ENG-1989 — Page 167

EDUCATION

were enrolled on various foundation courses leading to degree awards. The OLI was firmly committed to expanding its capacity to offer high-quality academic programmes to satisfy the public demand for higher education.

The institute will offer a second chance for those who have been unable to go on to further education after leaving school, as well as opportunities for workers and managers to update their qualifications and for personal development. It offers courses through three Schools: the School of Science and Technology, School of Business and Administration, and School of Arts and Social Sciences. It adopts a multi-media approach to instruction. Apart from printed text supplemented by audio-visual materials, it provides extensive tutorial support through its temporary headquarters at Hennessy Centre and another regional study centre. It will move to its permanent headquarters at Argyle Centre Tower II in April 1990.

Student Finance

Full-time students attending the local tertiary institutions are eligible, on the basis of need, for grants to cover their faculty expenses, tuition fees and Student Union fees, and for loans to meet their living expenses. This scheme is means-tested and is administered by the Student Finance Section, Education and Manpower Branch, Government Secretariat. Loans provided with effect from the 1987-8 academic year are subject to an interest charge of 2.5 per cent which will begin to accrue upon the student's graduation. During the year 7999 students received loans totalling $75.1 million and 6493 of these students also received grants, totalling $38.3 million.

Also administered by the Student Finance Section is a joint-funding arrangement between the governments of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Under the terms of this particular scheme, grants are made on the basis of need to full-time students who are attending first degree or Higher Diploma courses in the United Kingdom, to meet the difference between home and overseas student fees. However, if the total requirement exceeds the joint contribution of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong governments, each applicant's grant will be proportionately reduced, with the balance made up by an interest-free loan provided solely by the Hong Kong Government. During the year, grants totalling £4 million and loans totalling $18 million were paid to 125 institutions on behalf of 1 621 students.

UK-HK Scholarships

The scope of the joint-funding arrangement was expanded in 1988 to include a number of UK-HK Scholarships awarded on merit.

The aim of the scholarships is to provide further educational opportunities at the tertiary level in the United Kingdom for local students who are recognised as having the potential to contribute significantly to mutual understanding between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong and to Hong Kong's future well-being. Those selected are expected upon return to number among the future leaders, decision makers and formers of opinion in Hong Kong.

The scholarship fund is made up of an annual total of up to £250 000 contributed equally by the United Kingdom government and the Jockey Club on behalf of the Hong Kong government.

The scholarships are administered by the UK-HK Scholarships Committee appointed by the Governor. For the 1989-90 academic year, a total of eight undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships were awarded.

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