| Year | 1981 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
| % | 43.49 | 41.34 | 41.68 | 41.38 | 41.25 | 41.34 | 44.26 | 42.00 |
| Year | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| % | 41.60 | 42.40 | 42.94 | 42.75 | 42.96 | 42.35 | 41.00 | 42.64 |
| Year | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| % | 43.11 | 43.43 | 43.26 | 43.24 | 43.15 | 43.88 | 44.66 | 45.12 |
Operational Definitions
The percentage of full-time enrolment in natural and applied science courses offered by UPGC/UGC-funded institutions. Natural and applied science includes Science, Applied Science, Bio-Science, Physical Science, Mathematical Science, Computer Science, Medical, Dental, all related medical subjects and engineering and technology.
Footnote
All figures are collected from University Grants Committee of Hong Kong since 1991.
Figures for 1996, 1997 and 1998 refer to Full Time Equivalent (FTE) student enrolment. In other words, a portion of the enrolments is part-time enrolments which are converted to FTE enrolments. Figure for 1981 excludes part-time enrolments. It includes enrolment in science, engineering and technology, medicine, dentistry in the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and enrolments in applied science, building and surveying, civil and structural engineering, computing studies, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mathematical studies, mechanical and marine engineering, medical and health care, production and industrial engineering in Hong Kong Polytechnic. In other words, the figure for 1981 and those for 1996, 1997 and 1998 are not strictly comparable. Figures for 1986 and 1991 are not available. All figures refer to academic year, e.g. figure for 1996-97 is used for 1996.
Figures for 1996, 1997 and 1998 refer to Full Time Equivalent (FTE) student enrolment. In other words, a portion of the enrolments is part-time enrolments which are converted to FTE enrolments. Figure for 1981 excludes part-time enrolments. It includes enrolment in science, engineering and technology, medicine, dentistry in the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and enrolments in applied science, building and surveying, civil and structural engineering, computing studies, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, mathematical studies, mechanical and marine engineering, medical and health care, production and industrial engineering in Hong Kong Polytechnic. In other words, the figure for 1981 and those for 1996, 1997 and 1998 are not strictly comparable. Figures for 1986 and 1991 are not available. All figures refer to academic year, e.g. figure for 1996-97 is used for 1996.
