| FAQ
I. Aim
| 1. |
What is the aim of setting up the Continuing Education
Fund (CEF)? |
|
－The CEF aims to subsidise adults (aged 18 to 65) with
learning aspirations to pursue continuing education and training course. |
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II. Eligibility
| 1. |
What are the eligibility criteria? Any
restrictions? |
|
－Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Aged from 18 to 65 at the time of application and on seeking
reimbursement of their fees;
- Are Hong Kong residents having 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 ID card. For details of the meaning of symbols, please visit the website of the Immigration Department
http://www.immd.gov.hk. Holders
of one-way permits from Mainland China may also apply. ( A copy
of the one-way permit and the HK Smart ID card should be attached to
the application form );
- Have enrolled in and have paid for the tuition fee for a reimbursable
course before the course commences;
- Have not obtained any other publicly-funded financial assistance
for the same course; and
- Application should be submitted before the course commences.
|
| 2. |
Can an applicant submit multiple applications
to CEF? |
|
－Each applicant can apply once a lifetime only. Applicants
who obtain in-principle approval for reimbursement of fees may not
submit a second application. Applicants whose applications have been
rejected may submit a second application.
|
| 3. |
Are there any age restrictions? |
|
－Persons who are aged 18 to 65 at the time
of application and on seeking reimbursement of their fees may apply.
|
| 4. |
Why is there a limitation on age ? |
|
－We reckon that there is a need for people
of all age groups to pursue continuous education and training. However,
as funding is limited, in order to bring about benefits to the community
at large and to enhance Hong Kong's overall competitiveness, we need
to set appropriate parameters on eligibility criteria, such as the
age of applicants. Since the Fund aims to better prepare the labour
force of Hong Kong for the transition to a knowledge-based economy,
the upper age limit for applying CEF is thus set at 65. |
| 5. |
Can applicants concurrently seek financial
assistance from other organisations? |
|
－Applicants should not apply for reimbursement
of their fees from CEF if they have applied or intend to apply for
assistance towards their tuition fees from any other publicly-funded
student financial assistance scheme. Loans for tuition fee payment
obtained from the publicly-funded Non-means Tested Loan Scheme are
not subsidised loans. If such loans are borrowed towards the payment
of fees for a reimbursable course of study recognised for the purpose
of CEF, the fees may be eligible for reimbursement subject to all
other criteria being met. The CEF reimbursement may be used to offset any outstanding NLS loans so borrowed by the applicant for paying the tuition fee in respect of the same course. Any remaining balance of the CEF reimbursement after offsetting will be credited to the designated account of the applicant.
|
| 6. |
Where can I obtain further information
on the Non-means Tested Loan Scheme? |
|
－Please visit the website of the Student
Financial Assistance Agency http://www.sfaa.gov.hk
or call 2802 2345 for information.
|
| 7. |
If an applicant has
completed part of the programme before the launching of the CEF scheme,
can he/she apply for financial assistance in respect of the completed
courses? |
|
－Applicants should apply to CEF before
the course commences. Courses completed before the launching of the
CEF scheme will not be considered.
|
| 8. |
If an applicant fails
to complete the initial course he/she has enrolled in, is it necessary
for him/her to apply to CEF again? |
|
－If the applicant can complete other reimbursable
course(s), he/she can claim reimbursement in respect of the completed
courses without making an application to CEF again.
|
| 9. |
If an applicant has
obtained the financial assistance under CEF, can he/she still have
any tax deduction on
expenses of self-education ? |
| |
－To avoid double subsidy, the applicant
can only apply for tax deduction in respect of the course fee balance
(i.e. the difference between the actual fee paid and the financial
assistance from CEF). If you have any queries on the Inland Revenue
Ordinance, please contact the Inland Revenue Department direct for
enquiries.
|
| 10. |
Can an applicant apply for assistance
after he/she has completed and passed the course(s)? |
| |
－Applicants should submit their applications
before the courses start, and as soon as they have been enrolled in
a reimbursable course, not after the completion of the courses.
|
| 11. |
Under what circumstances will an application
be rejected? |
| |
- Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria of CEF.
- Late applications.
- Applicants who withdraw their applications on their own accord
may not submit further applications.
- Applicants have obtained in-principle approval before.
|
| 12. |
Are fees paid for different courses reimbursable? |
| |
－Reimbursement can cover the course
fees of different reimbursable courses. An applicant will be allowed
four opportunities to claim reimbursement within four years from the
date in-principle approval was given, subject to 80% of the fees
or $10,000, whichever sum is the less.
|
| 13. |
Under what circumstances can an
applicant apply for CEF if the course (which is on the CEF Reimbursable
Course List) has already commenced? |
| |
－If the course is modular based (students should confirm
with the course provider concerned the course structure) but the student
failed to submit his/her application to OCEF before the commencement
of the first module, he/she can still apply for CEF before the commencement
date of the next earliest commencing module. In such case, the student
cannot claim reimbursement for module(s) which he/she is pursuing
or which he/she has already completed before his/her application for
CEF was approved (i.e. student can only claim reimbursement for the
remaining modules, not the fees for the whole course).
At the time of reimbursement, the student should provide copies of completion proof of the whole course and course fee receipts.
Applicants are reminded to submit their applications before the
commencement date of the next earliest commencing module. When filling
in the application form, applicants should state the course title
as shown in the reimbursable course list, (not the name of the next
commencing module). However, they should put down the commencement
date of the next commencing module for which reimbursement is to
be made. As a general rule, applicants are not required to submit
new applications before the commencement of each module.
|
| 14. |
Is there any limitation on residency
status under CEF ? |
| |
－To be eligible for applying CEF, applicants should
be 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 ID card. For details of the meaning of symbols, please visit the website of the Immigration Department
http://www.immd.gov.hk.
Holders of one-way permits from Mainland China may also apply. ( A
copy of the one-way permit and the HK Smart ID card should be
attached to the application form ). |
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III. Application Procedures
| 1. |
How can an applicant submit application? |
| 2. |
Can an applicant submit his/her application
through the Internet? |
| 3. |
Can an applicant submit application in
person? |
|
－The completed application form together
with a photocopy of the HK Smart ID Card and if applicable one-way
permit should be submitted by post
to the Office of the Continuing Education Fund (OCEF), Room 916, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, N.T.
Computer scanned or fax copies are not accepted.
－An applicant can also place his/her completed application form
together with a photocopy of the HK Smart ID Card and if applicable
one-way permit into the CEF drop-in
box on 12/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan
Road, Kowloon.
|
| 4. |
Where to get the application forms? |
|
－Application forms are available from District
Offices and OCEF, and can be downloaded from this website
http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
. Moreover, application form can be obtained by fax through hotline
3142 2277.
|
| 5. |
Any deadline for applications? |
|
－Applications should be made before
the courses start. The date of receipt of the application by OCEF
will be taken as the date of application. Late applications will not
be accepted. All applications are processed on a first-come-first-served
basis.
|
| 6. |
When does CEF start receiving applications? |
|
－Applications open from 1 June 2002.
|
| 7. |
Does an applicant have to pay any application
fees? |
|
－The CEF scheme does not involve any application
fees.
|
| 8. |
When should the applicants submit their
applications? |
|
－Applicants should submit their applications
before the commencement date of the course for which reimbursement
of fees is to be made.
|
| 9. |
Why are the applicants required to enroll
in the course before applying to the CEF ? |
|
－The aim of requiring applicants to
enroll in the course before submitting application to CEF is to
ensure that they are willing and committed to complete the course(s)
concerned.
Given the limited resources available, in order to ensure that
the CEF is used in a meaningful manner, we need to set appropriate
parameters on eligibility criteria and these criteria have been
approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council.
|
| 10. |
What are the other documents the applicant
should attach in submitting his/her application? |
|
－The applicant should attach a photocopy
of his/her HK Smart ID Card and if applicable one-way permit in submitting his/her application. |
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IV. Notification of Application Results
| 1. |
How long does it take before an applicant
receives the result of his/her application? |
|
－For applications containing complete information
and the required copy of supporting document, application results
will be issued within 12 working days from the date of receipt
of applications. If the information provided is incomplete or there
are discrepancies in the information provided, applicants will be
requested to give an explanation or provide supplementary information,
in which case the processing time will be longer.
|
| 2. |
If an applicant has
obtained in-principle approval from OCEF, but has lost the approval
letter, what should he/she do? |
|
－The applicant should contact OCEF at Room 916, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, N.T.
or call up 3142 2277 to follow up as soon as possible.
|
| 3. |
If an applicant
has not received any reply 4 weeks after submitting his/her application,
what should he/she do? |
|
－The applicant should contact OCEF at Room 916, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, N.T.
or call up 3142 2277 to follow up as soon as possible. |
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V. Level of Financial Assistance
| 1. |
What is the maximum level of financial
assistance under CEF? How is it calculated? |
|
－Eligible applicants will be reimbursed
80% of their fees or $10,000, whichever sum is the less. Applications
are processed on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to the availability
of funds.
|
| 2. |
If an applicant who
has completed the reimbursable courses has emigrated overseas, will
he/she receive the financial assistance? |
|
－The applicant can make a claim by submitting
the Reimbursement Claim Form if he/she has successfully completed
the courses within four years from the date in-principle approval was
given, provided that he/she can met all other criteria.
|
| 3. |
If an applicant has
concurrently been enrolled in a number of reimbursable courses, can
he/she apply for reimbursement in respect of some of the completed
courses? |
|
－An applicant will be allowed four opportunities
to claim reimbursement within four years from the date in-principle
approval was given, subject to 80% of the fees or $10,000, whichever
sum is the less.
|
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VI. Course Information
| 1. |
Are all courses eligible for financial
assistance? |
|
－Only continuing education and training
courses approved by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare are eligible
for financial assistance.
|
| 2. |
Why are there only a few designated sectors
covered by the CEF ? |
|
－As funding is limited, in order to
enhance Hong Kong's overall competitiveness, we need to set appropriate
parameters such as the coverage of the courses for the CEF. After
consulting prominent academics, business figures, employers and
various Focus Groups, it was concluded that priority should be given
to Financial Services, China Business, Logistics, Tourism, Design,
Languages and Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills for the Workplace.
|
| 3. |
Why computer / IT are not included in
the reimbursable course list ? |
|
－During the consultation, it was widely
accepted that the labour force of Hong Kong has already got basic
knowledge and competency on computer / IT. Furthermore, reimbursable
courses belonging to the four designated professions are not limited
to the professional skills. In fact, courses related to computer /
IT application in the four designated professions are also included
in the reimbursable course list. For details of the reimbursable course
list, please visit our website: http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
.
|
| 4. |
Where can an applicant get information
on the reimbursable courses? |
| 5. |
How can an applicant tell if the course
he/she enrols in is a reimbursable course? |
|
－Reimbursable course list will be updated
on a monthly basis. Information on the reimbursable courses can
be obtained from the Office of the Continuing Education Fund and
registered course providers, and on our website ( http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
). Moreover, course information can be obtained by fax through hotline
3142 2277.
Applicants should check with the course providers concerned the
course details, such as the enrollment date, entry requirements,
course commencement date, course fees, assessment method etc.
Website and enquiry number of course providers can be found on
our website ( http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
) under "Reimbursable Course List".
|
| 6. |
Where can the institution codes and course
codes of the reimbursable courses be obtained? |
|
－Information on the institution codes and
course codes of the reimbursable courses can be obtained from the
Office of the Continuing Education Fund and registered course providers, and on our
website ( http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
). Moreover, course information can be obtained by fax through hotline
3142 2277.
|
| 7. |
Why are the course codes under CEF different
from those of the course providers ? |
|
－As the reimbursable course list includes
courses offered by many course providers and the number of courses
will increase continuously, it is necessary for the Office of the
Continuing Education Fund to have a consistent set of course code,
so as to facilitate application processing and future handling of
reimbursement.
|
| 8. |
Why is a course offered
by a certain course provider included in the reimbursable course list,
while a similar or same course offered by another course provider
is not ? |
|
－Course providers are required to submit
their applications for assessment of the courses to the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) before their courses
can be included in the Reimbursable Course List under CEF. In fact,
all reimbursable courses posted on our website have passed the assessment
of HKCAAVQ.
Therefore, a course not included in our reimbursable course list
may be due to the fact that the course provider concerned has not
yet submitted their application for assessment to HKCAAVQ or the assessment
is under processing. Please contact the course provider to enquire
if it would seek registration of the course under CEF and visit
our website to get the latest course information ( http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
).
|
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VII. Change of Information/Amendment of Personal
Data
| 1. |
If an applicant needs to change the information
on his/her personal particulars, how can he/she inform OCEF? |
| 2. |
If an applicant wishes to correct the
information he/she has supplied earlier, how can he/she make the amendment? |
| 3. |
If an applicant has cancelled his/her
bank account previously supplied to OCEF, what should he/she do? |
|
－The applicant should complete the Form
"Notification of Change of Personal Data" and send it back to OCEF.
The form can be obtained from OCEF (Room 916, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, N.T.) or downloaded
from our website ( http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
). Moreover, it can be obtained by fax through hotline 3142 2277.
|
| 4. |
Can an applicant switch to other courses
after obtaining in-principle approval? |
|
－The applicant can switch to other reimbursable
courses after in-principle has been given to him/her. He/She need
not make a fresh application. On successful completion of the
course, he/she can apply reimbursement of the fees concerned. However, the reimbursement deadline remains. |
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VIII. Cancellation/Withdrawal of Applications
| 1. |
What should an applicant do if he/she
wishes to cancel/withdraw his/her application? |
|
－The applicant should inform OCEF in writing
as soon as possible.
|
| 2. |
If an applicant has withdrawn his/her
previous application, can he/she make further applications? |
|
－Applicants who withdraw their applications
on their own accord may not submit further applications. |
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IX. Reimbursement of Funds
| 1. |
When can the applicants apply for reimbursement
of the fees? |
|
－Applicants should have paid for the course
fees before they apply to the CEF for in-principle approval for assistance.
They can submit claims for reimbursement upon successful completion
of the course(s). The amount of subsidy is 80% of the fees or $10,000,
whichever sum is the less.
|
| 2. |
How to apply for reimbursement of fees? |
|
－Successful applicants will be provided
with a Reimbursement Claim Form when in-principle approval is given.
Claimants should submit the completed Reimbursement Claim Form with
copies of documents (fee receipts, documentary proof that they have
successfully completed the courses and the front page of their bank
passbook/statement) by post to the OCEF or place the Reimbursement
Claim Form and copies of supporting documents into the CEF drop-in
box on 12/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices.
Applicants studying language courses (except written Chinese courses) are
additionally required to attach copies of documentary proof of passing
the specified benchmark tests/examinations at the specified (or
higher) level and copies of benchmark tests/examinations
fee receipts. (All submitted documents are not returnable).
|
| 3. |
What is the definition of "successful
completion" of the course ? |
|
－"Successful completion" of the course
means that you must pass the course assessment as required by the
course provider. Each course provider would have its own method of
assessing successful completion of courses, including but not limited
to examinations.
|
| 4. |
What is documentary proof of successful
completion of the course? |
|
－Documentary proof of successful completion
of the course may include a certificate of award, a letter or a transcript
from the course provider certifying that you have been assessed to
have passed the course.
|
| 5. |
If the applicant makes
reimbursement claim for a course co-organized by a local agent with
a third party, say an overseas university, what kind of documentary
proof of successful completion of the course he/she is required to
submit ? |
| |
－Applicants must submit the proof of
successful completion of course or a certification letter issued by
the local agent. |
| 6. |
How to get the reimbursement? |
|
－Reimbursement will be made by direct credit
to the claimant's designated bank account.
|
| 7. |
Can an applicant on special grounds receive
subsidy in advance? |
|
－Applicants can only submit claims for
reimbursement upon successful completion of the courses, and in any
event, within four years from the date in-principle approval was given.
|
| 8. |
If the applicant has submitted the Reimbursement
Claim Form, when can he/she receive the subsidy? |
|
－Payment will be made within six weeks
from the date of receipt of the Reimbursement Claim Form, if satisfactory
supporting documents are provided. In case the CEF reimbursement has to be made to offset the NLS loans, the payment processing time will be longer.
|
| 9. |
Can the bank account
provided by the claimant be a joint account, a credit card account,
a time deposit account or a foreign currency account? |
|
－The claimant's bank account must
be a Hong Kong Dollar saving/current/bank-in-one account opened under
any banks of Hong Kong.
The name of account holder must be the same as the name on the HK
Smart ID
card.
|
| 10. |
What should an applicant do if he/she
has lost the Reimbursement Claim Form? |
|
－The applicant should inform OCEF in writing
as soon as possible and get a replacement form from OCEF.
|
| 11. |
If a claimant has
submitted the Reimbursement Claim Form with sufficient supporting
documents, but has not received any payment notification, what should
he/she do? |
|
－If the claimant does not receive any payment
notification six weeks from the date that he/she has submitted the
claim, he/she should contact OCEF at 3142 2277 as soon as possible. |
| 12. |
How to get a replacement Reimbursement Claim Form (SFAA193/194/205) ? |
|
－The Reimbursement Claim Form (RCF) (SFAA193/194) and the Reimbursement Claim Form for Benchmark Test (SFAA 205) are controlled forms and the forms are sent to all successful applicants together with Approval in-principle Letter. These forms are not available for downloading. Applicants who have lost their RCFs should write to the Office of the Continuing Education Fund or to the email address
cef@sfaa.gov.hk and request for a replacement copy. Please provide your full name and the Hong Kong Smart Identity Card Number / CEF application number so that we
can retrieve your application record. We will send the replacement forms to you by post. |
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IX(a). Extension of Validity Period
| 1. |
The government extends the CEF validity period to 4 years, are there any measures to notify applicants? |
|
－Starting from December 2007, OCEF will issue letters in batches to notify eligible applicants about their new reimbursement deadline and unclaimed balance in their accounts. A reimbursement claim form will also be enclosed in the letters. |
| 2. |
Why is there such a decision to extend the validity period to 4 years? |
|
－It has now been more than five years since CEF was established in April 2002. According to our experience in the past five years, we found that many applicants had to extend the reimbursement deadline due to personal reasons (for example, they could not successfully complete the course as scheduled because of illness or could not obtain the proof of course completion / the benchmark test result before the reimbursement deadline, etc). In view of this, the policy bureau proposed to the Legislative Council for extending the validity period to 4 years so as to provide sufficient time for applicants to complete the course and sit for the benchmark test.
|
| 3. |
What are the benefits of implementing 4-year validity period? |
|
－According to past experience, applicants had to wait for the release of result after completing the course and examination. Or some of the benchmark tests held once a year only, and many applicants had to apply for extension because of failing to enroll in the benchmark test (Cases were relatively common for enrolling Putonghua and Japanese benchmark test). As such, extending the validity period to 4 years provides sufficient time for applicants to complete the course successfully and sit for the benchmark test before the reimbursement deadline. |
| 4. |
Are there any restrictions and tightening up of eligibility and vetting procedure for CEF applications after the implementation of 4-year validity period? |
|
－The revisions to the parameters include the extension of validity period to 4 years, increase in the maximum number of claims to 4 times and lifting the upper age limit of applicants to 65, while other reimbursement criteria and procedures remain unchanged. |
| 5. |
Does every single applicant enjoy the 4-year validity period? |
| |
－Since applicants must be between 18 to 65 at the time of application and on seeking reimbursement of fees, applicants must submit claims in respect of successfully completed reimbursable course(s) after the date of approval and before they are 66. For example, if an applicant is 65 at the time of application, his/her validity period will only last before he/she reaches the age of 66. In other words, applicants who had already reached the age of 66 cannot enjoy the extension offer. Moreover, if an applicant has already obtained a maximum sum of $10,000 CEF subsidy, he/she could not enjoy the offer of extended validity period too. |
| 6. |
After the implementation of 4-year validity period, can I still apply to OCEF for extension under special situation (such as suffering from illness with the production of valid medical certificates or successfully completed the course before the reimbursement deadline but waiting for the release of result)? |
|
－The revisions to the parameters aim to encourage applicants to successfully complete the reimbursable course(s) within an extended period. If an applicant needs to apply for extension under special situation (such as suffering from illness), OCEF will consider the extension application case by case. Nevertheless, if an applicant has been granted extension before because of illness or other special reasons, based on the current revision, his/her validity period will be automatically extended to 4 years or specially extended on one-off basis, which will exceed the extended reimbursement deadline granted before. Therefore, applicants should submit claims according to the new reimbursement deadline which will be printed on the extension letter. |
| 7. |
After the implementation of 4-year validity period, are there any forms to fill in? |
|
－OCEF will issue letters to notify applicants about the new reimbursement deadline. The letters will be enclosed with the relevant reimbursement claim forms such as SFAA205 and SFAA239, etc. for eligible applicants to make reimbursement claim. If applicants still have not received our letter in Feb 2008, they can fax to 2152 9898 or 2152 9899, or email to cef@sfaa.gov.hk for a replacement of letter. Please note that applicants should state their names, HK Smart ID Card number or application number, telephone number, etc in the fax or email for OCEF to contact them. |
| 8. |
As the new validity period will be implemented, do I need to fill in the application form SFAA192 if I am going to take a new course? |
|
－If you have obtained application approval in principle from OCEF, you are not required to fill in the application form SFAA192 again. It is because each eligible applicant may obtain approval once only. You are only required to submit the completed reimbursement claim form (SFAA193/194/239) and related documents before the new reimbursement deadline for making reimbursement claim. |
| 9. |
I have submitted a reimbursement claim before receipt of the extension letter. However, I have not yet received the payment notification from the OCEF, do I need to fill in the reimbursement claim form again? |
|
－The unclaimed balance stated in the extension letter issued by the OCEF is based on the computer records at the date of issuance. If you have submitted a claim, or your claim is being processed by the OCEF, you are not required to fill in the reimbursement claim form again so as to avoid increasing the office workload and affecting your reimbursement progress. |
| 10. |
My reimbursement deadline will expire on 20 December 2008. There is still HK$2,400 unclaimed balance in my CEF account but my second reimbursement has been made. Can I be granted the extra 2-year validity period and claim for the remaining balance in my account? |
|
－According to the current revision, your new reimbursement deadline will be 20 December 2010 and you still have 2 chances for reimbursement. You must submit claim in respect of the successfully completed reimbursable course(s) before 20 December 2010. Subject to your meeting the criteria for reimbursement. You can fill in form SFAA193 (and SFAA205 if applicable) for reimbursement of the remaining balance in your account. |
| 11. |
My validity period expired on 5 January 2006 and there was still HK$1,400 unclaimed balance in my CEF account. Can I be granted the extension of validity period and reimburse for the remaining balance in my account? |
|
－According to the current revision, you should choose option (1) or (2) on the reply slip based on your own situation and return it to OCEF. You should submit form SFAA239 (and SFAA205 if applicable) to reimburse the remaining balance in your account in respect of the successfully completed reimbursable course(s) before the new reimbursement deadline. |
| 12. |
The 2-year validity period of my CEF account has expired. In my past claim, I studied two language courses but passed one benchmark test only. Thus only the fees of one course and one benchmark test were reimbursed from CEF. As now the validity period has been extended, can I retake a benchmark test and claim for the fees of the remaining one course? |
|
－You should choose option (2) on the reply slip. You should also sit for the specified benchmark test and attain the specified or higher level before your new reimbursement deadline and then follow the normal procedures for making reimbursement claim. |
| 13. |
The 2-year validity period of my CEF account has expired. In my past claim, I studied three courses but one of them was completed after the 2-year validity period. Thus, no fee in respect of this course was reimbursed from CEF. As now the validity period has been extended, can I reimburse for this course? What are the reimbursement procedures? |
|
－You should choose option (1) on the reply slip and follow the normal procedures for making reimbursement claim. |
| 14. |
The 2-year validity period of my CEF account has expired. In my past claim, I successfully completed a language course but failed in the benchmark test. Thus, no course fee and benchmark test fee was reimbursed from CEF. As now the validity period has been extended, can I retake the benchmark test and claim for the course fee and benchmark test fee? What are the reimbursement procedures? |
|
－You should choose option (2) on the reply slip. You should also sit for the specified benchmark test and attain the specified or higher level before the new reimbursement deadline and then follow the normal procedures for making reimbursement claim. |
| 15. |
If I still have questions about the measures of the validity period extension, what should I do? |
|
－Please state your question(s) together with your contact method such as email address, telephone number, and fax them to 2152 9898 or 2152 9899, by email to cef@sfaa.gov.hk or mail to OCEF. Our office staff will contact you. |
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X. Benchmark Tests / Examinations
| 1. |
What are the additional requirements for
CEF applicants studying language courses ? |
|
－Applicants studying language courses (except written
Chinese courses) are additionally required to pass the specified benchmark tests / examinations
at the specified (or higher) level within the four-year
validity period. Benchmark tests should be taken after the course has commenced and before the expiry of the validity period. Claimants cannot make use of the same benchmark examination to support the claim for more than one language course. Information on the specified benchmark tests and levels of the language courses can be obtained from the Reimbursable Course List in CEF website. Benchmark Test / Examination fees may also be
reimbursed if accompanied with a claim for the relevant language
(except written Chinese) course.
For reimbursement of fees, the claimant is required to submit the
completed Reimbursement Claim Form (SFAA 193/194) and the
Reimbursement Claim Form for Benchmark Test/Examination Fees (SFAA
205) together with copies of the supporting documents.
Applicants studying Chinese (e.g. Chinese writing skills) are
not required to take benchmark tests.
|
| 2. |
Which benchmark examination should be taken by the applicant ? |
|
－Institutions / course providers have
pegged the specified benchmark examination(s) that the applicants should take based on the course level and content (please refer to the “Benchmark Examination” column in the reimbursable course list). Applicants are eligible to make reimbursement claim in respect of the course fee and benchmark examination fee after successful completion of course and passing the
specified examination at the specified (or higher) level. For the avoidance of doubts, the reimbursement claim for each language course must be accompanied with one benchmark examination at the specified (or higher) level.
|
| 3. |
Where can applicants obtain information
of benchmark tests / examinations ? |
|
－General information of the benchmark tests
/ examinations (such as the types of benchmark tests / examinations)
can be obtained from the CEF website : http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
under "Language Benchmark Tests / Examinations". Applicants should
contact the institutions / course providers concerned for more detailed
information.
|
| 4. |
What should be submitted
by a claimant to substantiate his/her claim for reimbursement of fees
for language courses (except written Chinese courses) ? |
|
－Apart from the Completed Reimbursement
Claim Form (SFAA 193 or SFAA 194), copy(ies) of course fee
receipt(s), copy(ies) of documentary proof of successful completion
of the course(s) and copy(ies) of the front page of the bank passbook
or statement showing the name and account number, claimants studying
language courses (except written Chinese courses) should also submit the following :
- completed Reimbursement Claim Form for Benchmark Test / Examination
Fees (SFAA 205) ;
- copy(ies) of documentary proof of passing the specified benchmark test(s) / examination(s)
at the specified (or higher) level;
- copy(ies) of benchmark test(s) / examinations fee receipt(s).
All these documents must be submitted before the expiry
of the four-year validity period stated in the letter of approval-in-principle
for CEF.
|
| 5. |
Under what circumstances the benchmark
test / examination fees cannot be reimbursed ? |
|
－If the benchmark test / examination fees
have been reimbursed under other publicly-funded financial assistance
scheme such as the Funding Scheme for Workplace English Training,
this benchmark test / examination fees cannot be reimbursed
under CEF again. When filling in the Reimbursement Claim Form for
Benchmark Test / Examination Fees (SFAA 205), claimants should
indicate this in the appropriate box.
|
| 6. |
Is the entry-test fee in connection with
a language course (except written Chinese) reimbursable ? |
|
－Under CEF, reimbursable expenses do
not include entry-test fee. Only payment made for tuition fees
of reimbursable courses and examination fees for attending designated
benchmark examinations in respect of language courses (except written
Chinese courses) are reimbursable expenses.
|
| 7. |
Can a claimant only claim the benchmark
test / examination fees ? |
|
－A claim for reimbursement of the benchmark
test / examination fees will only be entertained if it is accompanied
with a claim for the relevant language course (except written
Chinese course).
|
| 8. |
If an applicant has
already passed or attained the minimum benchmark of the specified
benchmark test / examination some time ago, can he/she be exempted
from taking the same test / examination again ? |
|
－Under CEF, benchmark test / examination
should be taken after the commencement of the course and before
the expiry of the four-year validity period stated in the letter
of approval-in-principle for CEF. The purpose is to ascertain that
applicants who receive subsidy from CEF do attain certain level
of language proficiency after taking a reimbursable course. Thus,
an applicant cannot make use of the benchmark test / examination
result that he/she obtained some time ago to substantiate his/her
claim for reimbursement under CEF.
As benchmark tests / examinations are held at fixed interval, applicants
should check on the examination dates and plan their study schedule.
|
| 9. |
If an applicant has
passed the internal examination organized by the institution / course
provider but fails in the benchmark test / examination, can he/she
claim for reimbursement ? |
|
－Applicants can only make a claim for
reimbursement upon passing the specified benchmark tests / examinations
at the specified (or higher) level. A claim for course fees
of a language course will not be entertained
if it is not accompanied with copies of documentary proof of passing
the specified benchmark tests
/ examinations at the specified (or higher) level.
In short, in order to make a successful claim, applicants must
make sure that they can pass the specified benchmark tests / examinations at the specified (or higher) level after the commencement
of the course and before the expiry of the four-year validity period
stated in the letter of approval-in-principle for CEF.
|
| 10. |
If the applicant
has failed in the benchmark test / examination for a number of times,
can he/she claim for reimbursement of all the test / examination fees
? |
|
－No. Only the benchmark test /
examination fees contributing to pass the specified benchmark tests / examinations
at the specified (or higher) level can be reimbursed.
|
| 11. |
If an applicant takes
more than one language courses and the courses are pegged
to the same benchmark test / examination, can he/she take the test
/ examination once only? |
|
－To claim for reimbursement of the course
fees and benchmark test / examination fees, applicants cannot
make use of the same benchmark test / examination to support their
claims for more than one such course. It is a one-to-one relationship,
i.e. a language course must be accompanied with a relevant benchmark
test / examination. Even though two courses are pegged to the same
test / examination, applicants have to sit for the test / examination
twice and pass the specified benchmark examination at the specified
(or higher) level
in order to substantiate his/her claim for reimbursement for both
the course fees and benchmark test / examination fees for the two
courses.
|
| 12. |
For applicants taking
English courses, do they need to attain the English level relevant
to their respective job types ? |
|
－CEF does not require applicants
to declare their job types nor request them to attain the minimum
benchmark of their job types. Under CEF, applicants taking English
courses are required to pass the specified benchmark examination at
the specified (or higher) level.
|
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XI. Others
| 1. |
Is there any requirement for the successful
claimant to stay/work in Hong Kong? |
|
－There is no such requirement.
|
| 2. |
How to contact the Office of the Continuing
Education Fund? |
|
－Enquiries should be addressed to
- Office of the Continuing Education Fund, Room 916, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung,
N.T.
- Hotline : 3142 2277
- Website : http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
|
| 3. |
What are the office hours of OCEF? |
|
－The office hours of OCEF are:
| Mondays to Fridays : |
8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
|
2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. |
| |
(Office is closed during lunch hour from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) |
Saturdays, Sundays
and Public Holidays : |
Closed |
|
| 4. |
What is the website of the Continuing
Education Fund? |
|
－ http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
|
| 5. |
What are the services offered by the hotline
centre? |
|
－To answer general enquiries about
the CEF, including the eligibility criteria, application and reimbursement
procedures and to fax the Application Form, Notification of Change
of Personal Data and the reimbursable course list to enquirers on
request.
The hotline 3142 2277 is running 24-hour round the clock and it
is manned by agents all the time. Agents at the hotline center will answer your call on a first-come-first-served
basis. Information on the CEF can also be obtained on our website
: http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef
. |
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