First-Generation University Student Fund

FAQs

FORM I: Confirmation of Eligibility

1. Am I eligible to apply if my sibling(s) is/are university students / graduates?
   As long as your parents have not received any post-secondary or university education and you fulfill all other specified criteria, you can apply for FGF. For eligibility, you may see the details here.
    
2. What does "50% or above grant" mean?
   A student with grant offer under TSFS receives the 50% or above amount of maximum grant, please click the link to check whether you are receiving a 50% or above grant
    
3. Do I need to provide any supporting document to prove my “50% or above grant” status?
   No supporting document is needed as SFA Unit will verify applicants’ TSFS application status with the government.
    
4. If I am waiting for the TSFS result, can I apply for FGF?
   No, please do NOT apply if you are waiting for your TSFS result. You may apply later when you have received a 50% or above grant offer under TSFS.
    
5. Do I need to print and submit the hard copy of application form after submitting it online?
   No, you just need to submit your application online. No need to print and submit the hard copy of application form.
    
6. I am a non-local student, can I apply for FGF?
   No, FGF is only open to local students who meet the specified criteria at this stage.
    
7. Do I need to fill out “FORM I” again if I have successfully applied before?
   No, eligible students need to fill out “FORM I” ONCE only. After your eligibility is confirmed, you may proceed to use your entitled fund by filling out “FORM II: Funding Application for Specific Learning Activity”.
    
8. I am eligible for FGF, but I do not plan to join any learning activity this year. Should I apply next year when I want to join an activity?
   Eligible students are encouraged to plan for their learning and development, and apply for the Fund as early as possible in order to get a longer period to use the entitled fund for approved activities. 
    
9. I am eligible for FGF but I am now in exchange or not in Hong Kong. Can I still apply?
   Yes, application can be done online.
    
10. I have used up my FGF in year 2, can I apply for FGF again in year 3 if I am a 50% or above grant recipient?
    No, each eligible student can enjoy FGF once only.

FORM II: Funding Application for Specific Learning Activity

1. When can I use my entitled funding?
   You can use your entitled fund anytime during your course of study at HKBU. You can spend it on several learning activities until the approved amount is depleted. Please complete “FORM II” when you are planning to use your FGF for a specific activity.
    
2. Can I skip “FORM I” and fill out “FORM II” first?
   No, applicants should have submitted “FORM I” before filling out FORM II for funding application. However, they do not need to wait for the result of "FORM I" before submitting "FORM II". The two application forms can be considered in one go.
    
3. I plan to participate in a learning activity. When should I submit the funding application?
   You should submit the funding application at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the activity so that we have enough time to consider your application.
    
4. Can I apply for two learning activities in one application?
   No, separate application should be made for each activity.
    
5. What kind of learning activities should I participate in?
   Students are recommended to participate in activities which will benefit their personal growth and career development. Please refer to the Scope and Activities supported by the Fund.
    
6. Should I fill out “FORM II” after I am successfully admitted to a learning activity?
   You may fill out “FORM II” once you plan to join an activity. It is not necessary to wait till you are admitted to the activity. Just let us know the estimated cost and the result release date in the form. Remember that you should submit the funding application at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the activity.
    
7. If I have received other subsidies which cover all the expense of my activity, can I still apply FGF for that activity?
   Students are allowed to receive FGF with other funding sources concurrently provided that the total funding obtained does not exceed the actual fee/cost they have paid. If your activity is already fully supported by other sources, you should use your FGF on other activities.
    
8. What supporting documents are needed for FORM II?
   You should provide the activity website in the form which shows the activity details, schedule, fees, etc. If no website can be provided, you may send us the information by email to firstgen@hkbu.edu.hk.
    
9. I would like to use my FGF on hall residence in the first semester but my residence has started when my FORM I application is approved. Can I still apply funding for it?
   We have special arrangements for students applying funding for hall residence. Please refer to the Scope and Activities for the timeline.
10. Can I use my FGF on attending courses offered by private tutors who are not affiliated to any organisation or company?
    No, students should join the activities/courses via a registered organization which can provide official proofs and receipts for the cost/fee paid, i.e. personal trips and private instructors are not allowed. 

Reimbursement of Subsidy

1. When can I get the reimbursement from the Fund?
   Subsidy reimbursement via the Finance Office will be arranged upon students' submission of report, photos, participation proof as well as all the required expenditure proofs, if applicable. Students may receive the subsidy normally in around 8 - 12 weeks (subject to Finance Office's approval) on condition that the documents they submitted have fulfilled the requirements and they submitted before the designated deadline.
2. What supporting documents are needed for reimbursement?
   For activities organised by HKBU Departments or Offices, the organiser will be asked to verify the participation status of students and the actual cost. For students taking part in activities offered by student societies or external bodies, they need to provide completion proof and payment records such as the original receipts issued by the organiser, flight or train tickets, etc. to the Finance Office via SFA for verification. Please keep all the original receipts in good condition.
    
3. How will I receive the fund reimbursement?
   The approved fund will be deposited into your bank account registered in BUniport.