6,000 HK students apply for mainland universities

Hong Kong (CNS) – Universities on the Chinese mainland are piloting their open admission programs that exempt Hong Kong candidates from the Joint Entrance Examination, and about 6,000 high school students have already entered their names to take advantage of the opportunity.

The pilot project was announced by Vice Premier Li Keqiang during his visit to Hong Kong in August 2011, as one of 36 governmental measures designed to promote Hong Kong's economic and social development.

Sixty-three universities are taking part, including giants Tsinghua University, Peking University and Fudan University.

According to a spokesman from the Joint Admission Office for Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan students, 5,840 Hong Kong high school students enrolled online in the period from February 20 to March 5. Applicants then follow up by paying a registration fee of 420 Hong Kong dollars at one of two local venues by March 15.

"I want to experience life in Shanghai or Beijing," said a student surnamed Chen on March 5, "It is a good chance to broaden my views and will also benefit my career plan." Chen also mentioned the attraction of low tuition fees and expenses.