About 87% of final-year undergraduates in the International English Language Testing System have been rated 'competent' or 'good', the University Grants Committee says.

About 8,700, or 55% of final-year students participated in the scheme in 2004-05. The average overall score was 6.64 on a nine-point scale, compared with 6.51 in 2003-04. About 87% of students obtained a score in the 6 to 7.5 range, meaning they are 'competent' or 'good' users. Students generally did better in reading (6.98) and listening (7).

Good qualification

Committee Chairman Dr Alice Lam said 'competent' or 'good' users is the level required by many employers and overseas academic institutions.

She said the scheme has enhanced student awareness of English proficiency and is attracting more recognition from society.

In addition to the Civil Service Bureau, more professional bodies are accepting the system's results in recruitment.

HKU on top

Institution ranks, according to average overall score, are: University of Hong Kong (6.98), Chinese University (6.88), University of Science & Technology (6.62), Polytechnic University (6.51), Baptist University (6.49), City University (6.35), Lingnan University (6.34) and the Institute of Education (6.27).

Registration for the scheme's next round begins April 29, running to October 22. Summer testing sessions will be offered from July to October, as a new initiative to facilitate both students and employers.