EDUCATION
their education without undue financial strain on their families. In 1992-93, 61 360 students were granted fee remission amounting to $94 million.
The Kindergarten Fee Remission Scheme provides assistance to eligible families, ranging from 25 to 100 per cent of the weighted average of fees charged by non-profit-making kindergartens, or the actual fee, whichever is lower. In 1992-93, $35.74 million was granted to 14 410 kindergarten pupils.
Local Student Finance Scheme
Full-time students in UPGC-funded institutions may apply for means-tested assistance under the Local Student Finance Scheme. This provides for loans to meet living expenses and grants to cover tuition fees, academic expenses and student union fees. In 1992–93, 14 168 students received loans totalling $173 million. Of these, 11 475 also received grants totalling $99.4 million. In the 1993–94 academic year, the scheme was extended to students of sub-degree courses transferred from the polytechnics to the VTC's technical colleges and the Prince Philip Dental Hospital.
Student Finance Assistance Scheme
Loans and grants are awarded to eligible full-time students of the colleges of education and Hong Kong Shue Yan College. In 1992–93, 1 448 students received loans totalling $10.8 million. Of these, 1 428 also received grants totalling $7.1 million.
United Kingdom-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme
A joint funding arrangement between the governments of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong provides grants and loans, on a means-tested basis, to full-time students on first degree or higher national diploma courses in the United Kingdom. The grant meets the difference between fees for United Kingdom home students and fees for overseas students. In 1992-93, grants of £4.4 million and loans of $33.4 million were made to 1 836 students. With the expansion of tertiary education in Hong Kong, the scheme will be phased out over three years from 1994–95.
United Kingdom-Hong Kong Scholarships Scheme
This scheme aims to help outstanding students from Hong Kong to pursue tertiary education in the United Kingdom. The scholarship fund is contributed equally by the United Kingdom Government and the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club on behalf of the Hong Kong Government. Nine scholarships were awarded in 1992–93.
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund
The fund was established to manage public donations made in memory of the late Governor, Sir Edward Youde, who passed away in service in 1986. The fund promotes education and learning among Hong Kong people, and encourages research. In 1992–93, $7 million was disbursed. Eleven students were awarded fellowships or scholarships for postgraduate or undergraduate study overseas. Locally, 47 postgraduate research students were awarded fellowships; and 80 undergraduate, diploma and certificate students received scholarships. Awards were also made to four students excelling in public examinations, eight disabled students at secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels, and 615 out- standing senior secondary students nominated by school heads.
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