Overview

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Financial Aid and Funding at HKU

CEDARS provides 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.   Our educational funds provide an enabling platform for student’s growth and development.


Government Financial Assistance (For Local Students Only)

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. 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 (2026/27)

  • Tuition Fees (TF) Grant: $47,000
  • Academic Expenses (AE) Grant: Varies by discipline
  • Compulsory Student Activity Fee: $100
  • Living Expenses (LE) Loan: $58,200 (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


  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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 (For Local Students Only)

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

 

  1. University Financial 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
  • extra expenses associated with accommodation, outbound enrichment activities, extra-curricular activities

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

 

  1. First-in-the-Family Education Fund (For Local Students Only)

    2. Students who are in receipt of TSFS awards and are the first-generation undergraduates of their family can apply for the First in-the-Family Education Fund to finance their participation in experiential learning activities.  Application is open at the start of each semester.   For details, visit the website of First-in-the-Family Education Fund .  


Financial Assistance for International Students

Like most countries, the HKSAR Government and HKU do not provide financial aid to international students. It is essential for international students to plan their budget carefully and ensure they have sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses during their studies in Hong Kong.


Educational Funds (For Local and International Students)

CEDARS also oversees various educational funds to support the learning and development of students with diverse educational needs and profile, including inclusive education fund, service-learning fund, grant for joint student projects.   For details, please visit our page.  

 

Fee Deferment

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

  

Financial Education

CEDARS partners with several community partners to organise a series of financial education workshops for our students.   Tips and advice on prudent and responsible budgeting and loan repayment are disseminated to students throughout their journey.   Please visit the Financial Education Resources page to learn more.