Continuing education subsidy returns with same amount

The fifth round of Continuing Education Subsidy will commence on Jul. 1, with the subsidized amount to remain at MOP6,000, the government has announced in the Official Gazette.

The validity of this round of the subsidy is three years.

According to the Executive Regulations, anybody reaching 15 years of age on or before year-end of a calendar year between 2023 and 2026 will be eligible to start using their subsidized amounts from the said year.

For example, a person who will turn 15 years old on or before Dec. 31 this year will be allowed to use their subsidized amount once the subsidy scheme commences. Those who will only reach 15 years of age next year will be able to start using the amount next year.

The scope of application of the subsidy covers higher education programs, registered continuing education courses, as well as licensing examinations. The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), meanwhile, has discretion as to the applicability.

The DSEDJ will publish a list of approved or eligible licensing exams.

A key adjustment has been made this year; those who seek subsidies for one-on-one classes, driving courses and licensing exams should settle the bills themselves before getting reimbursed by the subsidy scheme if they meet certain conditions. Applications can be made on the government One Account app.

The scheme also has restrictions on the duration of subsidized programs. The duration of common programs should range between nine and 60 hours as well as no longer than 90 days. That of professional or certified training should not exceed 120 hours and 180 days.

For driving courses, the legal minimum practice hours will be subsidized.

As for roll-taking, students and teachers should take rolls with their ID cards at each class. Students should check in between 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after class, as well as check out no later than 30 minutes after class. Teachers should check in no earlier than 30 minutes before and check out no later than 30 minutes after class.