Complete CEF Guide: Hong Kong Continuing Education Fund 2026

What is the Continuing Education Fund (CEF)?

The CEF is a Hong Kong government program that subsidizes continuing education and training for adults. Launched in 2002 and enhanced in 2019, CEF now provides:

✅ HK$25,000 lifetime subsidy ceiling ✅ 80% reimbursement on first HK$10,000 of expenses ✅ 60% reimbursement on next HK$15,000 of expenses ✅ 2,000+ approved courses across industries ✅ Flexible learning (full-time, part-time, online) ✅ No age limit for applicants

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Requirements

✅ Hong Kong resident with valid HKID card ✅ Age 18 to 70 at course enrollment ✅ Holder of:

• Hong Kong permanent identity card, OR
• Non-permanent HKID (with no limit of stay), OR
• Entry permit/visa allowing lawful stay in HK ✅ Course commenced on or after 1 April 2019

Who Should Use CEF?

Working professionals upgrading skills:

• Finance and banking professionals learning FinTech
• Marketers adding digital marketing certifications
• Tech professionals pursuing AI/data science qualifications
• Business professionals gaining industry certifications

Career changers acquiring new qualifications:

• Transitioning to tech/AI roles
• Moving into finance from other industries
• Entering professional services fields

How the Subsidy Works

Two-Tier Reimbursement Structure

First HK$10,000 of course fees:

• Reimbursement rate: 80%
• Maximum subsidy: HK$8,000

Example: Course costs HK$10,000

• You pay: HK$10,000 upfront
• CEF reimburses: HK$8,000 (80%)
• Your net cost: HK$2,000

Next HK$15,000 of course fees:

• Reimbursement rate: 60%
• Maximum subsidy: HK$9,000

Example: After using first HK$10,000, you take another course for HK$15,000

• You pay: HK$15,000 upfront
• CEF reimburses: HK$9,000 (60%)
• Your net cost: HK$6,000

Total lifetime benefit:

• Maximum reimbursement: HK$25,000
• Maximum course fees covered: HK$32,500
• Your total net cost: HK$7,500

Calculation Examples

Example 1: Single Expensive Course

AI & Machine Learning Certification: HK$30,000

• First HK$10,000: 80% reimbursement = HK$8,000
• Next HK$15,000: 60% reimbursement = HK$9,000
• Remaining HK$5,000: No reimbursement
• Total CEF subsidy: HK$17,000
• Your net cost: HK$13,000

Example 2: Multiple Smaller Courses

Course A (Digital Marketing): HK$8,000

• 80% reimbursement = HK$6,400
• Balance remaining: HK$10,000 - HK$8,000 = HK$2,000 at 80% tier

Course B (Data Analytics): HK$12,000

• First HK$2,000 at 80% = HK$1,600
• Next HK$10,000 at 60% = HK$6,000
• Total reimbursement = HK$7,600
• Balance remaining: HK$15,000 - HK$10,000 = HK$5,000 at 60% tier

Course C (Python Programming): HK$10,000

• First HK$5,000 at 60% = HK$3,000
• Next HK$5,000: Exceeds HK$25,000 ceiling, no reimbursement
• Total reimbursement = HK$3,000

Total across 3 courses:

• Total course fees: HK$30,000
• Total CEF subsidy: HK$17,000 (HK$6,400 + HK$7,600 + HK$3,000)
• Your total net cost: HK$13,000

CEF-Approved AI and Tech Courses

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Hong Kong University SPACE

• Postgraduate Certificate in AI & Machine Learning
• Duration: 9 months part-time
• Fee: HK$42,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$17,000

Chinese University of Hong Kong SCS

• Professional Diploma in Artificial Intelligence
• Duration: 12 months part-time
• Fee: HK$36,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$21,000
• Net cost: HK$15,000

Hong Kong Baptist University SCE

• Advanced Diploma in Data Science & AI
• Duration: 18 months part-time
• Fee: HK$32,800
• CEF subsidy: HK$19,680
• Net cost: HK$13,120

Data Science & Analytics

University of Hong Kong SPACE

• Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science
• Duration: 12 months part-time
• Fee: HK$48,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$23,000

City University SCOPE

• Professional Diploma in Data Analytics
• Duration: 9 months part-time
• Fee: HK$28,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$16,800
• Net cost: HK$11,200

Vocational Training Council

• Higher Diploma in Data Science
• Duration: 24 months part-time
• Fee: HK$45,600
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$20,600

FinTech & Digital Finance

Hong Kong Polytechnic University SPEED

• Postgraduate Certificate in FinTech
• Duration: 9 months part-time
• Fee: HK$39,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$23,400
• Net cost: HK$15,600

Chinese University SCS

• Professional Diploma in FinTech Applications
• Duration: 6 months part-time
• Fee: HK$24,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$14,400
• Net cost: HK$9,600

Hong Kong Institute of Bankers

• Certificate in Digital Banking & Payments
• Duration: 4 months part-time
• Fee: HK$16,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$9,600
• Net cost: HK$6,400

Cybersecurity

Hong Kong University SPACE

• Postgraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
• Duration: 9 months part-time
• Fee: HK$44,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$19,000

City University SCOPE

• Professional Diploma in Cyber Security
• Duration: 12 months part-time
• Fee: HK$30,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$18,000
• Net cost: HK$12,000

Programming & Software Development

Vocational Training Council

• Higher Diploma in Software Engineering
• Duration: 24 months part-time
• Fee: HK$41,800
• CEF subsidy: HK$25,000 (maximum)
• Net cost: HK$16,800

Cyberport Academy

• Professional Certificate in Full-Stack Development
• Duration: 6 months part-time
• Fee: HK$18,000
• CEF subsidy: HK$10,800
• Net cost: HK$7,200

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Create CEF Account (Before Enrolling)

Timing: Create account BEFORE enrolling in course

1. Go to www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef
2. Click "First-time Applicant Registration"
3. Enter HKID number and personal details
4. Create password for CEF e-Portal
5. Verify email address
6. Account created!

Important: You must have a CEF account BEFORE enrolling in a course to be eligible for reimbursement.

Step 2: Choose CEF-Approved Course

1. Search course list at www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef
2. Filter by:
   • Course area (e.g., "IT", "Finance")
   • Institution
   • Part-time/full-time
   • Course fee
3. Verify course has current CEF approval
4. Check course requirements and schedule

Step 3: Enroll in Course

1. Apply directly to course provider
2. Inform provider you'll claim CEF reimbursement
3. Pay full course fee upfront (required)
4. Keep all payment receipts
5. Commence course

Important: You must pay the full course fee yourself first. CEF reimburses after course completion.

Step 4: Complete Course Successfully

You must achieve: ✅ 75% attendance or above, AND ✅ Pass the assessment (varies by course)

Course provider will issue:

• Attendance record
• Assessment result
• Course completion certificate

Step 5: Submit Reimbursement Claim

Deadline: Within 1 year of course end date

Required documents:

1. Completed CEF claim form (download from e-Portal)
2. Course completion certificate
3. Attendance record (75%+ attendance)
4. Assessment result (pass grade)
5. Official receipts for course fees paid
6. HKID copy
7. Bank account details (for direct deposit)

Submission methods:

• Online: CEF e-Portal (fastest, recommended)
• Mail: Student Finance Office, 12/F, 139 Wan Chai Road
• In person: SFO office (by appointment)

Step 6: Receive Reimbursement

Processing time: 6-8 weeks after submission

1. SFO reviews your application
2. May request additional documents if needed
3. Approval notification sent via email
4. Reimbursement transferred to bank account
5. Updated CEF account balance shown in e-Portal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Not Creating CEF Account First

Problem: Enrolling in course before creating CEF account = ineligible for reimbursement

Solution: Create CEF account BEFORE enrolling in any course.

❌ Mistake 2: Choosing Non-Approved Course

Problem: Not all professional courses are CEF-approved.

Solution: Always verify course has current CEF approval on official list.

❌ Mistake 3: Poor Attendance

Problem: Below 75% attendance = no reimbursement, even if you pass.

Solution: Commit to attending all classes. Factor work schedule before enrolling.

❌ Mistake 4: Missing Claim Deadline

Problem: Claims submitted more than 1 year after course end = rejected.

Solution: Submit claim within 2-3 months of completing course. Don't wait until last minute.

❌ Mistake 5: Losing Receipts

Problem: Can't claim reimbursement without original payment receipts.

Solution: Keep all receipts in safe place. Take photos as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer pay for the course?

Yes, but you must still claim the CEF reimbursement personally (it will be paid to you, not your employer). The fee payer and the CEF claimant must be the same person.

What if I fail the course?

You are NOT eligible for CEF reimbursement if you:

• Fail the assessment
• Have below 75% attendance
• Withdraw before completion

You can re-take the course and try again, but you'll need to pay the full fee again.

Can I take multiple courses simultaneously?

Yes! As long as:

• Each course is CEF-approved
• You meet attendance requirements for all
• Total reimbursement doesn't exceed HK$25,000 lifetime ceiling

What happens to unused subsidy?

The HK$25,000 subsidy ceiling is valid for your lifetime. There's no expiry on unused balance - you can use it whenever you take CEF-approved courses.

Can I combine CEF with other subsidies?

Generally NO. If you receive other government subsidies for the same course, you cannot also claim CEF. However, employer sponsorship is allowed.

How do I check my remaining CEF balance?

Log into CEF e-Portal at www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef to view:

• Courses completed
• Reimbursements received
• Remaining subsidy balance

Maximizing Your CEF Benefit

Strategic Course Selection

Priority 1: High-value courses first

• Use your 80% tier (first HK$10,000) on expensive courses
• Example: HK$42,000 AI course gets HK$25,000 maximum subsidy

Priority 2: Stack multiple courses

• Take 2-3 complementary courses
• Example: FinTech + Data Analytics + Python = complete skill set

Priority 3: Career-aligned learning

• Choose courses that lead to promotions/raises
• ROI should exceed net cost

Employer Coordination

If your employer offers training benefits:

1. Employer pays course fee (HK$30,000)
2. You claim CEF reimbursement (HK$17,000)
3. You reimburse employer (HK$17,000)
4. Net cost to employer: HK$13,000
5. Company saves vs paying full price

Some employers let you keep the CEF reimbursement as a benefit.

Next Steps

This Week

☐ Create CEF account at www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef ☐ Browse approved course list ☐ Identify 2-3 courses aligned with career goals ☐ Calculate expected reimbursement

This Month

☐ Research course providers and schedules ☐ Confirm work schedule allows attendance ☐ Discuss with employer if they sponsor training ☐ Enroll in first course

This Year

☐ Complete course with 75%+ attendance ☐ Pass final assessment ☐ Submit CEF reimbursement claim ☐ Receive HK$8,000-25,000 subsidy ☐ Apply new skills in career

Official Resources

CEF Website: www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef CEF Hotline: 2150 6223 Email: cef@wfsfaa.gov.hk Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45am-6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm Office Address: Student Finance Office, 12/F, 139 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai