British Council Education UK exhibition attracted 2,000 visitors on first day
The British Council’s Education UK exhibition commenced today with representatives from nearly 70 UK schools, colleges, and universities offering free consultation and immediate enrolment opportunities for around 2,000 students and parents on the first day. The exhibition also runs tomorrow from 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. at the Kowloonbay International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kowloon Bay.
According to the 2014 figures released by UCAS, the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service, applications to UK colleges and universities have risen by 7.9 per cent over the same period last year. By the end of June, UCAS had received 6,753 applications for entry to UK higher education this September and this number is expected to increase after the exhibition.
Steve Corry, Regional Business Development Manager at British Council, said “Hong Kong students are attracted to studying in the UK due to its quality education, diversity, and multicultural environment, making it the top overseas study destination for higher education. In 2012/13, UK accounted for 56 per cent of local students leaving Hong Kong for higher education study compared with other English-speaking countries. We are pleased to see a considerable increase in Hong Kong students applying to UK colleges and universities through UCAS, and the positive feedback from our Education UK student ambassadors on their study experiences in the UK.”
Students who wish to apply for 2014/15 undergraduate courses in the UK should seize this last chance. UCAS will still accept new applications for 2014/15 courses until 20 September, while the last day to add a Clearing choice of subject is 22 October. However, students are advised to contact universities and colleges directly to discuss vacancies.
In addition, a series of seminars will be available to help students make informed study decisions about their further studies. Students and parents can understand the pathways between the UK and Hong Kong education systems, obtain up-to-date information on the admissions requirements of individual institutions, and gain better understanding on the UCAS application journey. A taster lecture and a talk on employability are also available so that students can understand what they could expect from their university life and after they complete their studies. Students can also benefit from personal sharing of the UK university student life, local culture and tips for preparation given by Education UK students ambassadors at the pre-departure briefing.
The British Council IELTS team will be offering guidance on the application process and will deliver two seminars to provide tips on how to prepare for the exam. An award ceremony of the 2014 British Council IELTS Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate study overseas will also take place on 16 August 2014 at the exhibition.
For pre-registration and event details, please visit the British Council’s website at http://www.britishcouncil.hk/ .Besides, the public can join the online game of Education UK exhibition for a chance to win fabulous prizes, including Mr Bean Folder, Virgin Atlantic souvenir or a round trip ticket to London. The British Council has also launched a new online guide to study in the UK for students to understand more about UK education. The guide can be downloaded at http://goo.gl/t80QAg.