XN000022-1996-07-17 — Page 11

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UK/HK Scholarship Scheme to be phased out

The UK/HK Scholarship Scheme will be phased out by the end of 1999-2000 academic year and no new scholarships will be awarded from 1996-97 onwards, a government spokesman said today (Wednesday).

However, the existing scholars benefited under the Scheme would continue to be supported until the end of the tenure of their awards.

The Scheme was established jointly by the Hong Kong and the British governments for outstanding Hong Kong students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

Since it came into operation in 1988, over 60 awards had been made to Hong Kong students, on the basis of academic merit and personal qualities, to study in British universities.

"Hong Kong's contribution to the Scheme has been funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club because it is not the government policy to finance scholarships from public funds.

"The contribution from the UK, on a 50:50 basis, is from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Scholarships and Awards Scheme and the Sir Shiu-kin Tang Bequest," the spokesman Said.

The spokesman said a decision had been taken to phase out the Scheme because the Jockey Club was only willing to continue its financial commitments on a matching basis until 1997-98.

"On the other hand, the British Government will channel its scholarships for Hong Kong students through the new Hong Kong Chevening Scholarship Scheme starting from 1996-97," said the spokesman.

The Chevening Scholarship Scheme was launched in January as part of a prestigious scheme funded by FCO to enable academic high achievers and future. business leaders world-wide to become familiar with the UK and the English language.