AI & FinTech Courses via Hong Kong CEF: Complete Catalog 2026

AI & Machine Learning Courses

Hong Kong University SPACE

Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Duration: 9 months part-time (180 hours)
• Fee: HK$42,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$17,000
• Schedule: Weekday evenings + Saturday mornings
• Language: English

Content:

• AI fundamentals and machine learning theory
• Python programming for AI
• Neural networks and deep learning
• Natural language processing
• Computer vision applications
• AI ethics and responsible AI
• Capstone project

Best for: Working professionals with basic programming knowledge Career paths: AI engineer, ML engineer, data scientist

Chinese University of Hong Kong SCS

Professional Diploma in Artificial Intelligence

• Duration: 12 months part-time (240 hours)
• Fee: HK$36,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$21,000
• Net cost: HK$15,000
• Schedule: Weekday evenings
• Language: Cantonese with English materials

Content:

• Machine learning algorithms
• Deep learning with TensorFlow/PyTorch
• Data preprocessing and feature engineering
• Model deployment and MLOps
• AI applications in business
• Industry case studies
• Team project

Best for: Business professionals transitioning to AI roles Career paths: AI consultant, business analyst, product manager

Advanced Certificate in Machine Learning

• Duration: 6 months part-time (120 hours)
• Fee: HK$24,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$14,400
• Net cost: HK$9,600

Content:

• Supervised/unsupervised learning
• Decision trees and random forests
• Support vector machines
• Clustering algorithms
• Model evaluation and validation
• Practical ML projects

Hong Kong Baptist University SCE

Advanced Diploma in Data Science & AI

• Duration: 18 months part-time (360 hours)
• Fee: HK$32,800
• CEF subsidy: HK$19,680
• Net cost: HK$13,120
• Schedule: Weekday evenings + some Saturdays

Content:

• Programming for data science (Python, R)
• Statistical analysis and probability
• Machine learning foundations
• Big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark)
• Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI)
• AI in industry applications
• Capstone data science project

Best for: Career changers with analytical background Career paths: Data scientist, analytics manager

Data Science & Analytics

University of Hong Kong SPACE

Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science

• Duration: 12 months part-time (240 hours)
• Fee: HK$48,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$23,000

Content:

• Advanced statistics for data science
• Big data analytics
• Predictive modeling
• Time series analysis
• Text mining and NLP
• Cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Industry capstone project

Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree, basic statistics knowledge Recognition: Internationally recognized postgraduate diploma

City University SCOPE

Professional Diploma in Data Analytics

• Duration: 9 months part-time (180 hours)
• Fee: HK$28,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$16,800
• Net cost: HK$11,200

Content:

• Data analysis with Python/R
• SQL and database management
• Data visualization techniques
• Business intelligence tools
• Descriptive and inferential statistics
• Practical analytics projects

Best for: Business analysts, finance professionals Tools taught: Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Excel

Vocational Training Council

Higher Diploma in Data Science

• Duration: 24 months part-time (480 hours)
• Fee: HK$45,600
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$20,600

Content:

• Comprehensive data science curriculum
• Mathematics for data science
• Programming (Python, R, Java)
• Database systems
• Machine learning and AI
• Data engineering
• Industry internship/project

Best for: Those seeking comprehensive data science foundation Recognition: Higher Diploma qualification

FinTech & Digital Finance

Hong Kong Polytechnic University SPEED

Postgraduate Certificate in FinTech

• Duration: 9 months part-time (180 hours)
• Fee: HK$39,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$23,400
• Net cost: HK$15,600

Content:

• Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
• Digital payments and e-wallets
• Robo-advisors and algorithmic trading
• RegTech and compliance automation
• AI in financial services
• FinTech innovation and entrepreneurship
• Capstone FinTech project

Best for: Finance professionals, banking officers Career paths: FinTech analyst, digital banking specialist

Chinese University SCS

Professional Diploma in FinTech Applications

• Duration: 6 months part-time (120 hours)
• Fee: HK$24,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$14,400
• Net cost: HK$9,600

Content:

• FinTech ecosystem overview
• Digital banking platforms
• Payment systems and mobile wallets
• Blockchain fundamentals
• Smart contracts
• FinTech case studies
• Practical applications

Best for: Banking professionals, IT managers in finance

Hong Kong Institute of Bankers

Certificate in Digital Banking & Payments

• Duration: 4 months part-time (80 hours)
• Fee: HK$16,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$9,600
• Net cost: HK$6,400

Content:

• Digital banking evolution
• Payment systems (FPS, cards, e-wallets)
• Mobile banking apps
• API banking and open banking
• Cybersecurity in banking
• Regulatory compliance

Best for: Banking staff, customer service managers Recognition: HKIB professional certification

Programming & Software Development

Vocational Training Council

Higher Diploma in Software Engineering

• Duration: 24 months part-time (480 hours)
• Fee: HK$41,800
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$16,800

Content:

• Programming fundamentals (Python, Java, C++)
• Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React)
• Mobile app development (iOS, Android)
• Database design and SQL
• Software testing and QA
• Agile methodology
• Capstone software project

Best for: Career changers to software engineering Career paths: Software developer, full-stack engineer

Cyberport Academy

Professional Certificate in Full-Stack Development

• Duration: 6 months part-time (180 hours)
• Fee: HK$18,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$10,800
• Net cost: HK$7,200

Content:

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React
• Backend: Node.js, Express, databases
• RESTful API development
• Version control (Git)
• Deployment and DevOps basics
• Portfolio project development

Best for: Beginners to programming, career switchers Job-ready: Portfolio of 3-5 projects for job applications

Cybersecurity

Hong Kong University SPACE

Postgraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

• Duration: 9 months part-time (180 hours)
• Fee: HK$44,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$19,000

Content:

• Network security fundamentals
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing
• Security operations and incident response
• Cloud security (AWS, Azure)
• Cryptography and encryption
• Security compliance and governance
• Cybersecurity project

Best for: IT professionals, system administrators Career paths: Security analyst, cybersecurity consultant

City University SCOPE

Professional Diploma in Cyber Security

• Duration: 12 months part-time (240 hours)
• Fee: HK$30,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$18,000
• Net cost: HK$12,000

Content:

• Security fundamentals
• Vulnerability assessment
• Security tools and technologies
• Risk management
• Security policies and procedures
• Hands-on labs

Best for: Mid-career IT professionals Certification prep: Prepares for CompTIA Security+

Course Selection Strategy

For Complete Beginners to Tech

Start with:

1. Cyberport Full-Stack Development (HK$7,200 net) - Learn programming basics
2. CUHK Advanced Certificate in ML (HK$9,600 net) - Introduction to AI
3. Total: HK$16,800 net cost, HK$25,200 CEF claimed

Skills gained: Programming, AI basics, portfolio projects Next steps: Apply for junior developer or data analyst roles

For Finance Professionals

Recommended path:

1. CUHK FinTech Applications Diploma (HK$9,600 net)
2. PolyU FinTech Postgraduate Certificate (HK$15,600 net)
3. Total: HK$25,200 net cost, maximum CEF used

Skills gained: FinTech expertise, blockchain, digital banking Career impact: Transition to FinTech roles, promotion to digital finance lead

For Mid-Career Tech Professionals

Advanced specialization:

1. HKU Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science (HK$23,000 net)
2. Highest value, uses maximum HK$25,000 CEF
3. 240 hours comprehensive training

Alternative:

1. HKU AI & ML Postgraduate Certificate (HK$17,000 net)
2. Remaining HK$8,000 CEF for shorter course

Career impact: Senior data scientist, ML engineer, 30-50% salary increase potential

Comparison Table: Top AI/Tech CEF Courses

Course	Provider	Duration	Fee	CEF Subsidy	Net Cost	Best For
Postgraduate Diploma Data Science	HKU	12 mo	HK$48,000	HK$25,000	HK$23,000	Senior data roles
Postgraduate Certificate AI & ML	HKU	9 mo	HK$42,000	HK$25,000	HK$17,000	AI engineers
Professional Diploma AI	CUHK	12 mo	HK$36,000	HK$21,000	HK$15,000	Business + AI
Postgraduate Certificate FinTech	PolyU	9 mo	HK$39,000	HK$23,400	HK$15,600	Finance sector
Advanced Diploma Data Science & AI	HKBU	18 mo	HK$32,800	HK$19,680	HK$13,120	Career changers
Professional Diploma Data Analytics	CityU	9 mo	HK$28,000	HK$16,800	HK$11,200	Business analysts
Professional Diploma FinTech	CUHK	6 mo	HK$24,000	HK$14,400	HK$9,600	Banking staff
Full-Stack Development	Cyberport	6 mo	HK$18,000	HK$10,800	HK$7,200	Beginners

Application Tips

Check Prerequisites

Most postgraduate courses require:

• Bachelor's degree (any discipline)
• Professional work experience (2-5 years)
• Basic technical knowledge (varies)
• English proficiency

Diploma/Certificate courses typically have lower entry requirements.

Enrollment Process

1. Create CEF account FIRST (mandatory before enrolling)
2. Research courses - Compare fees, duration, content
3. Attend information sessions - Most providers offer free sessions
4. Submit application to course provider directly
5. Interview/assessment (for some programs)
6. Enroll and pay fee upfront
7. Complete course with 75%+ attendance
8. Claim CEF reimbursement within 1 year

Maximizing Success

Before enrollment: ✅ Verify course has current CEF approval ✅ Check your CEF balance at www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef ✅ Confirm work schedule allows attendance ✅ Discuss with employer if seeking sponsorship

During course: ✅ Maintain 75%+ attendance (mandatory for CEF) ✅ Complete all assignments ✅ Network with classmates (future job referrals) ✅ Build portfolio/project work

After completion: ✅ Submit CEF claim within 2-3 months ✅ Update LinkedIn with certification ✅ Apply new skills in current role ✅ Consider job transition if acquired new domain expertise

ROI Analysis

Career Impact Examples

Example 1: Business Analyst → Data Scientist

• Course: HKU Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science
• Net cost: HK$23,000
• Duration: 12 months part-time
• Salary before: HK$35,000/month
• Salary after: HK$55,000/month (+57%)
• ROI: 1.2 months of salary increase

Example 2: Banking Officer → FinTech Specialist

• Course 1: CUHK FinTech Applications (HK$9,600 net)
• Course 2: PolyU FinTech Certificate (HK$15,600 net)
• Total: HK$25,200 net cost
• Salary before: HK$28,000/month
• Salary after: HK$40,000/month (+43%)
• ROI: 2.1 months of salary increase

Example 3: Career Switcher → Junior Developer

• Course: Cyberport Full-Stack Development
• Net cost: HK$7,200
• Duration: 6 months
• Career change: Admin (HK$18,000) → Developer (HK$30,000)
• ROI: 0.6 months of new salary

Employer Sponsorship

If your employer sponsors CEF courses:

Typical arrangements:

1. Company pays HK$42,000 upfront
2. You claim HK$25,000 CEF reimbursement
3. You return HK$25,000 to company
4. Company net cost: HK$17,000 vs HK$42,000 (60% savings)

See [CEF for HR Leaders guide] for employer strategies.

Next Steps

This Week

☐ Browse complete CEF course list at www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef ☐ Shortlist 3-4 AI/tech courses aligned with career goals ☐ Check course start dates and schedules ☐ Calculate CEF subsidy for chosen courses

This Month

☐ Attend course information sessions ☐ Create CEF account (if not done) ☐ Discuss with employer if seeking sponsorship ☐ Apply to chosen course

This Year

☐ Complete course with 75%+ attendance ☐ Pass assessments and earn certification ☐ Claim HK$8,000-25,000 CEF reimbursement ☐ Apply new AI/tech skills for career advancement