Thirty-eight SAR professionals have left for Britain to pursue advanced post-graduate studies in areas ranging from finance and law to education, medicine and the media under the Chevening scholarship scheme.
The programme, which offers about 2,500 to 3,000 scholarships worldwide each year, is part of a major drive to attract more international students to Britain. Other initiatives - announced earlier this year - include changes to visa, work and entry requirements and a marketing campaign, which will be be launched next year.
'The scholarships help to contribute to the international links which are an important part of the success of Hong Kong as an international city,' said acting British Consul-General Andrew Seaton, at the scheme's launch ceremony in Hong Kong.
In addition to a strong, all- round academic background and solid working experience, contestants should have a progressive outlook, clear motivation and a long-term commitment to Hong Kong, said David Foster, assistant director of the British Council in the SAR.
Barrister Hector Pun Hei, 28, who is committed to devel oping human rights in Hong Kong, was among the first batch of Chevening scholars to leave for Britain in 1996.
Having obtained a Bachelor's degree in law at City University, he practised for one year before joining King's College of the University of London to study for his Master's degree.