HK unis accept over 60 students affected by US policy
Education chief Christine Choi says local universities have been very active when it comes to attracting top talents from around the world. File photo: RTHK
Education minister Christine Choi on Sunday said dozens of people affected by US policy changes on international university students, have been admitted to Hong Kong universities.
Choi said the SAR's eight publicly-funded universities received more than 1,000 enquiries on transfer of studies, after authorities earlier announced that Hong Kong welcomes any students who are being discriminated by the US policy.
"More than 60 offers have been given out so far, and students are originally from different US universities," Choi told a TVB programme.
When asked if more American scholars have come to Hong Kong as well, she said that local universities have been very active when it comes to attracting top talents from around the world.
Meanwhile, the minister reiterated that the impact of the government's decision to tighten eligibility for subsidised university places for children of non-local talent is small.
Choi said such children are still deemed as local students, but it is necessary for them to meet the requirements before applying for different subsidies.
"We have a two-year transitional period, so there is enough time for talent scheme applicants and their dependants to prepare and meet the eligibility [for local student subsidies]. If they do not fit the criteria...all they have to do is just pay the non-subsidised tuition fees," she said.
The government on Thursday announced that from the 2028-29 academic year, students with dependant visas or entry permits obtained before the age of 18 will need to live in Hong Kong for the two years prior to the start of their courses, if they want to be qualified for subsidised education.
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