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The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (October 3) the launch of a new round of application under the Start-up Loan Scheme.
Non-profit-making post-secondary institutions may apply for interest-free start-up loans to provide campuses for the operation of self-financing full-time, locally accredited post-secondary programmes at sub-degree level or above, and/or student hostels for the operation of self-financing full-time, locally accredited degree programmes on readily available sites. The deadline for application is December 31, 2012.
An EDB spokesman said, "The self-financing higher education sector plays an important role in the provision of education services. In support of Hong Kong's development as a regional education hub, the ambit of the Start-up Loan Scheme is extended for the first time to support the development of student hostels for the self-financing higher education sector."
All applications will be considered on a competitive basis by an independent Vetting Committee, comprising mainly non-official members, which will advise and make recommendations to the Secretary for Education.
"The Scheme will further enhance the learning environment of students and facilitate the diversification of the higher education sector. It also demonstrates the Government's strong commitment to supporting the healthy development of the self-financing sector," the spokesman added.
Ends/Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:37
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