The Education Bureau has enhanced the website on self-financing sub-degree programmes to provide comprehensive information on further studies for secondary school leavers.

The Information Portal for Accredited Self-financing Post-secondary Programmes contains information on self-financing higher diplomas, associate degrees and degree programmes offered by various institutions in the 2008-09 academic year.

The website provides details on accreditation and recognition by professional bodies and outlines the number and percentage of sub-degree and higher diploma graduates enrolling in publicly funded or self-financing degree programmes as well as those studying overseas.

The average annual salaries of higher diploma and associate degree graduates are also set out to reflect more clearly the employment situation.

The website is linked to the webpages of various institutions, the Careers Guidance Handbook for Secondary 7 Graduates and other relevant webpages.

The bureau will organise an annual Information Expo for Secondary School Leavers at the Exhibition Centre in the China Resources Building, Wan Chai, August 2 to 5.

Financial assistance

From the 2008-09 academic year students pursuing eligible self-financing sub-degree or degree programmes can apply for financial assistance under the widened scope of the newly improved Financial Assistance Schemes for Post-Secondary Students.

Those who meet the eligibility criteria and have enrolled in an accredited self-financing sub-degree programme can apply for the newly introduced means-tested loan at a lower interest rate to meet their living expenses. Meanwhile, students can continue to apply for a grant to pay for tuition fees under the schemes.

Those who have enrolled in accredited self-financing degree or top-up degree programmes can apply for the grant and a means-tested loan under the scheme from the 2008-09 academic year onwards. For details, click here.