MORE than 10,000 Hong Kong students are expected to flock to the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai this month, to see one of the largest annual education exhibitions in Hong Kong. The Australian Education Exhibition, featuring representatives from 80 Australian institutions, from all levels of the Australian education system, will be open to the public for three days, from today until Monday. It presents a vital opportunity for students hoping to study in Australia, to find out the answers to all their questions, and make sure that their chosen institutions are right for them. It is a chance to compare the benefits of a range of different courses, meet institutional representatives and attend special seminars. Several hundred enrolments are expected to be lodged during the exhibition: at last year's event, almost 300 people made their final decision about where to study and applied to recruitment officers at the exhibition. Students are advised to attend the exhibition on the open days and arrange an interview, if necessary, with the institution of their choice. The Australian Trade Commission (AUSTRADE) organises this exhibition, which reflects the Australian Government's continued interest in the provision of education services to overseas students. All levels of the education system will be represented, offering a full range of courses, including secondary school and matriculation courses, business and secretarial studies, English-language courses, undergraduate degrees and diplomas, postgraduate and doctorate-level studies and a wide range of special studies. The Australian higher education sector will be the largest group participating, with 44 universities and technical and further education (TAFE) centres. There will also be 15 secondary schools represented, reflecting the increased popularity of Australian high school education among Hong Kong students. Most formal courses in Australia start in February or March and this exhibition provides the ideal opportunity for Hong Kong students to apply for acceptance into courses next year. It allows students sufficient time to organise visas, travel and accommodation arrangements and, if necessary, attend a short-term English-language course. This is the eighth exhibition of its kind in Hong Kong.
