Students rush to join sub-degree courses as A-level reality sinks in

Vocational Training Council admission centres did brisk business yesterday as students with lower A-level results rushed to secure places in sub-degree programmes.

The centres in Wan Chai and Cheung Sha Wan, run by the Institute of Vocational Education, accepted more than 1,000 applicants as of 5pm yesterday. Another 2,000 applicants were admitted before the release of A-level results on Tuesday. Admissions close at 5pm today.

In all, about 3,000 places in 50 higher diploma programmes spanning nine disciplines are on offer

Leung Yam-shing, the council's education adviser, said applied science and child education courses were the most sought-after courses. 'Some of the courses in applied science are full already,' he said.

Of the 38,647 students who took the A-level exam this year, 20,903 failed to attain the minimum qualifications for university entrance, up by 210 over last year. Of the 17,744 who fulfilled the minimum university admission requirements, 3,244 students will have to seek a different path - such as diploma programmes or overseas study - as there are only 14,500 government-funded undergraduate places available.

Mr Leung said the Vocational Training Council expected an increase in the number of applicants this year.

'The entry point will be higher this year because of the increase in the number of applicants,' he said.