Hong Kong Athletes Fund (HKAF)

To commemorate the achievements of Hong Kong athletes in the 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Government established the Hong Kong Athletes Fund (HKAF) to provide financial support for individual athlete's education programmes.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for support, athletes must satisfy the following criteria:

• Medallist and top 1/3 in Asian Championships (senior/open only) or equivalent or above. Result of junior championships will not be considered.
• Senior current or retired elite athlete of a recognized National Sports Association (NSA). Athletes will have a grace period of two years following retirement during which to apply for grants.
• Resident in Hong Kong for a minimum of three years; a holder of a Hong Kong Identity Card at the time of application.
• Eligible to represent Hong Kong in competitions that are sanctioned by the respective international federation either before, at the time of, or shortly after, the deadline for applications.

Eligible Courses

Certificate/diploma/degree courses that are offered by the following educational institutions in Hong Kong will be funded:

• Tertiary Education Institutions (Funded by University Grants Committee).
• Post-secondary Institutions.
• Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education.
• Certificate, diploma and degree courses that are related to post-athlete career development and offered by university continuing education departments, or similar.
• Courses that are offered by approved overseas colleges/universities may also be funded if no comparable courses are offered locally.
  

The highest qualification attainable with support from the HKAF should be first degree of an undergraduate course.

Types of Support

1. Full Support: Full support will be provided to athletes with outstanding contributions to sports for many years and maintain continuous achievements in sports, and as recommended by the respective NSAs and coaching supervisors.
2. Full Support Under Yearly Review: Other junior and current athletes who meet the criteria will be supported in principle, but subject to review in accordance with satisfactory sporting performance during the period of support. In any case that an athlete’s sporting performance found unsatisfactory, or as advised by the respective NSAs or coaching supervisors, the support to the athletes may be terminated.

Types of Grant

1. Tuition grants for long term study programmes (length of course: one year or longer): A maximum of HK$40,000 per year for a maximum of three years for full-time programmes and four years for part-time programmes.
2. Tuition grants for short-term study programmes (length of course: less than one year): A maximum of HK$10,000 per year.
3. Subsistence allowance:Retired athletes who are undertaking long-term full-time study programmes may receive a subsistence allowance upto a maximum of HK$40,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

Athletes receive grant from the HKAF once only.

General Notes

The following notes may be useful for applicants applying for support from the HKAF. Please read carefully.

1. There will be no restriction placed on the area of study.
   
2. Applicants are required to submit their application prior to commencement of the course. All approved grants will bereleased based on a pro-rata basis subject to the date of course commencement.
   
3. The availability of other financial assistance (e.g. government grants and loans) will not be considered during the vetting process.
   
4. It is the responsibility of athletes to notify the Education and Manpower Bureau and relevant organizations of tuition grants that are received through the HKAF.
   
5. Applicants may be required to attend an interview with the respective Committee.
   
6. The first instalment will be paid following the announcement of successful applications.Subsequent instalments will be paid upon receipt of proof of satisfactory completion of the previous term of study (i.e. courses are completed with a passing grade).
   
7. Official tuition fee receipts are required for reimbursement of funds.
   
8. Courses that must be retaken for any reason will not be covered by HKAF tuition grants.
   
9. Athletes who fail to complete their studies successfully will not be required to refund grants. However, subsequent grants will be terminated.
   
10. The personal data provided by means of the application form will be used by Hong Kong Sports Institute for the processing of applications only.
    
11. Subject to exemptions under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, applicants have the right of access and correction with respect to his/her personal data.

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted year round. Vetting will take place twice a year in January/February and July/August. Applicants will be informed of the result of their application in March and September. Application forms may be downloaded from HKSI website on www.hksi.org.hk

[ Application Form of HONG KONG ATHLETES FUND (PDF / DOC)]

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