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SCMP Reporter

An increasing number of mainland students are hoping to attend university in Hong Kong  because they believe the city offers better opportunities to broaden their horizons.

And competition is getting fierce. For example, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), which recruits about 160 mainlanders annually,  received 3,000 applications this year - 2,000 more than last year.

And the University of Hong Kong (HKU) received 4,848 applications this year, up 3,000  from 2002. It  recruited only 250 students this year.

Hong Kong's tertiary institutes, encouraged by the government's attempts to boost cultural exchange  with the mainland, began recruiting students from across the border - at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels - in 1998.

Attracted by the city's 'world-class' image and strong economy, outstanding  Chinese students - who were planning to join top mainland institutes such as Peking University and Tsing Hua University - opted to study in Hong Kong.

But  the biggest problem for most mainland students is  the high cost of living - about $100,000 a year, including tuition and daily expenses.

Liu Yang, 18, of Shenzhen, who scored top marks in last year's Joint Entrance Examinations, chose Hong Kong because of the 'strength of the degrees' offered by its universities.

Ms Liu gave up the chance to attend Fu Dan University to study  a business programme at HKUST.

'I like new things and want to experience different lifestyles. HKUST is a young school with the ability to make learning more fun. Being here has given me more room to develop,' she said.

Top Beijing science student Chen Xiuye  is studying   biochemistry, also at HKUST.

The 18-year-old has received   awards in biology, English debating, applied physics and student leadership.

Ms Chen said she is enjoying the benefits of the university's world-class facilities.

'HKUST is well-known for academic research. An HKUST degree makes it easier to get access to top universities in the world for further studies,' she said.

Mao Runsi, 18, from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, is studying physics at HKUST.

Like Ms Lui and Ms Chen, he hasn't had any problems adapting to a new environment.

The  three high-fliers are actively involved in extra-curricular activities, which has helped them adjust to university life.

Mr Mao plays the violin in the HKUST orchestra, while Ms Liu has joined the dance society.

'The free and friendly atmosphere on campus is great, and I'm growing  in this international community,' Mr Mao said.

'What's more, most Hong Kong students I meet speak good  Mandarin, so we don't have any difficulty understanding each other.'



HK universities attract China's bright sparks