Interest in the subject is the most important factor for students choosing courses at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A study found that the second most important reason was an intention to get professional qualifications relevant to a specific degree. About 50 per cent of last year's first-year intake who were questioned said they had chosen their course because they liked that area of study. The next most popular reason [professional qualifications] tallied up to 30 per cent. Many respondents' expectations of university education centred on gaining qualifications which would help their future careers. 'Acquiring a good general education' also was one of the most widely held expectations among those students polled. When it came to making career choices, more than 60 per cent said the nature of the job, salary and fringe benefits were very important. Sense of achievement, prospects for advancement and job security were the next most important factors. About 60 per cent of students said they expected to work part- time or during their holidays to earn money. More than 47 per cent said they needed some form of grant or loan.
