The eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) have made it clear that they have neither granted any intermediary agencies for overseas studies any degree of authority for admission, nor pledged to guarantee the admission of the applicants recommended by these agencies, not to mention a mechanism of internal recommendation for guaranteed admission of applicants. 

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin made the statement in response to lawmakers' questions in the Legislative Council today, noting that the admission mechanism of the eight funded universities upholds the principles of merit-based selection, fairness and impartiality.

The universities - which have been paying close attention to the unscrupulous intermediary agencies on their untrue claims of guaranteed admission and their abetting and other illegal activities - have made clarifications on their websites, social media and application forms as well as issued reminders that all application materials must be accurate.

A university had earlier disclosed that it found a small number of applicants had allegedly submitted fraudulent documents. The university subsequently reported the incident to Police.

Ms Choi acknowledged that the university's disclosure of the cases indicates it is dealing with the incident seriously and is determined to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on the matter and warned of the consequences of breaking the law.

Anyone engaging in any dishonest practices out of misguided hopes or being misled into believing in false publicity has to bear the consequences, and serious cases will not only be expelled from the university but also have to face criminal prosecution, the education chief stressed.

Ms Choi advised applicants with any doubts to seek verification with the universities. She also reiterated that the Government, universities and society have zero tolerance towards using fraudulent academic qualifications to apply for admission and share the determination to safeguard the integrity of Hong Kong society and the good reputation of higher education.