Frequently Asked Questions
The TA grant rate consists of two components, namely the "Textbook grant" and the "Flat-rate grant." "Textbook grant" is determined annually with reference to the costs of textbooks for Primary 1 to Secondary 6, based on a survey conducted before the start of each school year. As for "Flat-rate grant", it is revised annually according to the movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index.
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Applicants must pass the means test;
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The student-applicants must be unmarried Hong Kong Residents, with right of abode, right to land or valid permission to remain without any condition of stay (other than the limit of stay) in Hong Kong, and should provide copy of relevant supporting document. Students holding visitor visas, two-way exit permits, student visas or who are dependents of student-visa / visitor-visa holders are not eligible to apply for student financial assistance; and
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The schools the student-applicants are attending must belong to the STS category.
As the subsidy is calculated on the basis of the average unit fare relevant to the districts in which the student studies and resides during term-time, the subsidy will be re-calculated.
For Changed school :Please notify in writing either by fax or mail to the SFO with the following details including (1) new school; (2) application number / applicant’s HKID card number and (3) copies of supporting documents (if applicable).
For Changed Residential Address:After the removal, please notify the SFO in writing either by fax or mail with the following details including (1) the removal date; (2) application number / applicant’s HKID card number and (3) copy of address proof (e.g. leases, water/electricity/gas bill etc.).
Outstanding balance will be arranged to the designated bank account if the re-calculated STS is upward adjusted. In case the re-calculated STS is downward adjusted, the overpaid STS will be recovered.
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Applicants must pass the means test;
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The student-applicants must be unmarried Hong Kong Residents, with right of abode, right to land or valid permission to remain without any condition of stay (other than the limit of stay) in Hong Kong, and should provide copy of relevant supporting document. Students holding visitor visas, two-way exit permits, student visas or who are dependents of student-visa / visitor-visa holders are not eligible to apply for student financial assistance; and
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Families with children who are full-time students receiving education at primary or secondary level, or full-time students pursuing Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) programmes or equivalent courses of the Vocational Training Council.
Full rate of subsidy for SIA in the 2025/26 school year is $1,700 per household while the half rate is $850 per household.
Families currently in receipt of the CSSA should apply directly to the Social Welfare Department (SWD) for school-related assistance for their children’s Internet access charges at home for the 2025/26 school year. They do not need to submit application to the SFO.
If children of a family are not covered by the CSSA and the family had NOT been disbursed with the school-related expenses and SIA by the SWD in the 2025/26 school year, such family may submit application to the SFO.
Please note that each family can only receive the SIA once in the 2025/26 school year. They cannot receive the SIA from the SWD and SFO concurrently in the same school year.
Evening Courses : Yes, but the applicants have to attend evening courses in designated centres that are quality-assured and commissioned by the EDB, namely Designated Evening Adult Education Courses, and sitting for the examination as school candidates. Other evening school students are ineligible for EFRS.
Private Schools: Yes, but the student-applicants have to attend Secondary Six in private schools approved by the EDB or in other day schools operating formal curriculum, and sitting for the examination as school candidates. Other students attending non-formal curriculum are ineligible for EFRS.
Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin ： No.
"Examination Fee Remission Scheme" is a means-tested subsidy scheme. For applicants who submitted “Household Application for Student Financial Assistance Schemes” and are granted with "FULL" or "HALF" assistance level, their children can apply for EFRS through their attending schools to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) at the time of registration of the public examinations.
HKEAA normally issues the examination circular to schools around September each year to invite school candidates to apply for EFRS when making registration of HKDSE examination. For enquiry, please contact HKEAA at 3628-8860.