Tertiary institutions worldwide are catering increasingly to adult, part-time students who are entering higher education for the first time. This paper addresses the compound problems that these students face in attempting to pursue a distance education in a second language. It offers the specific example of Hong Kong and the access and degree programs offered by The University of Hong Kong's School of Professional and Continuing Education. The paper analyzes the types of study and communication problems open learning students may bring with them to their studies, and recommends a policy of communication and study skills training as a means of ensuring both program quality and student access to full degree programs. Contains 7 references. (LB)