Common English Proficiency Assessment (CEPA) for Graduating University Students

The University Grants Committee (UGC) announced today that about 8,500 students of UGC-funded institutions had registered to sit for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) under the CEPA scheme.

"Given the voluntary nature of the scheme and that we are in the first year of its implementation, the UGC is pleased to see that the scheme is received positively by students. The encouraging participation demonstrates the degree of importance students attach to their English proficiency. The assessment results will provide participating students with a useful reference in entering the workforce or pursuing further studies", a UGC spokesman said today.

The UGC announced the adoption of IELTS as the common English proficiency assessment in July 2002. Registration was carried out in last November and February this year. The testing sessions are being provided until May this year.

UGC Secretariat
19 March 2003