Government Financial Assistance

Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies (NMTSS)

• Eligibility: Eligible local students* enrolled in full-time self-financing first-year bachelor's degree programmes or top-up degree programmes
• Subsidy Amount for 2025/26: Up to $35,120 per year
• Application Method: Submit applications through the institution for new students

Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP)

• Eligibility: Eligible local students* enrolled in full-time Higher Diploma programmes
• Subsidy Amount for 2026/27: Up to $23,390 or $40,730, depending on the specific Higher Diploma programme
• Application Method: Submit applications through the institution for new students

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)

• Eligibility: Eligible local students* aged 30 or below enrolled in full-time Higher Diploma or Bachelor's Degree programmes. Applicants must not be receiving other publicly funded financial assistance (e.g., Continuing Education Fund) for the same academic year
• Financial Assistance Provided: Grants, travel subsidies, and low-interest loans based on family income and asset assessment
• Application Method: Submit an application with supporting documents to the Student Finance Office (SFO) each academic year

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

• Eligibility: Hong Kong residents* who are aged 18 or above at the time when the CEF reimbursable course commences and are enrolled in a CEF-recognised programme
• Subsidy Amount: Up to a maximum sum of $25,000
• Application Method: Apply for reimbursement to the Office of the Continuing Education Fund within one year upon successful completion of CEF reimbursable courses. Both the course and applicant must meet the specified criteria

Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme (SPSS)

• Eligibility: Students* enrolled in full-time locally-accredited self-financing Higher Diploma or Bachelor's Degree programme with institution nomination
• Scholarship Amount: $10,000 to $80,000, depending on the scholarship category
• Application Method: Selection and nomination by the institution

*For detailed eligibility criteria of the subsidy/scholarship schemes, please visit the Education Bureau or Student Finance Office websites.

1. What is the difference between government financial assistance and subsidies and the Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme (SPSS)?

Government financial assistance and subsidies primarily include tuition fee assistance, means-tested grants, and low-interest loans, which help students cover tuition fees, study-related expenses, and living costs during their studies. SPSS, on the other hand, is merit-based and awarded based on students' academic performance or non-academic achievements, aiming to recognise and encourage outstanding students.

2. What government-subsidised programmes does HKCT offer?

HKCT offers a variety of government-subsidised courses at different levels, including Bachelor's Degrees, Higher Diploma, Professional Diploma/Certificate, and Diploma of Applied Education/Diploma. Subject areas include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), Mobile Applications and Game Development, Sports Management, Music Production, Social Science, Social Work, Discipline Services, Early Childhood Education, Aviation and Hospitality, Design & Media Production, Western Culinary Arts, Communications, Public Relations and Languages, Professional Beauty, and more.

3. If I am enrolled in a course under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP), can I apply for the Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)?

Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria for both SSSDP and FASP, you can submit a FASP application. The Student Finance Office (SFO) will assess your application and calculate the grants and loans you are entitled to after deducting the SSSDP subsidy amount.

4. If I have already applied for the Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS), can I still apply for Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)?

Yes, students can apply for both FASP and NLSPS within the same academic year. The Student Finance Office will usually process the NLSPS application first. If the FASP application is subsequently approved, you will require to return any excess loan amount from NLSPS. For details, please contact the Student Finance Office.

5. Are there any limits on the number of applications and subsidy amount for the Continuing Education Fund (CEF)?

There is no limit on the number of CEF applications. Each eligible applicant can receive a total subsidy of up to $25,000. As long as the course meets the eligibility criteria and is successfully completed, you can submit an application.

6. If my family income and assets exceed the Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) threshold, are there other financial aid options?

If your family income and assets exceed the FASP threshold, you can consider applying for the Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS). This scheme does not require a means test but provides loans to help students pay for tuition fees.

7. How can I apply for the Self-financing Post-secondary Scholarship Scheme (SPSS)?

Eligible students must be nominated by the Head of their Department/Faculty. Students applying for the 'Outstanding Performance Scholarship' are also required to attend an internal selection interview. A student will only be officially recommended for the award after their nomination is approved by the internal selection committee.