TNAG-2483-FCO40-3614-UK-Hong-Kong-Scholarship-Scheme-donation-to-the-UK-Governme-1992 — Page 161

PURPOSE

THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS SCHEME

This

confirmation

Scheme will

submission requests the Administration to seek from the UK Government that the UK/HK Scholarships continue beyond 1997. It is also recommended that HMG and the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club be approached for additional contributions to the Scheme.

BACKGROUND

2.

The UK/HK Scholarships Scheme was introduced in 1988 under the expanded ambit of the UK/HK Governments Joint Funding Scheme to enable an increased number of Hong Kong students to pursue higher education in the U.K. Through this Scheme, HMG wish to encourage more able students who are likely to be "future leaders" of Hong Kong to receive tertiary education in the U.K. Students are selected for the award of scholarships on the basis of academic merit and personal qualities and are not subject to means-test.

The Scholarships Scheme has been established as a prestigious awards scheme to attract the best Hong Kong students to pursue courses in the U.K. The Scheme is financed by the annual contribution of £125,000 from HMG, (£40,000 from the FCO Scholarships and Awards Schemes and £85,000 from the Sir Shiu-Kin Tang Bequest) with a matching contribution from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Hong Kong sources), i.e. a total of £250,000p.a.

3.

The

normally up

years

to

tenure of a scholarship under the Scheme is three years for undergraduate studies and two for postgraduates studies.

In monetary terms, the scholarship covers the university composition fees, college fees, а set of return air passages and maintenance allowance to meet board and lodging and other personal expenses. The average annual

of a scholarship award at 91/92 prices is about £12,500.

Scholars are required to return to Hong Kong for employment for at least three years on completion of their studies.

4.

cost

The Scholarships Scheme is

Committee

Scholarships Mr. Henry LITTON. the

under

administered by the UK/HK the chairmanship of Other members include representatives from British Trade Commission and British Council, a member from the local British business community, a steward from the Royal Club and two other prominent members in the

Hong

Kong

Jockey

local community.

./P. 2