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EDUCATION
educational establishments and hospitals where Hong Kong students are receiving training.
In December 1976 the records listed some 8,547 students, including students on sandwich courses and nurse trainees. New arrivals during the academic year totalled 1,698 compared with 1,348 the previous year. The newcomers included 742 students for General Certificate of Education courses and 86 for basic or post-registration qualifications in nursing. Student visitors to the section totalled 894. Enquiries about financial assistance continued to figure high owing to the effect of inflation in Britain and proposed increases in tuition fees. In addition, a large number of students con- tacted the section for advice in connection with the correct procedure to follow when applying to renew their student visas.
During the academic year 1,523 applications on behalf of 495 students were made to polytechnics and colleges. A total of 904 students made direct applications to universities through the Universities Central Council on Admissions (UCCA) under the guidance and sponsorship of the Education Department in Hong Kong. The student section liaised with the Education Department when results of the UCCA applications were known.
The government-run Hong Kong Students Centre, formerly known as Hong Kong House, is a residential and social centre in London for Hong Kong students in Britain. It accommodates some 75 students and serves as a focal point and meeting place for many more. The Hong Kong Commissioner in London is responsible for the administration of the centre and is assisted by an advisory board which includes two student representatives. The student adviser is a member of the board and, on behalf of the Commissioner, is responsible for day-to-day liaison with the warden.
Hong Kong Students in Other Countries
The overseas students and scholarships section of the Education Department assists students who wish to go overseas for study by providing information on educa- tional establishments in Britain and other English-speaking countries.
In addition to the number of students going to Britain each year, a considerable number go to Canada, the United States and Australia. In 1976 there were 2,215 students who went to Canada for secondary or higher education while 3,121 went to the United States and 225 to Australia.