HKBU Alumni Gratitude Grant (AGG)
HKBU Alumni Gratitude Grant (AGG) 香港浸會大學恩傳助學金
Introduction
The Grant was set up with donations raised by the Village CARE Campaign in 2019. A group of HKBU alumni pledged a sum donation in support of students with special educational needs (SSEN). The Grant represents a way to show the alumni’s gratitude to their alma mater, an encouragement for the next generation of students to thrive in their own way.
Objectives
Through the applicants’ participation or organization of local or global activities/projects:
1. To enhance the overall competences of SSEN.
2. To enhance the sense of belonging, support and care of SSEN.
Eligibility
Full-time HKBU students studying UGC-funded or self-financed sub-degree or above level programmes, registered with special educational needs, as categorised as follows:
- Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Hearing Impairment
- Mental Illnesses
- Physical/Mobility Disabilities
- Speech Impairment and/or Language Impairment
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Visceral Disability/Chronic Illness
- Visual Impairment
- Multiple Types of Disabilities
- Others
1. The proposed activities or projects must meet the objectives of the Grants as listed in the objectives above. The activities may include participation or organization of local or global experiential programmes, service-learning opportunities, short-term overseas study or service trip, language courses taken in Hong Kong, sports/music/arts or other skills training/courses taken in Hong Kong, etc.
2. No retrospective application will be considered.
3. Multi-application is accepted on different nature of proposed activities/projects in each academic year.
Method
Open application
Criteria
1. Applications will be assessed on the basis of the followings:
- Capability of fulfilling the objective of the Grant.
- The impact and significance of the proposed activities/projects in fostering any of the seven HKBU graduate attributes of the applicants.
- Effectiveness of raising participants’ awareness and understanding of SEN/disability/inclusion/equal opportunity.
2. Preference will be given to eligible applicants who have never received any SEN- related funding before.
3. Up to ten per year subject to the availability of the funding source.
4. Maximum Fundable Amount
- HK$12,000
- Discretion will be exercised to approve additional grants for activities/projects with strong justifications and the initiatives are proven to be well deserved.
5. Eligible applicants can apply for grants to support their learning activities/projects in different types more than once. A separate application for grants should be made for each learning activity/project.
HKBU Alumni Gratitude Grant (AGG) supports outside-of-classroom learning activities offered by HKBU Departments, Offices, student bodies and external organisations, which fall under the scope of the Grant. Suggested learning activities shall include, but not be limited to the following:
| Category | Remarks |
|---|---|
Thematic training events with topics related to SEN/disability/inclusion/equal opportunity | NA |
| Short-term overseas study or service trip, training programme, competition or conference |
|
| Language learning courses |
|
| Sports/music/arts or other skills training/courses |
|
| Research Study |
|
| Publication |
|
Rules & Regulations:
1. Please note that eligible students can only use the Grant to support their organisation and/or participation in outside classroom learning activities until the approved amount is depleted.
2. For final year eligible students, each learning activity must be completed by 17 July of their graduation year.
3. Students are allowed to receive the Grant with other funding resources concurrently provided that the total funding support obtained does not exceed the net fees/cost they have paid. Interested eligible students must declare their other sources of funding on the activity proposal AT LEAST SIX WEEKS prior to the start of the learning activities/projects along with all support documents. If other additional sources of funding are secured/confirmed after the submission, students should inform USSEN immediately about such an update.
4. Students will not be reimbursed with any grant if they fail to complete the approved activity and submit all relevant documents, including official proofs and original receipts for the cost/fee paid.
5. The Office of Student Affairs reserves the right to decide on each application and adjust the approved grant amount if deemed appropriate.
Application Timeline and Procedures
Timeline for 2025-26 applications
| 1 September 2025 to 30 June 2026 | Application Period |
|---|---|
| Within 5 calendar weeks | Notification of application result |
| Within 2 calendar weeks upon receipt of the end of learning activity* | Submission of required documents |
| Around 8 - 12 weeks upon submission of completed set of required documents | Receive Reimbursement |
| 15 October 2026 | Deadline for submission of required documents |
*For final year students, the learning activity must be completed by 17 July of their graduation year or before their studentship expires, whichever is earlier.
Interested students should:
1. complete the online application form,
2. submit the following supporting documents to USSEN via email:
(a) Supporting/information of the medical intervention/special transportation service related to the disability;
(b) Copies of most recent medical reports and/or supporting documents such as assessment report to prove your special education need(s);
Successful applicants shall:
1. be notified of application results within five calendar weeks after submission of all required documents/meeting held and further information provided if any;
2. receive and sign an offer letter of the grant;
3. submit the following documents within two calendar weeks upon the end of learning activity:
(a) a sharing article,
(b) original invoice and receipt from the service provider,
(c) bank account details and
(d) three photos;
4. not submit the above documents late as this may result in score deduction in applying for other HKBU SEN-related financial schemes;
5. be invited to present/share the application and outcomes;
6. receive reimbursement normally in around 8 - 12 weeks upon acceptance of the final auditing and submission of documents; and
7. hold valid HKBU full-time equivalent (FTE) studentship at the time of reimbursement, or no approved fund will be reimbursed. USSEN reserves the rights on the decisions of subsidy allocation and guidelines amendment at any time as appropriate.
Contact
For any enquires, please contact us at the Unit for Students with Special Educational Needs, Counselling and Development Centre, Office of Student Affairs:
Tel : +852 3411 5230
Email : ussen@hkbu.edu.hk
Address : Room DLB704A, Level 7, David C. Lam Building, Shaw Campus
Opening Hours
Mondays to Fridays – 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:30pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays – Closed
Recipients of HKBU Alumni Gratitude Grant 2025-26
CHAN Hau Yung, Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Chinese Language and Literature
Guzheng Course
“Receiving the grant was the catalyst that transformed my long-standing admiration for the GuZheng into a long term persistence. The focused practice of reading Jianpu notation, coordinating my hands, and listening intently to the reverberating notes created a state of flow that quieted my anxieties. The Guzheng is not merely an object of music but a vessel for mindfulness.
I believe I excelled in maintaining consistent curiosity and patience. I celebrated small improvements, which fueled my motivation. This experience has been immensely fruitful, teaching me that true skill is built not just in the notes played, but in the quiet spaces between them.”
CHEUNG Wai, Bachelor of Social Work (Hons.)
Training for supporting the elderly
“I am deeply grateful for the AGG that enabled me to enrol in professional training courses aimed at supporting the elderly. My primary objective was to acquire comprehensive skills to support the elderly holistically - addressing their physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I am pleased to say this goal was fully met. I feel much more confident and capable of providing holistic support to the elderly.
I have not only gained valuable certifications but also grown as a more compassionate and skilled caregiver. This training has reinforced my commitment to serving the elderly with dignity and respect. I am truly thankful for the Grant and this transformative learning journey.”
CHEUNG Wai, Bachelor of Social Work (Hons.)
Home Repair Class
“I used the funding to cover course materials, tool rental, and protective gear. This was a worthwhile investment that enabled me to gain practical skills for independent living. The real-life scenarios—especially drilling, painting, lock-changing, and socket wiring—were practical and highly relevant to daily life. I feel more self-reliant and prepared for future independent living.
Beyond technical skills, I also developed better problem-solving abilities and patience. I learned not only DIY skills but also the importance of communicating my needs clearly. This experience has boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue learning practical life skills.”
CHU Tsz Yan Candace, Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Music
Gemstone cutting course
“Cutting a gemstone is an evolving process. Over-cutting also meant wasting parts of the gemstone. Understanding when to let go of errors and how to improve next time was crucial.
The loud machines, strong lighting, and constant switching between the magnifying glass and naked eyes created an overstimulated environment. Knowing my limits, walking away to rest when possible, and communicating with instructors were the keys to success.
I learned a lot about the craft and deeply appreciate those who do it for a living. I am glad I completed the course with discipline and grit, taking home four imperfect gemstones with my head held high.”
TSANG Nok Ching, Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons.) in Geography
Home Repair Class
“Receiving the grant enabled me to enroll in a hands-on household repair course.
My objectives were to gain basic repair knowledge with a focus on water leakage troubleshooting and door lock installation. I can now distinguish faucet leakage, use PTFE tape correctly and reseat washers appropriately. I understand the different standards of door lock but the installation method is the same among various places.
I believe I did my best in tackling repair tasks, which were entirely new to me. I found out that repair is quite funny. For example, painting the wall is highly satisfaction. From wood wall to be whole white color wall, I focus on the process with smooth paining which can release the pressure in daily life.”