************************************************************
The Education Bureau (EDB) and Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) have jointly published today (December 23) the first batch of information received from overseas universities indicating their general admission requirements for Hong Kong students completing secondary education under the New Academic Structure (NAS).
This information is the result of EDB and HKEAA jointly writing to institutions in different jurisdictions in order to collect information on the admission requirements of their undergraduate programmes for holders of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) under the NAS. The admission requirements received are now available on the EDB and HKEAA websites for reference. "Admission requirements contained in this first batch of information reflect that overseas universities generally welcome our education reform and support the philosophy of promoting students' all-round development," said Dr Catherine K K Chan, Deputy Secretary for Education.
"It is noteworthy that this information comes from a range of different countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, Canada and Australia, representing countries that offer both three and four-year undergraduate programmes, thus reflecting that the NAS fits well into worldwide education systems. The universities represented in this first batch also have varied characteristics, indicating that HKDSE is widely recognised as a credential for further studies," added Dr Chan.
EDB and HKEAA began a series of overseas visits promoting the NAS and HKDSE starting in January 2010. Briefings were also held for all Consulates-General and Honorary Consuls in Hong Kong. EDB has also promoted the NAS and HKDSE, employing a variety of means, including a dedicated website for overseas users, local and overseas publications, media interviews, international conferences held in Hong Kong as well as meetings with officials and academics visiting Hong Kong. Responses have been positive. "The announcements made by these overseas universities regarding their admission requirements for HKDSE-holders are recognition of the efforts of our teachers and of the confidence in the achievements of our students in past years," said Dr Chan.
"While some overseas universities are ready to use HKDSE results directly in considering admission of Hong Kong students, we can expect that universities of different education systems may have further requirements in line with their own existing practices," she said.
Dr Thomas Cheung, Director of Development and Educational Assessment, HKEAA, added, "The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the UK has included HKDSE in the UCAS tariff point system, enabling the comparison of HKDSE with some 40 qualifications. This serves as a good reference for overseas universities in formulating their admission policy.
"We understand that some universities will need more time to consider their admission requirements, and we expect that more feedback will be received in the coming months. EDB and HKEAA will publish all this feedback upon receipt".
Detailed information can be found on the websites of the EDB (www.edb.gov.hk/nas/en/OUER) and HKEAA (www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/ir/ircountry_hkdse.html).
Ends/Thursday, December 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:46
NNNN