go to Top
In Crisis? Want someone to talk with,
text Open Up  or call 18111 (in Hong Kong), click here

Financial Assistance and Support at HKU

Financial Assistance and Support at HKU

Home » Campus Life Section » Financial Assistance and Support at HKU

Financial Assistance and Support at HKU

We provide comprehensive financial guidance and support to help students manage their finances during their studies at HKU. Our services aim to assist with both immediate financial challenges and long-term financial planning.

 

Government Financial Assistance

Government financial assistance is the primary source of support for full-time local students. Eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply for these schemes as their first step in securing financial aid.

 

1.    1.     Tertiary Student Finance Scheme (TSFS)

The TSFS offers means-tested financial support in the form of grants and loans to eligible full-time students enrolled in publicly-funded post-secondary programmes. It is designed to alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and other academic expenses. 

Types of Assistance

  • Grant: Covers tuition fees, academic expenses, and Student Activity Fee.
  • Loan: Provides interest-bearing support for living expenses (interest at 1% per annum will be charged from the start of the loan repayment period) 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Full-time student enrolled in a publicly-funded programme
  • Have the right of abode in Hong Kong or have resided in Hong Kong continuously for 3 complete years prior to the commencement of the programme 

For details, visit: TSFS Eligibility 

Maximum Level of Assistance (2025/26)

  • Tuition Fees (TF) Grant: $44,500
  • Academic Expenses (AE) Grant: Varies by discipline
  • Compulsory Student Activity Fee: $100
  • Living Expenses (LE) Loan: $59,540 (interest at 1% per annum) 

Additional Assistance Items

Successful TSFS/FASP applicants may receive the following support (eligibilities apply):

    • Hostel Subsidy
    • Student Travel Subsidy
    • Additional Academic Expenses Grant for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
    • Special Support for Students Receiving Disability Allowance

 

2.    2.     Non-means Tested Loan Scheme (NLSFT)

The NLSFT complements the TSFS by providing non-means-tested loans to cover tuition fees. Family income and asset assessment is not required.

 

3.    3.     Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) & Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)

Students pursuing a self-financing second degree of a double degree programme at HKU should apply for FASP/NLSPS instead of TSFS/NLSFT.

  

4.    4.     Extended Non-means Tested Loan Scheme (ENLS)

Students not covered under TSFS or FASP may be eligible for the ENLS to cover tuition fees (subject to life-time loan limit). For scheme details, visit: SFO website - ENLS.


University Financial Assistance

Supplementing Government financial assistance schemes, there are a number of bursaries and interest-free loans managed by the University to assist students with financial hardship. These awards, donated by private organisations and individuals, are allocated to full-time local students on the basis of their financial needs.

 

 1.      Main Exercise (September)

Plan ahead if you do not have sufficient funds to cover your annual expenses:

    • Deadline: September (exact date to be announced each year)
    • Most bursaries and loans are allocated during the Main Exercise

For details, visit: Main Exercise Application

  

2.    2.     Emergency Assistance (All year round) 

Students who encounter sudden financial difficulties arising from the following situations may apply for emergency assistance any time during the year. 

  • sudden severe changes in family circumstances / emergencies
  • late availability of other financial resources
  • sudden increase in expenses such as overseas travels relating to your academic studies

The financial assistance is means-tested and can be in the form of bursary and/or loan. For details, visit: Emergency Assistance Application



Financial Assistance for Non-local Students

The Government and HKU do not provide financial aid to non-local students. It is essential for non-local students to plan their budget carefully and ensure they have sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses during their studies in Hong Kong.


Fee Deferment

If you cannot pay your University fees by the due date, please visit the Fee Deferment page for application procedures and criteria for deferring your payment or contact CEDARS at feedefer@hku.hk for assistance. 


Enquiry / Consultation 

For further assistance or inquiries on financial matters, please contact CEDARS at cedarsufa@hku.hk. 


We are here to support you throughout your academic journey at HKU!