Proud heritage still in the best of company

Britain is the number one destination for Hong Kong postgraduates by a long chalk. True, the number of Hong Kong students studying for postgraduate degrees in Britain has fallen by a quarter over the past decade. But that is most likely to do with the rapid expansion of British courses now being offered in the city.

In fact 2,530 Hong Kong postgraduates studied in Britain last year compared with 1,550 in the United States, making Britain the top place to study.

'The main benefits are access to well-recognised universities with world-class standards of quality assurance, that offer a vast range of courses in a vast range of settings, and relatively safe environments,' said Katherine Forestier, the British Council's director of education in Hong Kong.

'Studying in Britain will give them the chance to improve their English and gain a more global perspective - really valued by employers - and upgrade their skills.'

Few countries can match Britain's academic standing in the world, and Britain offers one very significant advantage over its rival across the Atlantic: master's courses are achieved in one year instead of two, unlike many US universities, which means having to pay only one year's tuition and living costs, a critical saving.

'While in Britain they can gain work experience, which may be part of their course, or they can work part time and in the holidays to support their studies,' said Ms Forestier. 'Either way, they will enhance their skills.'