Introduction of CEF
The Continuing Education Fund (CEF) subsidises adults with learning aspirations to pursue continuing education and training. Eligible applicants may submit unlimited number of claims for reimbursement of fees on the successful completion of CEF reimbursable courses which commence on or after 1 August 2022 up to a maximum sum of HK$25,000. The co-payment ratios by learners (i.e. the percentage of fees to be borne by learners) for the first HK$10,000 subsidy is 20% of the course fee and that for the remaining HK$15,000 subsidy is 40% of the course fee.
Eligible applicants may submit unlimited number of claims for reimbursement of fees on the successful completion of CEF reimbursable courses commenced from 1 April 2019 to 31 July 2022 up to a maximum sum of HK$20,000. The co-payment ratios by learners (i.e. the percentage of fees to be borne by learners) for the first HK$10,000 subsidy is 20% of the course fee and that for the second HK$10,000 subsidy is 40% of the course fee.
For applicants who opened a CEF account before 1 August 2022, they are also eligible for claiming the additional HK$5,000 subsidy and the unused balance (if any) of the original subsidy of HK$20,000 for CEF reimbursable courses which commence on or after 1 August 2022, regardless of whether their accounts were closed in the past. Each eligible applicant is entitled to a maximum sum of HK$25,000 subsidy in respect of all CEF reimbursable courses pursued.
CEF Course List
Eligibility
Persons who meet the following criteria can apply for CEF:
- Hong Kong residents who have the right of abode or the right to land or to remain in Hong Kong without restriction, i.e. "A" (right of abode), "R" (right to land) or "U" (remain in Hong Kong without restriction) should appear below the date of birth on the HK Smart Identity Card, or holders of one-way permit from Chinese Mainland;
- Aged 18 or above at the time when the CEF reimbursable course commenced. The application for fee reimbursement for course(s) which commenced during the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 July 2022 must be submitted within one year upon the successful completion of the course(s) and before reaching the age of 71. Late applications will not be accepted;
- Have enrolled in and paid the tuition fee for the CEF reimbursable course; and
- Have not obtained any other public funds or assistance under any other publicly-funded financial assistance schemes for the same course.
Reimbursement Procedures
Applicants are required to complete the Application Form [SFO 313] and submit the supporting documents. This application form is also applicable to applicants who have opened a CEF account before 1 August 2022 to apply for fee reimbursement only.
CEF Reimbursable Courses
The CEF currently provides over 4,650 registered courses offered by over 120 course providers. The reimbursable courses under the CEF are classified by Competency Standards-based (SCS-based), Specification of Generic (Foundation) Competencies-based (SGC-based) and all 14 areas of study and training registered under the Qualifications Register (QR). The programmes funded by University Grants Committee and provided by Employees Retraining Board are not included.
View Reimbursable Course List
View List of Course Providers
For further information, visit Continuing Education Fund Website.
* Updated: 2025-12-10
