As prestigious academic qualifications play an increasingly central role in career and life choices, the European Union's (EU) leading centres of learning provide Hong Kong students with the opportunity to study at top-level universities and research establishments.
The 27-member EU is home to universities and educational institutions that offer ground-breaking academic programmes.
'European universities have a strong reputation for offering design, technology and science programmes,' says Maria Castillo-Fernandez, head of the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau. 'They are also at the forefront of research, development and cutting environmental programmes,' she adds.
With investment in green initiatives such as energy efficiency and 'clean-tech' innovation set to increase in Asia, Castillo says huge demand can be expected for specialist skills and knowledge in these areas.
Castillo says that, as well as world-class academic programmes, studying in the EU provides students with chances to extend language skills, explore cultures, and start networks.
'There is plenty of evidence to suggest that studying abroad not only enriches students' lives in the academic and professional fields, it can also improve language learning, inter-cultural skills, self-reliance and self-awareness,' says Castillo.