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Following is a question by the Hon Wong Sing-chi and a reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, in the Legislative Council today (December 11):

Question:

The Government announced on 27 November that it had accepted the final recommendations of the University Grants Committee regarding higher education in Hong Kong, including the recommendation that funding for the institutions' sub-degree programmes, subject to specified exceptions, should be switched from public-funded to self-financing gradually. At the same time, the Government made no mention of the future development of higher diploma programmes, which are of the same concern as sub-degree programmes. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the reasons for accepting the proposal that sub-degree programmes should operate on a self-financing basis, while substantially subsidizing degree programmes; whether it has assessed if this is unfair to students in the sub-degree sector; if so, of the outcome of the assessment;

(b) given that the Administration has undertaken to raise the level of the financial assistance for students enrolled in sub-degree programmes to that similar for university students, of the average increased amount of grants that each student in the sub-degree sector will receive; and

(c) whether it plans to replace higher diploma programmes with sub-degree programmes, and of the measures it will take to ensure that the academic standards of sub-degree programmes can receive the same recognition by the relevant professional bodies as for higher diploma programmes; if no such measures will be taken, of the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) To ensure the more effective use of limited public resources to benefit more sub-degree students, and to provide a level playing field for non-publicly funded institutions offering self-financing sub-degree programmes, the Government accepts the recommendation of the University Grants Committee (UGC) in the higher education review that the current allocation of resources for sub-degree programmes should be rationalised. The Government will continue to subsidize three types of sub-degree programmes, including courses that require high start up and maintenance costs or access to expensive laboratories and equipment; courses that meet specific manpower needs; and courses which are regarded as endangered species (i.e. those that lack market appeal to the provider and the average student).

In deciding whether to subsidize certain categories of programmes, the Government will consider the nature of the courses and the needs of the community. Sub-degree programmes meeting the above three criteria will continue to be funded by the Government. While some sub-degree programmes will have to operate on a self-financing basis, the Government offers grants, low-interest loans, non-means tested loans and travel subsidies to eligible students; as well as assistance to institutions in the form of interest-free loans, accreditation grant, land for the construction of campuses, etc.

Notwithstanding the different mode of assistance given to institutions offering self-financing sub-degree programmes, the Government remains fully committed in using its resources to support the sector. There is no question of sub-degree students being treated unfairly.

(b) The Government undertakes that savings achieved from the review of funding of sub-degree programmes will be used primarily to benefit students in the sub-degree sector. This could be in the form, for example, of enhancing the financial assistance scheme for sub-degree students. The level of financial assistance that can be raised will depend upon the outcome of the review which is not yet available at this point in time. We cannot estimate the average increase in the amount of assistance for each student for the time being. We will work with the UGC and the Student Financial Assistance Agency on the specific arrangements.

(c) Sub-degree programmes is a general term covering mainly higher diploma and associate degree programmes. Higher diploma and associate degree programmes are generally of equivalent standards although their positioning and nature are different. Both associate degree and higher diploma programmes can cover general education and vocational oriented subjects, i.e. students will be equipped with generic skills as well as professional knowledge and practical skills. Generally speaking, associate degree programmes are more broad-based, while higher diploma programmes are more professionally focused. The Government has no intention to replace one qualification with another.

The Government attaches great importance to the quality of sub-degree programmes. Programmes offered by the universities are subject to their own internal quality assurance mechanisms, while those offered by other institutions must be accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation to meet the Government's requirements. Associate degrees and higher diplomas conferred by these institutions are recognized by the Government, local and overseas universities, academic organizations and professional bodies. To ensure that the community has a better understanding of the qualifications, the Government, in collaboration with the institutions concerned, will continue to promote a better understanding of sub-degree programmes among students, parents, teachers, employers and other members of the public.

End/Wednesday, December 11, 2002

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