Common English Proficiency Assessment for Graduating University Students

The University Grants Committee (UGC) announced today (29 July 2002) the adoption of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as the common English proficiency assessment for students graduating from UGC-funded institutions.

The assessment will be applicable to undergraduate students graduating from the 2002-03 academic year onwards on a voluntary basis. The UGC will encourage students to take the assessment by the reimbursement of test fees and it is hoped that the availability of the assessment will enhance awareness of the importance of proficiency in English generally.

"Through the assessment, we aim to benchmark the English proficiency of local university graduates against a reliable, internationally validated instrument which will serve as useful reference for students when they enter the workforce after graduation or when they pursue further studies", a UGC spokesman said today.

IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, the British Council and the IDP Education Australia. It is used worldwide for assessment of language skills for both work and study purposes and covers the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

This new initiative is welcome by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research. A number of major employer and professional bodies have also indicated their support. They consider that the assessment will lead to greater efforts being put into enhancing English standards by our university students, and its results will serve as useful reference for recruitment purposes. These bodies include: -This new initiative is welcome by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research. A number of major employer and professional bodies have also indicated their support. They consider that the assessment will lead to greater efforts being put into enhancing English standards by our university students, and its results will serve as useful reference for recruitment purposes. These bodies include: -

• Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

• The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce

• The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

• The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

• The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Society of Accountants

• The Law Society of Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

• Hong Kong Bar Association

The Civil Service Bureau of the HKSAR Government is supportive of the new measure. It will examine whether the results in the assessment may be recognized for the civil service recruitment English test and if so, which band should be accepted as equivalent to passing the test.

UGC Secretariat
29 July 2002