Study Options for Adult Learners

Learning is a life long process. Here you can find both academic and vocational courses for adult learners.

Academic Training

Self-financing Local Programmes

Many local institutions provide programmes ranging from sub-degree to degree levels. But only locally-accredited post-secondary programmes are recognised by the Government and some professional bodies. You can go to EDB's dedicated website, iPASS, to search for the accredited programmes.

Non-local Higher & Professional Courses

Many overseas higher and professional institutions also offer programmes in Hong Kong. These programmes are subject to local regulation. To protect your interests as a consumer, be sure to check out whether the programmes have been registered with the Government or exempted from registration. Check out details of these courses, their fees and other handy information on the link below.

Financial Assistance Scheme for Designated Evening Adult Education Courses (FAEAEC)

Financial assistance is provided to adult learners attending evening secondary courses (Secondary 1 to 6) offered by the Approved Course Provider in designated centres. Eligible students under the FAEAEC may receive full, 30% or 50% reimbursement of the tuition fees paid. Check out the following link for details.

Diploma of Applied Education

Many learning programmes require applicants to have certain level of education.  Adults aged 21 or above can enroll on the Diploma of Applied Education programme to acquire the qualification.  The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation for Academic and Vocational Qualifications has assessed and confirmed that the exit standard of the Diploma of Applied Education programme is deemed comparable to the attainment of Level 2 standard in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination.  Find more information on the link below.

Vocational Training

Institute of Professional Education and Knowledge (PEAK)

PEAK is a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC). It provides courses that are specially designed for working people to attain professional and academic qualifications, and cover a wide scope of professions such as financial services, management, information technology, languages and communication, food safety, construction and real estate. In addition, PEAK also provides corporate training service to local and Mainland corporations.

Vocational Training Council (VTC)

The VTC also offers various part-time courses through its other member institutions to meet the diverse education needs of the working adults and to suit the developing needs of Hong Kong. More details are available on the link below.

Qualifications Framework

The Qualifications Framework (QF) initiated by the Education Bureau aims to help Hong Kong people set clear goals and directions for continuous upgrading through life-long learning to obtain quality-assured qualifications. In this context, a web-based Qualifications Register (QR) is now made available to the public whereby you can look up for information on quality-assured qualifications with the associated learning programmes and providers recognised under QF.

Funding Further Education

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

The CEF subsidises adult learners who enrol in reimbursable education and training courses. Eligible applicants may submit an unlimited number of claims for reimbursement of fees on successful completion of the courses up to a maximum sum of $25,000. Check out the link below for eligibility criteria, application procedures and reimbursable course list.

Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (NLS)

Students who are not eligible for assistance under the Tertiary Student Finance Scheme – Publicly-funded Programmes and the Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students may apply for the NLS loan to meet their tuition fees. Check out the link below for more information such as the eligible courses and course providers.