Choose short-term courses

Dr. Anthony C W Tam, Director of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED) says, "The CEF aims at enhancing the competitiveness of non-degree employees. Although there are a few degree courses in the approved course list, these courses usually cost more than $10,000. The subsidy would not be much help then. Applicants may choose some short-term practical certificate or diploma courses, so that they do not have to incur too high a tuition fee."

Make best use of resources

Professor Y H Lui, Director of the Open University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE), suggests: "The ceiling of the CEF subsidy is 80 per cent of the course fee or a maximum sum of $10,000. Therefore, a $12,500 course would help you capture the full amount of the $10,000 maximum subsidy, which is 80 per cent of the tuition fee. This way you can make full use of the government subsidy."

Consider personal interests

Mr. Tam Shu Wing, Director of Lingnan Institute of Further Education, says: "Applicants should take into account their personal interests, career development and academic background when deciding on which courses to take. Those with only a secondary school qualification should take a certificate or diploma course before going on to higher studies."

Don't rush

Professor Y H Lui advises applicants not to be in a rush when choosing a course. He reminds us that new courses will continually be added to the EMB list of approved courses. Applicants may wait until more courses come out, compare the characteristics and fees of various courses before making a decision.
"Most of the courses have quarterly intakes. If you miss this season's course, just wait till the next season. Don't rush," Professor E C M Young, Director of HKU SPACE, adds.

Ask yourself

Concluding the academics' suggestions, applicants should ask themselves the following questions to see if they are well prepared for their study plans:
1 Can your interest and ability drive you through the whole course?
2 Does the class time conflict with your working hours?
3 Does the course lead to higher-level studies?
4 Can you travel conveniently between your work location and the location of your classes?
5 Does the course you take meet the needs of your long-term career development?

Grants and loans for continuing education

Workplace English Training Fund

A funding scheme under the Workplace English Campaign for non-civil-service employees provides reimbursement of up to 50 per cent of course and examination fees of English training courses, or a maximum lump sum of $4,500. Reimbursement will be made upon graduation and passing of a recognized English language test. Web site: www.english.gov.hk

SME Training Fund

This fund aims at enhancing SMEs' strength and competitiveness by promoting business-related training for SME employers and employees. Eligible enterprises may apply for funding under the two categories of "Employers' Training" and "Employees' Training" and receive a maximum cumulative amount of $5,000 for employers' and $10,000 for employees' training respectively. Web site: www.smefund.tid.gov.hk

Skill Upgrade Scheme

This is a scheme launched in 2001 to provide skill-upgrade training in various industries for base-level employees with secondary school education or below. The government subsidizes 70 per cent of the course fee, while the remaining 30 per cent have to be shouldered by the employer or employee. Applicants earning a monthly income of below $6,330 or those covered by the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance can apply for a full reimbursement of course fees. Web site: www.info.gov.hk/emb

Non-means Tested Loan Scheme

This is a loan scheme administered by the Student Financial Assistance Agency. Students enrolled in any course offered by the continuing education schools of the eight universities or any statutory bodies may apply for the loan. Applicants may repay the loan in 40 installments in 10 years after graduation or after fulfilling the required credits. The maximum amount of loan is the full tuition fee, and the interest rate for the loan in 2002-2003 is 4.625 per cent. Application should be made before the commencement of the course, and the application form should reach the school administration before the deadline set by the individual institutions. Website: www.gov.hk/sfaa

Interest-free bank loan schemes

The Wing Hang Bank started providing OUHK credit card holders with a 10-month interest-free loan scheme in 2001 for students engaged in continuing education. However, if students fail to make payments by the monthly due dates, the bank will start charging interest. Similarly, the Bank of East Asia also provides a 10-month interest-free loan for HKU SPACE Credit Card holders. Inquiries should be directed to the relevant institutions.

Taken from Career Times 2002/08/02