EDB committed to providing multiple pathways for secondary school graduates (with photos)
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     The Education Bureau (EDB) is committed to providing flexible and multiple study pathways which offer secondary school graduates a variety of entry and exit points, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, said today (May 4).

     Speaking at the opening ceremony for the Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2013, Mr Yeung said, "To enable students to have a good grasp of comprehensive and updated information on programmes and study pathways, the EDB and the post-secondary sector have made a series of pertinent arrangements."

     These include the updating of programme information on the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (iPASS) website and enhancement of the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP). The Federation for Self-financing Tertiary Education (FSTE) also recently announced the establishment of a set of guidelines drawn up by its member institutions on enrolment and admission arrangements for their programmes, he said.

     On post-secondary places in the 2013/14 academic year, Mr Yeung said, "We expect that various institutions will offer a total of 61 760 post-secondary places, including 22 260 undergraduate places and 39 500 sub-degree places."

     "In addition, these institutions can also provide a total of 11 300 places for students studying the Yi Jin Diploma programme, continuing education programmes and vocational training programmes. It is expected that post-secondary institutions will offer sufficient places for qualified students," he said.

    At the exhibition, more than 30 exhibition booths were mounted to provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes not covered by the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS), Yi Jin Diploma programme, vocational education programmes as well as iPASS, E-APP, and the e-Navigator. In addition, Hok Yau Club, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association offer advisory services to students.

    There are also talks on multiple study pathways for school graduates and career planning.

    The information expo is being held today and tomorrow (May 4 and 5) from 10am to 6pm at Rotunda 1 of Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademart Drive. The event is organised by the EDB, with the FSTE, Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters and Hong Kong Education City as supporting organisations. Admission is free.

Ends/Saturday, May 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:25

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