The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund's Fellowships and Scholarships for Overseas Studies for the academic year 2004/05 have been open for application since July 2.

The fellowships and scholarships aim to encourage the best students to pursue further education in reputable institutions overseas. The closing date for all applications is September 30.

Successful candidates for the awards are expected to have a strong sense of commitment to Hong Kong and be ready to contribute significantly to the community upon return from their overseas studies. They will be required to work in Hong Kong for at least three years upon graduation.

The fellowships are for studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or by coursework; the scholarships are for studies leading to undergraduate degrees.

The applicants will be responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.

The value of a fellowship is about $251,000 a year for up to three years for a Doctoral degree or two years for a Master's degree; the value of a scholarship is about $232,000 a year for up to three years.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend the initial interview in Hong Kong to be conducted in December 2003/January 2004. Suitable applicants will be requested to attend the final interview in Hong Kong around March 2004.

Application forms and information notes are available at the following addresses:

* Student Financial Assistance Agency

Address: 11/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon

* Careers & Guidance Services Section

Address: Education & Manpower Bureau, Room 1815, 18/F, Landmark North, 39 Lung Sum Avenue, Sheung Shui, New Territories

* Trust Funds Section

Address: Home Affairs Bureau, Room 2202, 22/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong