Student poll gives sub-degrees a fail

(The Standard 9 Dec 2013) Most sub-degree (副學士)students believe their courses are not cost-effective (符合經濟效益), a survey shows.

The poll of 382 students enrolled (入讀) in sub-degree programs found 75 percent believe studies are not only cost-ineffective, but also 80 percent say they are overburdened (負擔過多) by tuition fees (學費).

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, which conducted (調查) the survey, wants the government to review the positioning of the programs and to further improve quality.

Forty-five percent of respondents receive loans from the Student Financial Assistance Agency and 33 percent are able to benefit from bursaries (獎學金).

About 66 percent believe the best way to relieve (緩解) them of the tuition burden (學費負擔) is to reduce the fees they have to pay.

Although 74 percent want to pursue a bachelor's degree, only 31 percent plan to.

Another 36 percent said it depends on (取決於) their grades (成績) while 16 percent would rather work.

About 54 percent said they will make HK$8,001 to HK$10,000 a month after graduation, while 24 percent estimate (估計) they will only make HK$6,001 to HK$8,000.

QI LUO