Only 2 percent of Chinese mainland graduates from Hong Kong universities returned to the mainland to work in 2006, according to a survey by the University of Hong Kong.

Forty-six percent of mainland graduates chose to stay in Hong Kong and work, 27 percent chose to further their studies at overseas universities, 20 percent continued their studies in Hong Kong and 5 percent worked in foreign countries.

Earning power is the major reason for graduates' reluctance to return to the mainland. The average starting salary for graduates in Hong Kong is 12,000 Hong Kong dollars (1,500 U.S. dollars); in Beijing it is 2,300 yuan (288 U.S. dollars).

Aside from the higher pay, mainland students can obtain permanent resident permits after studying and work for seven years in Hong Kong, sources with the University of Hong Kong explained.

The number of students applying to study in Hong Kong universities has risen rapidly since HK universities were allowed to recruit mainland students in 2002. They enrolled 1,300 students from 20 provinces and municipalities this year.

This year, eight Hong Kong universities have officially joined the mainland's university enrollment system, including the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Source: Xinhua