top of page

Application Eligibility

  • What are the eligible learning activities?
    Activities offered by HKU faculties, departments and student bodies which fall under the following scope of FIFE Fund will be eligible for the Fund: Exchange Overseas programmes Overseas internships Volunteering activities (including service trips) Language (a maximum of $6,500 from FIFE Award*) Halls/colleges (a maximum of $6,000 from FIFE Award*) Sports/music/arts/other skills (a maximum of $6,000 from FIFE Award*) Professional certificates/courses (a maximum of $6,000 from FIFE Award*) Learning activities that are organised by external organisation will be considered by the Steering Committee on a case-by-case basis. *The revised maximum subsidy amount for the specified activity category took effect on February 27, 2024.
  • Can I use the FIFE Fund for more than one activity?
    Yes, you can use the Fund for several learning activities until the amount of the award is depleted. You have the flexibility in choosing when to use the Fund and how much to spend on each activity. To better use the Fund and spend the money prudently, you are advised to plan carefully and prioritise all learning opportunities which interest you as early as possible.
  • Can I submit my application form by hand?
    No, you must complete the online application form on FIFE Fund’s website at http://www.fife.hku.hk.
  • When will I receive the funding for my learning activity?
    The Steering Committee will consider your funding application for a specific learning activity in the month subsequent to your online application. If the Steering Committee approves your funding application, the Finance & Enterprise Office takes 8 weeks to arrange the payment.
  • When should I submit the application for funding of a specific learning activity?
    You are expected to submit the online application before the activity begins and upload the required supporting documents when you submit the online application. Only application with full set of supporting documents will be processed.
  • What are the required supporting documents?
    Documents that can prove your participation and expenses of the concerned activity are required including the following if applicable: Admission and offer letters / emails; Payment receipts of transportation, accommodation, insurance, etc.; Result notification letter/email of other scholarship(s) you received for this activity; Certificate of completion or statement of attendance issued by the organiser
  • Am I eligible to apply if both my parents are retired and no one provides me with financial support?
    Yes, if the (a) monthly household income of your family is HK$31,561 or less; and (b) the total value of savings and assets of HK$305,000 or less per each of your family member. Assets refer to bank deposits (saving/current/time deposits), cash in hand, investments (stock/shares/warrants/funds), properties, business undertakings, loans to others, gold and platinum, land, car parks, vehicles, vessels, and taxi/public light bus licences, but exclude self-occupied property.
  • I am a second year student, can I apply for the FIFE Fund?
    Yes, if you are a local full-time and full-degree undergraduate student admitted to the University in or after September 2008. This includes students who are upon their first entry to study at HKU (regardless of the year of study) and students who resume their studies at HKU as first-year students after deferment.
  • Am I eligible to apply if my sibling(s) is/ are university students / graduates?
    Yes, as long as your parents and grandparents are not university graduates and you fulfill all other specified criteria.
  • I am a first-generation university student in my family and my sibling(s) provide(s) me financial support, am I eligible to apply for the FIFE Fund?
    Yes, if the (a) monthly household income of your family is HK$31,561 or less; and (b) the total value of savings and assets of HK$305,000 or less per each of your family member.
  • I am from Mainland China, can I apply for the FIFE Fund?
    No. In this initial stage, the FIFE Fund is open to local students only.
  • Do I need to submit documentary proof to CEDARS if I have applied for Government Tertiary Student Finance Scheme (TSFS or Grant & Loan)?
    Yes, for those who applied for the means-tested Grants and Loan, please submit your Grant/Loan application form and the results notification letter from the HKSAR Government. For those who have not applied for TSFS or have only applied for Non means-tested Loan Scheme, please submit documentary proof of family income, savings and assets, such as copies of tax returns and bank statements of the applicants and their family members.
  • Can I submit my application form by hand?
    No, you must complete the online application form on FIFE Fund’s website at http://www.fife.hku.hk.
  • How and when should I submit my documentary proof?
    You should submit hard copies of documentary proof to CEDARS in Room 301 - 323, 3/F, Main Building within the specified period. You will be notified via email after submitting the application successfully.
  • My father is self-employed and he does not receive a stable monthly income, how do I know whether his monthly income meets the requirement?
    You can add up all your father’s income of the previous financial year (e.g. April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025) and divide it by 12 months. For income proof, please ask him to write and sign a self-declaration stating his average monthly income.
  • How do I calculate my monthly household income?
    The total monthly household income includes (a) 100% of the gross monthly income of parent(s) or spouse (for married applicant) who provide(s) financial support to you, plus (b) 30% of the income of unmarried sibling(s) residing with the family.
  • If my application is successful, will I receive the award immediately?
    No, you need to submit a learning plan and attend a Briefing & Gathering Session for New Recipients first. Then, you can make use of the Fund to finance your specific learning activity.
  • Local full-time and full-degree undergraduate students
    Remark: This refers to students who are upon their first entry to study at HKU (regardless of their years of study) in or after September 2008 and students who resume their studies at HKU as first-year students after deferment.
  • Having a monthly household income of HK$ 31,561 or less
    Remark: This is a reference calculated for a 4-person family. The total monthly household income includes (a) 100% of the gross monthly income of parent(s) or spouse (for a married applicant) who provide(s) financial support to the applicant, plus (b) 30% of the income of unmarried sibling(s) residing with the family.
  • Being the first-generation university students in their families
    Remark: Students' grandparents and parents do not have any university education.
  • Total value of savings and assets of HK$ 305,000 or less per family member
    Remark: Assets refer to bank deposits (saving/current/time deposits), cash in hand, investments (stock/shares/warrants/funds), properties, business undertakings, loans to others, gold and platinum, land, car parks, vehicles, vessels, and taxi/public light bus licences, but exclude self-occupied property.

Remarks: 

Students who barely miss Criteria 3 and 4 may also apply for the Fund. The Steering Committee at times will give consideration to special circumstances, such as applicants who have family member(s) suffering from chronic illness, have several siblings in schools or have limited or no financial support from family.

Scope & Activities Supported by the Fund

​An amount of HK$ 15,000 will be provided to each successful applicant for participating in the following learning activities over the entire course of study:

The Fund supports different learning activities including: 1) Exchange 2) Overseas Programmes 3) Overseas Internships 4) Volunteering Activities (including service trips) 5) Language 6) Halls/ Colleges 7) Sports/ Music/ Arts/ Other skills 8) Professional certificates/ courses

Note:

​1. Applicants with special needs and valid justifications may be granted an extra amount of HK$20,000 maximum 

(i.e. HK$35,000 in total). It is reminded that the relevant application should be made prior to the commencement of the activity. For details and application procedure of the additional funding, please contact CEDARS at fife@hku.hk
 

2. The Fund may be held concurrently with other scholarships, grants and/or loans administered by the University provided that the total value received by any student does not exceed the maximum amount of financial assistance / scholarship that a student can receive in a year as stipulated by the University.
 

3. The value of award has been adjusted to HK$15,000 from the academic year of 2015-16.

bottom of page