EDUCATION
Hong Kong Students in Britain
91
The Students Division of the Hong Kong Government Office in London is responsible for assisting Hong Kong students, including nurses in training, while in Britain.
This division works closely with the Education Department and other government departments in Hong Kong. It monitors developments in education in Britain which may affect the welfare of Hong Kong students. For this purpose the division maintains close relations with educational institutions, departments of the British Government, local education authorities, the British Council, welfare organisations and, in the case of nursing trainees, the medical authorities.
The main development affecting students during the year was the increase in fees announced in 1979 for overseas students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of further education which became effective from September, 1980.
Despite the government's representations that Hong Kong students should be treated as 'home' students for the purpose of fees, the British Government was unable to accede to this request. As a result, the Hong Kong Government introduced, in March 1981, an Emergency Student Loan Fund for needy Hong Kong students taking first degree courses or Higher National Diploma Courses, or their equivalent.
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Following this, the Hong Kong Government Office in London received 1 596 applica- tions and all eligible candidates totalling some 1 400 students were interviewed throughout Britain to determine their claim of needs. Most eligible students received their loans within two weeks of being interviewed.
As from September, a further scheme of assistance administered by the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee and fully means-tested, was introduced.
The Hong Kong Students Centre in London provides accommodation to Hong Kong students. This centre, with a capacity for 90 people, also serves as a focal point for Hong Kong students while in London. It is administered by the Hong Kong Commissioner in London through a warden who, in turn, is assisted by an advisory board which includes two student representatives.
Hong Kong Students Overseas
The Overseas Students and Scholarships Section of the Education Department gives advice to students wishing to further their education overseas and supplies information on educational establishments in Britain and other countries.
Altogether 4 134 students went to Britain during the year; 4 803 went to Canada for secondary or higher education; 2012 to the United States and 404 to Australia.