Pursuing a degree or sub-degree programme in Hong Kong often requires significant financial outlay. For the 2024/25 academic year, annual tuition fees at Hong Kong universities for government-funded undergraduate programmes at the eight University Grants Committee (UGC) institutions stand at HKD 42,100. Self-financing programmes, such as those offered by the Open University of Hong Kong or Caritas Institute of Higher Education, can cost between HKD 70,000 and HKD 120,000 per year. To help students meet these costs, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government provides a suite of grants and loans administered by the Student Finance Office (SFO). This article explains the main schemes, their eligibility requirements, application processes, and repayment obligations.
Overview of SFO Financial Assistance Schemes
The SFO operates several programmes under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) and the Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (NLS). The two primary schemes for full-time students are the means-tested grant and the means-tested loan, together known as the Tertiary Student Finance Scheme, Publicly-funded Programmes (TSFS) and the Tertiary Student Finance Scheme, Self-financing Post-secondary Programmes (TSFP). For students not eligible for means-tested support, the NLS offers a loan at a higher interest rate. Additionally, there is the Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme for certain master's programmes, and travel subsidies for students living far from their institutions.
Key Schemes at a Glance
- Tertiary Student Finance Scheme, Publicly-funded Programmes (TSFS): For students enrolled in UGC-funded programmes.
- Tertiary Student Finance Scheme, Self-financing Post-secondary Programmes (TSFP): For students enrolled in accredited self-financing programmes at degree, sub-degree, or professional diploma level.
- Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (NLS): For students who do not qualify for means-tested assistance or need additional funding beyond the means-tested loan ceiling.
- Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme (TTPFS): Provides a fixed fellowship of HKD 120,000 for eligible students pursuing taught postgraduate programmes in priority areas.
- Financial Assistance Scheme for Students with Financial Difficulties (FASFD): Covers students enrolled in full-time accredited programmes at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts or the Vocational Training Council.
Means-Tested Grants and Loans: TSFS and TSFP
The TSFS and TSFP are the most common forms of government support for full-time post-secondary students. Both schemes assess the financial need of the applicant and their family through a means test. The assessment considers the adjusted family income (AFI), which is the total family income divided by the number of family members plus one. The lower the AFI, the higher the assistance.
What the Grant Covers
The means-tested grant covers tuition fees, academic expenses (such as books, stationery, and compulsory fees), and a living expenses allowance. For the 2024/25 academic year, the maximum tuition fee grant for a UGC-funded programme is HKD 42,100, which equals the full annual tuition fee. The maximum academic expenses grant is HKD 9,570, and the maximum living expenses allowance is HKD 9,380. For self-financing institutions, the tuition fee grant is capped at HKD 95,000 per year, which covers most self-financing degree tuition fees.
Means-Tested Loan
In addition to the grant, eligible students can apply for a means-tested loan. This loan is interest-free until repayment begins. The maximum loan amount is calculated as the difference between the total cost of attendance (tuition, academic expenses, and living expenses) and the grant received, subject to a ceiling. For the 2024/25 academic year, the maximum means-tested loan for a UGC-funded student is HKD 50,000. For a self-financing student, the maximum is HKD 50,000 as well, but the total grant plus loan cannot exceed HKD 150,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria for TSFS and TSFP
To qualify, a student must:
- Be a Hong Kong permanent resident or have resided in Hong Kong continuously for three complete years immediately before the start of the programme.
- Be enrolled in a full-time accredited post-secondary programme (degree, sub-degree, or professional diploma) at a recognized institution.
- Not have exceeded the maximum period of assistance (typically the normal duration of the programme plus one year).
- Have a family income that falls below the threshold set by the SFO each year.
Students who are already receiving other government grants (such as the Reimbursement of Tuition Fees under the Continuing Education Fund) may not be eligible for the same expenses under TSFS/TSFP.
Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (NLS)
The NLS is available to students who do not qualify for means-tested assistance, or who need additional funds beyond what the means-tested loan provides. The NLS is not based on financial need. The loan covers tuition fees and a living expenses loan up to a maximum of HKD 50,000 per academic year. The interest rate on the NLS is set at the best lending rate of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority plus 1% per annum. For 2024, the rate is approximately 6.5% per annum. Interest accrues from the date of each disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or termination of studies, and the loan must be repaid within 5 years (or 10 years for loans exceeding HKD 150,000).
Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme (TTPFS)
The TTPFS, launched in 2020, provides a fixed fellowship of HKD 120,000 to students pursuing taught postgraduate programmes in areas identified as having strategic importance to Hong Kong. These areas include healthcare, architecture and engineering, creative industries, and education. The fellowship is not means-tested. Eligible programmes are listed on the SFO website each academic year. Students must apply through their institution, and the number of fellowships per programme is capped. For the 2024/25 academic year, over 800 fellowships were available across participating universities.
Application Process and Deadlines
Applications for TSFS, TSFP, and NLS are submitted online through the SFO's e-Smart system. The application period for the 2024/25 academic year opened in June 2025 in Hong Kong: Key Education Deadlines, DSE Exams, and School Admissions and closed in December 2024 for most full-time programmes. Late applications are accepted but may result in delayed disbursement. Students must provide supporting documents, including tax returns, salary slips, bank statements, and proof of enrolment. The SFO processes applications within 8 to 12 weeks. For the TSFS/TSFP, the grant is disbursed in two instalments: one at the start of the academic year and one after the second semester census date. The loan is disbursed in a lump sum after the first instalment of the grant is confirmed.
Repayment Obligations
Repayment of the means-tested loan begins six months after the student graduates or ceases studies. The loan is interest-free during the study period. After repayment starts, interest is charged at the rate of 1% per annum over the prime rate, but the SFO offers a fixed rate of 1% per annum for the means-tested loan. The repayment period is up to 5 years for loans under HKD 150,000, and up to 10 years for larger amounts. For the NLS, interest accrues from disbursement, and the repayment period is 5 years (or 10 years for loans over HKD 150,000). The SFO sends repayment schedules and reminders. Failure to repay can result in legal action and negative credit reporting.
Travel Subsidies and Other Support
The SFO also administers the Student Travel Subsidy Scheme, which provides a subsidy for students living in remote areas or those who need to commute long distances to their institutions. The subsidy is means-tested and covers a portion of the actual travel cost, up to a maximum of HKD 600 per month for the academic year. Additionally, the SFO offers the Financial Assistance Scheme for Students with Financial Difficulties (FASFD) for students at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Vocational Training Council. This scheme provides a grant of up to HKD 10,000 per academic year for tuition and academic expenses.
How to Choose Between Schemes
Students should first apply for the means-tested grant and loan (TSFS or TSFP) because these offer the most favourable terms: a grant that does not need to be repaid and a low-interest loan. If the means-tested loan is insufficient, students can supplement with the NLS. However, the NLS carries higher interest and should be used only as a last resort. For taught postgraduate students, the TTPFS fellowship is a non-repayable grant worth HKD 120,000, which is significantly more generous than the TSFP grant for self-financing master's programmes. Students should check the list of eligible programmes on the SFO website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for these schemes?
No. All SFO schemes require the applicant to be a Hong Kong permanent resident or to have resided in Hong Kong for three continuous years immediately before the programme start date. International students on student visas are not eligible.
What if my family income changes during the academic year?
If your family income drops significantly after you have submitted your application, you can request a reassessment by the SFO. You must provide updated financial documents. The SFO will recalculate your grant and loan entitlement.
Can I apply for both TSFS and NLS in the same year?
Yes. You can apply for the means-tested grant and loan under TSFS/TSFP, and also apply for the NLS to cover any shortfall. However, the total loan amount from both schemes cannot exceed the cost of attendance as determined by the SFO.
What happens if I withdraw from my programme?
If you withdraw before the second semester census date, you may have to repay the full grant and loan received for that academic year. If you withdraw after the census date, you may keep the grant but must repay the loan according to the schedule. You should contact the SFO immediately to discuss repayment options.