The Education System

Children in the United Kingdom normally start school at the age of five, sit for the GCSE (formerly GCE 'O'  level) Examination at 16 and GCE 'A' level Examination at 18. Many continue to pursue a course of higher education provided at universities and other establishments.

1. Independent Schools

These schools provide education for students aged between 5 and 18. There is a strict age limit and students normally sit for GCSE at 16 and GCE 'A' level at 18. Most of these schools have boarding facilities.

2. Tutorial College

These are private colleges and accept students over 16. Teaching is carried out in small groups. Boarding facilities are sometimes available.

3. Colleges of Further Education

These colleges offer a full range of vocational training courses. Some colleges also offer GCSE and GCE 'A' level courses. They accept students over 16. Boarding facilities are sometimes available.

4. Universities

Competition for obtaining admission to Medicine, Dentistry and Law is usually very keen.

5. Institutes of Higher Education

Degree courses are offered in these institutions.

Courses Available

For ease of reference, general information about the courses available is summarised below :

*GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
**GCE (General Certificate of Education)
***GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualifications)

Note : Some institutions may charge higher fees.

Apart from the tuition fees quoted above, students should include a sum as living expenses which are currently estimated to be about £5,150 - £7,500 per annum.

Application Procedures

1. Independent Schools & Tutorial Colleges

Parents/guardians can apply to schools of their choice directly or contact the British Council, at least six months before the course commences.

2. Universities and Institutes of Higher Education

Students should apply to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by using a UCAS application form. Application forms and further information are obtainable from the Careers and Guidance Services Section, Education Department, or the British Council commencing early September.

3. Colleges of Further Education, Colleges & Institutes of Higher Education & Technical Colleges.

Applications should be sent direct to the institutions concerned or through the British Council.

Visa Application Procedures

For those holding BN(O) and SAR passports travelling to the U.K. to study do not normally require entry clearance prior to their departure, unless they have previously been refused entry to the U.K. However, they do need to satisfy the Immigration Officer on arrival in the U.K. that they have sufficient funds to support and accommodate themselves for the duration of their stay.

For details please contact the British Consulate General, Visa Section, 1 Supreme Court Road, Admiralty.
Tel : 2901 3111
Fax : 2901 3347

Other Consulting Organization

British Council, British Education Services, 3/F.,
3 Supreme Court Road
Admiralty
Hong Kong
Tel : 2913 5155
Fax : 2913 5166
Website : http://www.britishcouncil.org.hk

The Education System

American children usually begin elementary school at the age of six and attend primary school for six years (Grade 1-6). The next six years are secondary education, which is generally divided into three years of junior high school (Grade 7-9) and three years of senior high school (Grade 10-12). Completion of the 12 years of study leads to education in either a junior/community college, a college/university or other professional institutions, depending on the aptitude and ability of the student.

Colleges/Universities

These institutions offer four-year programmes leading to the Bachelor's degree and provide training in various professional fields.

There are state and private colleges. Generally, tuition fees are higher at private institutions than at public institutions.

For Hong Kong students the normal minimum entry requirement to a four-year university is completion of Secondary 6 plus a TOEFL score of at least 550. Some competitive institutions may require an SAT I (Reasoning Test) or one to three SAT II (Subject Test) scores.

Expenses

1. Tuition Fees

Tuition fees differ from college to college. In general private institutions charge higher fees than public institutions.

In the US, the academic year lasts from eight to ten months, and is divided into a variety of terms : semesters, trimesters, or quarters. Individual universities list expenses according to their own schedules, and students should find out whether charges are for an academic year, a term, or on a course-to-course basis.

2. Housing and Food

Living costs in the United States vary from state to state and living expenses in smaller cities and rural areas are generally lower than in metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles and New York City.

The following table shows the estimated annual expenses a student in the US may require :

Application Procedures

1. Locate a few, say five to seven, institutions suitable for your plans.

2. Write to the institutions for application forms about 12 months prior to the commencement of term.

3. Receipt of application forms.

4. Return the completed application forms together with the requisite supporting documents to the institutions concerned before the closing date for application.

5. Further correspondence between you and the institutions.

6. vi. Final acceptance by the institutions - i.e. receipt of Form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility.

Visa Application Procedures

1. Upon receipt of the Form I-20 proceed to the US Consulate at 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong, to obtain a Non-immigrant Visa Application Form.

2. Read carefully the Information for Student Visa Applicants obtained from the US Consulate and have the requisite papers ready for presentation to the consulate.

3. Submit your application to the consulate.

4. Attend the interview arranged for you by the consulate.

5. If successful, collect the visa from the consulate.　

Other Consulting Organization

The Institute of International Education

Room 601 - 602, General Commercial Building,
156 - 164 Des Voeux Road, Central,
Hong Kong.
Tel : 2603 5771
Website : http://www.school.net.hk/iie/

The Education System

In Australia, each state/territory has responsibility for its own education system, but the Australian Government takes a strong interest in maintaining the quality of education overall. All courses offered by institutions for overseas students must be registered with the Australian Government.

1. Foundation Studies Programme

The Foundation Studies Programme is a pre-university programme designed to prepare international full-fee paying students for undergraduate study at selected Australian universities. It offers students an alternative to the current matriculation or senior secondary qualifications.

The difference between the Foundation Studies Programme and matriculation is that no public examination is involved with the Programme. Students are assessed and examined internally by their teachers/lecturers. They must reach a certain academic standard before a place at the specified University is confirmed.

2. High Education

Australia has 39 universities offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. Almost all universities are government-funded. Bachelor degrees are normally three or four years duration, Master degrees, by research or course work, take one to two years and PhD programmes need a minimum of three years. However, admission to courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Law is highly competitive. A list of universities in Australia is available for reference at the Careers and Guidance Services Section, Education Department, Hong Kong.

The commencement date for courses is usually late February, but it is also possible to enrol in some courses in July. Applicants must meet the entry requirements set by the institution for entry to the particular course. These requirements will vary from course to course and from institution to institution. However, in general, institutions will normally require two to three passes at "A" level in the GCE Examination or the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination. Documentary evidence of the applicant's level of English is also required.

3. Technical and Further Education (TAFE)

TAFE is a nationally recognised government system of vocational education and training. Certificate, Diploma, Associate Diploma and Bachelor degree courses leading to professional, para-professional, trade and other skilled work qualifications are offered at 232 colleges of technical and further education throughout Australia. Many of these courses are of one to two years duration. A large number of universities give advanced standing for TAFE Associate Diplomas.

4. Business College

There are many private business schools/colleges offering vocational courses including secretarial studies, business and travel consultancy. Many of them have TAFE accreditation.

5. Schools of English (ELICOS)

Many schools of English, both in the private and public sector, offer English Language intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS). They are able to prepare students to reach the required level of English to enter a formal course of study.

Expenses

1. Tuition Fees

Costs vary according to the nature and duration of the course. Tuition fees for higher education courses at universities vary from approximately A$13,000 to A$30,000 per annum.

2. Living Expenses

In addition to tuition and other fees, a single student will need approximately A$13,000 to A$20,000 a year for living expenses, including accommodation.

3. Health Insurance for Overseas Students

Overseas students are required to pay a compulsory health insurance premium the amount of which varies according to the duration of the course. Details of the arrangement for payment of the premium may be obtained from the Australian Consulate-General or the Australian Education Centre in Hong Kong.

Application Procedures

Overseas students may apply directly to Australian institutions for admission to attend courses that are available to them. Application letters can be sent directly to the institutions about six months before the school year begins.

In addition, candidates may have to satisfy the English proficiency requirements of the institutions concerned. The test of English Language proficiency is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) which is conducted twice every month. The cost is HK$1,300. A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL is acceptable as an alternative to 6.0 in the IELTS.

Visa Application Procedures

An overseas student must lodge his or her application for a student visa after he or she has enrolled in a course (i.e. after the payment of tuition fees).

1. After having paid the tuition fees, the institution will send the student a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).

2. Take the COE to the Australian Consulate General where he or she will be given the visa application form and other relevant information.

3. The Consulate General will ask the student to undertake a medical examination and a list of doctors will be supplied.

4. Once the application form and the other necessary documents are lodged, the Consulate will begin the visa processing.

5. If the student is approved for entry, he or she will be given a multiple entry visa. This entry visa will authorize him or her to travel to Australia and stay there for the period stated.

Other Consulting Organization

Australian Consulate General

Australian Education Centre
Room 1708 Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road, Wanchai
Hong Kong
Tel : 2827 5475
Fax : 2827 1765
Website : http://aei.detya.gov.au/

The Education System

The responsibility for education is vested in the Ministry of Education of each province. There are five main types of educational institutions : elementary schools, secondary schools, community colleges, university colleges and universities. Except for most schools in Quebec where the medium of instruction is French, schools in other provinces conduct their teaching mainly in English.

1. Universities

There are about 80 degree granting universities. They offer two types of bachelor degrees, the three-year General Bachelor's Degree and the four-year Honours Bachelor's Degree. The Honours Degree, which is more specialized, requires higher qualifications for admission.

2. Community Colleges/Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology (CAAT)/ University Colleges

The majority of these colleges are provincial. They have been created to meet the current needs of the community. They offer programmes in applied arts, business, technology and vocational training varying in length from less than one year to three years. A diploma or a certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the course requirements. There are also colleges which offer English Language, university preparatory and university transfer programmes which provide opportunities for students to gain credits towards their university degree. The university colleges also offer degree programmes.

3. Elementary and Secondary Schools

There are public and private primary and secondary schools. Public schools usually do not provide boarding facilities. They are intended for local students but in recent years they also accept international students and provide a Homestay Program with Canadian families. Many private schools provide residences. Some are sponsored by missionary and many are keen on accepting international students.

In all provinces other than Quebec, students may seek admission to university after 12 years (Grade 1 to Grade 12) of primary and secondary schooling. In Quebec there are only 11 years of elementary and secondary education. Students intending to enter university must first study one or two years at a CEGEP (college of general and vocational education). For Ontario, since the implementation of the new secondary programme in 1984, students can now take the six OACs which will enable students to earn the university admission requirement in Grade 12.

Admission Requirements and Fees

1. Universities

Hong Kong students may enter university in Canada at the following levels :

1. Senior Matriculation-Applicants should have :

1. 2 passes in GCE **'A' level or Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations and 3 passes in GCE 'O' level or GCSE*** Examinations.

2. 3 passes in GCE 'A' level or Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations and 1 pass in GCE 'O' level or GCSE Examinations.

3. Qualifications considered equivalent to (A) and (B) by the universities concerned.

2. Junior Matriculation-Applicants should have :

1. 5 or 6 passes in GCE 'O' level or GCSE Examinations.

2. 5 or 6 passes with grade C or above in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination.

3. Qualifications considered equivalent to (A) and (B) by the universities concerned.

Only a limited number of universities consider students at the Junior Matriculation level. Students who are admitted require an additional year to complete their first degree.

Applicants whose native tongue is not English are required to demonstrate proof of proficiency in English by presenting a TOEFL score of not less than 500-550. A few universities may even require a score as high as 600.

Annual tuition fees for full-time international students vary with province and with programme.

The range of tuition fees shown below is only for arts and science programmes :

Alberta	Can$4,914 - $7,682
British Columbia	Can$3,960 - $13,830
Manitoba	Can$5,778
New Brunswick	Can$5,590
Newfoundland	Can$6,600
Nova Scotia	Can$5,347 - $8,680
Ontario	Can$4,850 - $12,000
Prince Edward Island	Can$6,710
Quebec	Can$8,265 - $9,180
Saskatchewan	Can$5,625 - $6,450
Basic living expenses per year range from	Can$8,400 - $12,000

Community Colleges/Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology (CAAT)/University Colleges

The requirement for admission to these colleges is usually the GCE 'O' Level or GCSE.

For international students a TOEFL score of below 550, they are required to take English Language programme.

Tuition fees for full-time students range from Can$10,000 to $12,000 per year depending on the programme taken and the college attended.

Secondary Schools

Admission to most secondary schools in Canada is based generally on the students?/FONT> past academic performance. However, when applying for Grade 11 or 12 of a few schools, Hong Kong students may be asked to produce satisfactory TOEFL scores and Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination results.

A comparison of the Hong Kong education system and the Canadian education system is given in the following table :

The tuition fee for two semesters is about Can$6,600 - $14,000 in private schools, Can$28,000 in boarding schools including room & board and Can$7,000 - $14,000 in government schools.

*OACs (Ontario Academic Credits)
**GCE (General Certificate of Education)
***GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

Application Procedures

Students are advised to apply for admission nine months prior to the term?/FONT>s commencement date. Application forms may be obtained by writing to the schools/colleges/ universities or school boards. Upon completing the application form, the applicant should return it together with the requisite supporting documents and application fees before the closing date. After the school/school board has evaluated the application, it will issue a provisional letter of acceptance to the eligible applicant. Formal letters of acceptance will usually be given upon receipt of tuition fees.

Students who have been accepted are urged to proceed to the Consulate General of Canada immediately to apply for a student visa.

Visa Application Procedures

Application forms for Student Authorisation can be obtained from the Consulate General of Canada at Tower 1, Exchange Square 12^th Floor, 8 Connaught Place, Hong Kong. Complete and return them with the following :

The original letter of acceptance plus one photo-copy;

The receipt for school fees (if available);

A bank draft or money order in the applicant's name for minimum of Can$10,000 for living expenses in Canada;

The original or certified copy of school transcripts of the last three years. TOEFL or other public examination results (if available);

Passport or Hong Kong Certificate of identity;

Certificate of No Criminal Conviction from the Police is required only upon request by the Consulate General of Canada;

A declaration of guardian from a Canadian residing in Canada (for a student who is under 18 years of age); and

Three passport size photos.　　

Other Consulting Organization

Canadian Education Centre

Exchange Square, Tower 2, Room 504
Central, Hong Kong
Tel : 2524 9668
Fax : 2523 6230
Website : http://www.studyincanda.com

The Education System

New Zealand children start school at the age of 5, commence secondary education (Form 3) at approximately 13 years of age. At the completion of Form 7 (Aged 17/18) students may choose to continue their higher education at a university, polytechnic, college of education or private training establishment.

1. Colleges of Education

New Zealand has six Colleges of Education where the Bachelor of Education course is available. Colleges also provide one to three-year diploma study courses for teacher trainees for early childhood education, primary and secondary schools.

2. Polytechnics

There are 24 state polytechnics offer a wide range of courses in the professional, technician, vocational and trade areas. Short courses teaching a specific skill or subject, one to three-year professional Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses are available in subjects ranging from commerce and accounting to engineering and computing.

Many polytechnic courses have open entry but for the more academic courses, GCE "O" level or Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination is required. Students wishing to enrol in academic courses require a TOEFL of 500 or IELTS BAND 5.5. Most of the New Zealand institutions offer English language training or Foundation courses to help students meeting the required level.

3. Universities

There are eight universities in New Zealand offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. All universities offer a broad range of subjects for degrees in Arts, Science and Commerce and each university has developed its own specialist subjects.

Applicants must meet the entry requirements set by the institution for entry to a particular course. These requirements will vary from course to course and from institution to institution. However, in general, universities will require three passes at "A" level in the GCE Examination or Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination with Grade C or above in at least one subject, taken at one or the same sitting. In addition a minimum score of 550 in TOEFL or 6.0 in IELTS is required. Some universities offer one year Foundation course as a staircase for degree course.

4. Private Training Establishments

Tertiary colleges offer Certificate, Diploma and degree courses and English language training is often included in the programmes. There is a wide variety of private English Language Schools with courses ranging from casual conversation classes to intensive studies leading to internationally recognised qualifications in English.

Expenses

1. Tuition Fees

University:		Undergraduate from NZ$9,600 to NZ$12,500 per year for Arts, Commerce and Law.
Polytechnic:		Business courses from NZ$9,000 to NZ$12,500 per year.
Secondary Schools:		Business courses from NZ$7,500 to NZ$12,000 per year.

2. Living Expenses

In addition to tuition fees, a single student will need approximately NZ$8,000 to NZ$10,000 per year to living expenses, including accommodation.

Application Procedures

There are many ways to apply to study in New Zealand.

1. Apply directly to New Zealand institutions.

2. Obtain information from the New Zealand Trade Development Board- New Zealand Education Centre in Hong Kong.

When applying for formal studies, students will be required to provide supporting documentation such as academic records and evidence of English language ability.

Visa Application Procedures

As soon as an 'Offer of Place' is received, proceed to the New Zealand Consulate General at 6508, 65/F Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai, H.K. (Tel.: 2877 4488) to get the visa application form and other relevant information.

Other Consulting Organization

New Zealand Trade Development Board- New Zealand Education Centre, Suite 6502, 65/F., Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai, H.K.
Tel : 2526 7898
Fax : 2877 0739
Website : http://www.tradenz.govt.nz/nz/education/index.html or http://www.educationnz.org.nz