ENG-1999 — Page 206

EDUCATION

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demand. Some 78 per cent of people with a disability completing full-time courses in skills centres entered open employment or enrolled in further courses in mainstream vocational education during the year.

Higher Education

Ten years ago, less than 9 per cent of the 17-20 age group could receive higher education in Hong Kong. By 1994-95, this figure increased to about 18 per cent, with 14 500 places available for first-year first-degree courses. A further 8 per cent of the relevant age group have access to full-time first-year sub-degree courses. In addition, in order to enhance the global outlook of local students, the institutions may also enrol non-local undergraduates and taught postgraduates up to 4 per cent, and non- local research postgraduates up to one third, of their approved targets. Degrees up to doctorate level awarded locally are recognised by institutions of higher learning around the world. Academic standards are guaranteed by the appointment of external examiners from prominent overseas universities and colleges. The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation validates courses and programmes offered by Hong Kong's non-university, degree-awarding institutions.

Higher Education Institutions

Hong Kong has 10 degree-awarding higher education institutions, eight of which are funded through the UGC. Seven of the eight are universities, among which Lingnan College was retitled Lingnan University on July 30, 1999. The remaining one is the Hong Kong Institute of Education, which is a teacher training institution. Two other degree-awarding tertiary institutions are not funded by the UGC. They are the publicly-funded Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the self-financing Open University of Hong Kong.

The eight higher educational institutions funded through the UGC are:

(a) City University of Hong Kong (CityU);

(b)

(c)

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU);

Lingnan University (LU, formerly Lingnan College); (d) The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK);

(e)

The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIED);

(f) The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU);

(g) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST); and

(h)

The University of Hong Kong (HKU).

Each institution is an autonomous statutory body with its own ordinance and governing bodies. They are free to manage their own affairs within the restraints of the law. As they are largely supported by government funds, and because of the social, cultural and economic importance of higher education, the Government and the public at large have a legitimate interest in the operation of the institutions to ensure that they are providing higher education in the most cost-effective manner and are serving the needs of the community. The UGC advises the Government on the development of these institutions and on their financial needs. The eight institutions have distinctive and complementary roles which reflect their varying origins and the way they have responded to Hong Kong's complex and evolving needs. The UGC's