EDB announces Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors for 2023/24 cohort - sub-degree programmes
***************************************************************

     The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (November 29) that the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 2 238 places in 29 sub-degree programmes of eight post-secondary institutions for the cohort to be admitted in the 2023/24 academic year.
 
     These 29 designated sub-degree programmes fall under six disciplines that have been identified as having keen manpower demand, namely architecture and engineering, computer science, creative industries, health care, sports and recreation, and tourism and hospitality. The programmes and number of subsidised places (see Annex) are determined by the EDB in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments.  
 
     In the 2023/24 academic year, the annual subsidy amount for laboratory-based programmes will be increased from $38,520 in the 2022/23 academic year to $39,140, while that for non-laboratory-based programmes will be increased from $22,120 to $22,480 according to the movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index.
 
     The adjusted subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.  
 
     The SSSDP aims to subsidise students to pursue designated full-time locally accredited self-financing undergraduate and sub-degree programmes in selected disciplines with a view to nurturing talent for industries with keen human resource demand. As announced in "The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address", the SSSDP will be extended to top-up degree programmes from the 2023/24 academic year. Details are expected to be announced by the end of the year.
 
     For admission to the SSSDP programmes, students can apply directly to the relevant institutions. Details are available at the SSSDP website (www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp).

Ends/Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN