Education UK Exhibition 2016

Over 100 UK Schools, Colleges and Universities Gather at the Education UK Exhibition 2016 among Continued Strong Demand from Hong Kong Students

Latest Information on Studying in the UK and a Series of Seminars Available for Students and Parents

23 January 2016 (HONG KONG) – Demand for UK education continues to be strong among Hong Kong students, as evidenced by 20,000 currently studying in the UK, strong levels of satisfaction with the UK education experience and a high degree of interest in this weekend’s Education UK exhibition organised by the British Council. Despite a falling student population in Hong Kong, the UK tops the list of overseas English-speaking study destinations for Hong Kong students studying abroad, and the number heading to the UK is forecast to remain high.

In accordance with the high demand from Hong Kong students, the Education UK exhibition on 23 and 24 January 2015 offers the latest information on studying in the UK, so as to help students and parents make informed choices. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge from 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on both dates at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Low birth rates in Hong Kong mean that the student population in Hong Kong is falling, with -6.8% fewer HKDSE candidates in 2015 compared with 2014. However, UK tier 4 student visa statistics to quarter 3 2015 showed only a -3.7% decline compared with the same period last year. This suggests that interest in UK education remains high, and proportionally more Hong Kong students are heading to the UK than ever.

‘The UK receives more than double the number of Hong Kong students than Australia or the United States, with 48 per cent of Hong Kong students going to the UK compared with other English speaking destinations,’ said Steve Corry, Regional Business Development Manager at the British Council. ‘A recent global survey of international students suggests that satisfaction of the student experience in the UK is higher than in other countries, and this higher satisfaction is across multiple factors – including the learning environment, living environment and student support. International students in the UK are more likely to recommend the UK experience to friends than international students studying in other countries.’

Three alumni who studied with UK universities were invited to share their study and subsequent career success, to provide inspiration for students looking to follow in their footsteps. ‘My experience at the University of Oxford gave me an excellent foundation for understanding global dynamics and opened many doors to new opportunities and collaboration locally and abroad’, said Jeremy Lai Chun Kei, a finalist of the Education UK Alumni Awards.

At the exhibition, students and parents can meet representatives from over 100 UK schools, colleges and universities to learn about the UK courses on offer, from primary to postgraduate levels. A series of seminars are also being staged to prepare students for further study in the UK, covering the whole planning process for studying in the UK. These include topics on how to choose the right course and university, applying to UCAS, and tips for students living in the UK. Seminars tailored for students who are interested in studying arts and design and law are also available. UK alumni will also be advising prospective students on all aspects of their experience.

For pre-registration and event details, please visit the British Council’s website at http://www.britishcouncil.hk/en/events/education-uk-exhibition.