Educational system of Xianggang and Aomen

In the article the system of education in two special autonomous regions of China, Xianggang (Hong Kong) and Aomen (Macau) is under investigation. Despite of their relatively small dimensions, both territories have achieved essential successes in this field. Especially, it's characteristic for Xianggang's educational organization is considered to be among the best in the world. Universities of Xianggang belong to high ranking ones, and every year 3-4 of them join the Top 100 world universities ranking list. Namely systematic is one of the important characteristics of these educational complexes which cover all the stages, from kindergartens up to the high schools. The most part of the colleges and universities keeps to Anglo-American model, but from 2007 they begin to accomplish transition to Chinese standards. It gives the possibility to the natives of Xianggang and Aomen to study at the continent, and vice verse, students from «up-country» can continue their learning at the elite universities of semi-enclaves. Nevertheless, quality remains on the same high level; and the knowledge of English language (together with Chinese) remains indispensable part of all exams. Diploma of secondary education received in Xianggang is basically recognized by 200 higher schools in 12 countries (mostly in Great Britain, but also in USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Germany, Belgium etc.) as well as by 78 universities in China. And also many foreign students come to study there; because specialists graduated from Xianggang's universities are highly appreciated at many companies all over the world. Leading universities of special autonomous regions become also the complex scientific-research centers. They take part in the all-China-scale projects on the development of new technologies («program 863», «program 973»). Several «state basic laboratories» (mostly in the sphere of biology, medicine and chemistry) are situated at University of Hong Kong and University of Macau according to decisions of central Ministry of science and technologies. Local governments generously finance an education and allot quiet big share of budget (up to 17 % and more) for its needs. At the same time, not only the products of education (such as a scientific-research service, consulting, engineering and so on) but also an education itself (process of studying, or even the brand of school or institute using as franchise) become very profitable objects for investment. Regional economy of special autonomous regions (Xianggang and Aomen) of the People's Republic of China is confidently developing in direction of «Knowledge economy».