Policy Address

137.     In addition, we propose to increase publicly-funded first-year-first-degree places to 15 000 for each cohort from the 2012-13 academic year.  Taking into account the views of the University Grants Committee, we also recommend that senior year intake places should be doubled progressively to 4 000 each year to provide more articulation opportunities for sub-degree graduates.  The proposed additional places will involve an additional annual expenditure of about $1 billion.  Upon full implementation, over 30% of our young people in the relevant age group will have the chance to take self-financing or publicly-funded degree programmes.  Including sub-degree places, young people attending local post-secondary programmes will account for about 65% of the age group, more than double the level of about 30% a decade ago.

138.     The community is concerned about the interest rate and repayment arrangements for loans to post-secondary students.  The Government has commenced a review on all non-means-tested loan schemes for post-secondary students.  The review covers the scope of eligible programmes, loan amounts, interest rates and repayment arrangements under the schemes, as well as measures to reduce the default rate. We are drawing up detailed recommendations for further consultation with the public at the end of this year.

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