OVERSEAS STUDENTS
ESSENTIAL FACTS
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Students Fees
1. Withdrawal of support for overseas students in 1979 led to
protests from overseas governments (particularly Malaysia and
Cyprus) and caused damage to UK trade and other interests abroad.
Considerable ill feeling in Hong Kong, which continues. Regarded as
sign of lack of British commitment to the territory. Subsequent
drop of around 50% in Hong Kong students coming to the UK. In June
1982 Overseas Students Trust (OST) recommended that students from
Dependent Territories should have home student status with, for Hong
Kong, joint subsidy by HMG and Hong Kong Government to meet
difference in fees.
2.
New
On 8 February 1983 HMG announced response to OST Report.
selective measures of support for overseas students, to cost £46 million over next 3 years. As part of package, HMG agreed in
principle to joint funding scheme proposed by Hong Kong Government.
HMG's contribution was however limited to £1.9 million for 1983-4.
Although Malaysia and Cyprus support schemes were limited to three
and five years respectively, no time limit was placed on Hong Kong
scheme.
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3.
They
Hong Kong Government agreed to match HMG's contribution for
1983/4 with balance required being made up in form of loans.
have now queried whether funds will be available for 1986/7 and
1987/8 and how much HMG propose to contribute. Unfortunately, Treasury approval for PES estimates can only be given 3 years in
advance. May be possible to arrange 3-year "rolling-forward" system, approving funds continuously 3 years in advance. This will partially overcome Hong Kong's difficulty. Will be on Secretary of
State's agenda for discussions with Chief Secretary of the Treasury
in mid-September. Hong Kong Government understand our problems over
this.
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