The University Grants Committee (UGC) said the institutions it funds would soon launch a recruitment drive to admit some 150 outstanding mainland students.
UGC chairman Dr Edgar Cheng Wai-kin said: 'To enhance our competitiveness and global outlook, our institutions of higher education should attract more talented students and distinguished scholars from outside Hong Kong.' Under the scheme, the UGC will offer scholarships to 150 outstanding mainland students a year, or 450 students over three years. The scholars will undergo undergraduate programmes in the UGC-funded institutions starting from the 1999-2000 academic year.
'In view of the much higher tuition and living expenses in Hong Kong, we recognise the need to support mainland students studying in our institutions. The scholarship will cover their tuition fees, academic expenses and living costs during a three-year undergraduate programme,' Dr Cheng said.
The proposal is intended to be a pilot scheme, but may be expanded after a review, he said.
