the British Council the office arranges for students to be met and given temporary accommodation on arrival and also gives advice and assistance on personal and educa- tional problems. There are 4,100 students, including trainee nurses, undergoing an infinite variety of courses (see Appendix XXVIII.)
The number of Hong Kong students known to have left for further studies in the United States, Canada and Australia are 1,391, 776, and 219 respectively.
The government maintains Hong Kong House in London as a residential and social centre for Hong Kong students in Britain under the control of a board of governors appointed by and re- sponsible to the government. It accommodates some 80 students and serves as a focal point and meeting place for many more.