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SCMP Reporter

More and more Hong Kong students seem to be turning to Australia for post-secondary and tertiary studies, according to the latest statistics.

  More than 12,000 Hong Kong pupils are enrolled as full-time fee-paying students in Australia, say the International Students Branch of the Department of Employment Education and Training.

  Figures from the Education Department also indicate that Australia is the most popular country for overseas studies, as 1,356 Australian visas were issued compared to the 1,257 visas to the United States.

  To provide students and their parents with more information on study opportunities in Australia, the Australian Trade Commission recently staged the 11th Australian Education Exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

  More than 13,300 visitors attended the three-day event which included seminars.

  According to the Australian Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, the country has been strengthening international ties in education and training over the past decade.

  'It flows from a growing awareness of the important role that education plays in the strengthening of relationships, particularly with our neighbouring regions, and in the increasing understanding of economic, cultural, technological and intellectual benefits,' she said.

  Laurie Fisher of the Australian International Education Foundation spoke of relatively low tuition fees and living expenses.

  She added: 'Australian education is well known for its emphasis on instilling confidence, initiative, and development of critical and analytical skills.'    The Australian education system's high academic standards may also appeal to Hong Kong students and their families.

  All universities must be accredited by the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students.

  This ensures not only high academic standards but also that standards between institutions do not differ significantly.

  But Bonnie Wong, who visited the exhibition on the first day, has another reason.

  'I visited Australia with some friends a few years ago and fell in love with the scenery. Hong Kong is great, but it is full of concrete.

  'Australia would give me a chance to further my studies in a greener place.'   Bonnie said Australia was better than Europe or the United States because it was closer to home.

  The Australian Trade Commission said the annual exhibition reflected the Australian Government's interest in the provision of quality education to overseas students.

  Wilson Tang, marketing officer of the Australian Trade Commission, said: 'The exhibition gave students an opportunity to find out all the answers to their enquiries and to make sure that they are choosing the right institutions.'   Senior Trade Commissioner Peter Bergman said the exhibition also offered information on the courses available, student life and counselling services.

  A student at the exhibition who had just finished her A-Levels hopes to attend university in Australia.

  'Since the school year [in Australia] doesn't start until February or March, I have plenty of time to apply for schools and organise visa and travel arrangements,' she said.

  'This still allows me sufficient time to organise visas, travel, accommodation and brush up on my English before I go!'   Bonita is a Young Post summer intern 



Australia beckons HK pupils