Forty outstanding Form Six pupils will attend a special scheme this summer before taking up places at the University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in an attempt to stop talented youngsters pursuing their education abroad.
To qualify, applicants need to have obtained five or more grade As in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) in one sitting.
During the six-week intensive education programme in mid-July, the 18-year-old students will stay on campus and take different courses, such as English enhancement and general education, Professor Chan Yuk-shee, university vice-president for academic affairs, said yesterday.
Outstanding students from programmes already offered by the university will also be considered, along with those who have excelled in research projects, international competitions and non-academic fields.
Professor Chan said the scheme was aimed at retaining local talent. 'Many top students go to the US or other countries for further studies after Form Six. We hope this programme will offer them other options to study in Hong Kong.'
HKUST currently offers top Form Four and Form Six students the chance to attend lectures and tutorials online through a 'cyber-university' programme.
