Almost a year since the associate degree was introduced, many students are still confused as to what it is and whether the academic qualification will advance their careers.
The associate degree - not a conventional university degree but just as well-regarded as a higher diploma - was created by the Government to boost the number of students entering higher education.
The move was in line with Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa's Policy Address last year, which promised, by 2010, to give 60 per cent of Form Five and Seven graduates a chance to pursue their studies.
Currently, only about 30 per cent of secondary school graduates go on to higher education.
However, many students are still unsure about the new concept of 'continuing education'.
Wong Sin-yi, 18, from SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School told Young Post: 'I think there is no difference between a higher diploma and associate degree. But comparatively, a higher diploma is better because it has a longer history.'
While Helen Chan Hoi-ki, 19, from Belilios Public School said: 'It's a good idea to offer associate degrees, but it's too new and still not widely recognised.'