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Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme for 2003-04

The University Grants Committee (UGC) announced today (September 14) that university students to graduate in 2003-04 could register for the Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme (CEPAS) from September 22 to October 18 this year.

"With the assistance of our institutions, we will arrange a series of testing sessions under the Scheme for all final-year students of UGC-funded undergraduate degree programmes from November this year to May next year," a UGC spokesman said.

"Like last year, these students are eligible for reimbursement of the test fee once, if they agree to have a statement printed on their transcript indicating that they have participated in the Scheme."

For more detailed information, please visit the CEPAS website (www.ugccepa.com). Applicants are reminded that applications should be submitted through their respective institutions.

The CEPAS aims to heighten the students' awareness of the importance of English proficiency. It also provides the UGC as well as our institutions with very useful data to facilitate the formulation of language enhancement policies and programmes.

"Despite its voluntary nature, over 7,300 final-year students participated in the Scheme when it was introduced last year. This year, we again encourage each and every student to take part in the Scheme," the spokesman said.

"In addition, we shall continue to strengthen our efforts in promoting the CEPAS within the employers sector as well as the wider community," he added.

The UGC announced the adoption of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as the testing instrument for CEPAS in July 2002. IELTS is an internationally validated English test which covers all the four skills in English language, namely listening, reading, writing and speaking.


Sunday, September 14, 2003