FAQ
1. Where are the learning centres?
Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies programmes will be delivered at the main campus of Lingnan University or Union Park Centre (UPC- Prince Edward) in the 2024-25 academic year.
2. What facilities can students use?
Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies students can enjoy various learning and sports facilities in Lingnan University main campus, including: sports ground, swimming pool, soccer field, basketball courts, volleyball courts, handball court, tennis courts, squash courts, badminton courts, table tennis rooms, physical fitness centre, dancing rooms, other sports facilities, student canteen, learning resources centre, computer laboratory, student function hall, chapel and learning commons, etc.
3. What is the definition of Local /Non-local Students?
Definition of Local Students
According to the Education Bureau (EDB), LOCAL STUDENTS, for the purpose of admission to post-secondary programmes, are defined as follows:
The student is a holder of:
Definition of Non-local Students
According to the EDB, NON-LOCAL STUDENTS, for the purpose of admission to post-secondary programmes, are defined as follows:
The student is a holder of the following documents issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR:
It is the responsibility of students to maintain a valid visa status throughout their studies at LIFE.
4. Is any student hostel available?
Student Hostels are reserved for undergraduate and postgraduate students. In general, no student hostel places are available for Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies students.
5. What is the teacher-student ratio?
Teacher-student ratio is around 1:33.2.
6. What is the medium of instructions?
Apart from language courses and courses that require students to have working knowledge of Chinese, all courses are normally taught in English. English Language Enhancement Programme is offered to support student learning in English.
7. How to ensure the academic quality of our programmes?
LIFE is committed to providing high quality education to post-secondary students. All sub-degree programmes are developed and assessed under the rigorous quality (QA) system of the Lingnan University and pitched at the appropriate QF level before the qualifications are uploaded onto the Qualifications Register (QR) after going through the vetting process by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ).
According to the Qualifications Framework (QF) (http://www.hkqf.gov.hk) launched by the Education Bureau (EDB), Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes are pitched at QF level 4. Graduates are eligible to articulate to the undergraduate programmes (equivalent to HKQF level 5) of overseas and local universities.
Diploma in College Foundation Studies programme is pitched at QF level 3. Graduates are eligible to articulate to the Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programmes (equivalent to HKQF level 4) of overseas and local institutes.
12. Is there any student support services?
LIFE provides various services and activities to students, helping students to adapt learning environment and atmosphere of tertiary education. Orientation activities will be arranged to new students for a better understanding on learning supports and service provided by LIFE. Meeting senior students in the activity will help new students to build a better peer relationship and supporting network. Under the mentorship programme, teacher mentors meet and get to know their student mentees in mentorship reunions, providing advice and assistance to students, supporting them in overcoming difficulties in their learning.
Besides, LIFE provides personal development and student counselling service. Through individual and group counselling, student counsellors help students in attaining a better self-awareness, nurturing diversified potentials and abilities. Students could make appointment of guidance or counselling service whenever they encounter problem or life challenge. Some examples include special educational needs, career planning, learning and adaptation difficulties, personal growth, mental health issue, peer relationship and emotional distress. Moreover, student counsellors provide students with assistance in local and overseas articulation guidance. They arrange articulation talk, and provide articulation information and consultation to students.
Last but not least, students could enjoy medical and dental benefits, and receive service from numerous medical and dental clinics with preferential fees.
13. Is there any scholarships?
LIFE provides Entrance Scholarship, Articulation Scholarship, Progression Scholarship, Academic Scholarship and Community Service Scholarship to students. Entrance Scholarship will be awarded to newly admitted students who possess outstanding academic performance or special achievements. Articulation Scholarship will be awarded to LIFE Diploma graduates, LIFE Diploma Yi Jin graduates, LIFE Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) and LIFE Applied Learning (ApL) students to encourage students to further their studies at LIFE. Progression Scholarship will be granted as an incentive to Associate Degree or Higher Diploma Year 1 students who progress to Year 2 with outstanding academic results. Academic Scholarships will be awarded to students according to their academic merit and contributions to LIFE or the University. Students who have outstanding involvement in community service and active participation in extracurricular activities in LIFE can apply for Community Service Scholarship.
Please refer to "Scholarship" page for more details.
14. What if my HKDSE results do not meet the admission requirements of Associate Degree or Higher Diploma (i.e. without level 2 or above in five HKDSE subjects including Chinese Language and English Language)? Are there any other programmes for me?
Diploma in College Foundation Studies or Diploma in Applied Education are suitable for you. Please click HERE for more information.
15. How much are the tuition fees for Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies programmes?
The tuition fee for the programmes offered in the academic year 2024-25 are as follows:
Students need to pay Graduation deposit HK$600 when paying the first instalment of tuition fee.
16. Can I apply for financial assistance from the government?
Students can apply for different financial assistance from the government as follows:
17. What is the application period? When does the academic year start?
The application period starts from 8 December 2023. Once the programme is full, the application is closed.
The academic year of Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies starts from early September each year.
18. What are the graduation requirements of Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies programmes?
Associate Degree and Higher Diploma students are required to fulfil the following within the study period upon graduation:
19. FAQ for current students of LIFE Diploma in College Foundation Studies / Diploma Yi Jin / Diploma of Applied Education who are interested in applying for Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programmes:
Please click HERE for more information on application of Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes.
Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies programmes will be delivered at the main campus of Lingnan University or Union Park Centre (UPC- Prince Edward) in the 2024-25 academic year.
2. What facilities can students use?
Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies students can enjoy various learning and sports facilities in Lingnan University main campus, including: sports ground, swimming pool, soccer field, basketball courts, volleyball courts, handball court, tennis courts, squash courts, badminton courts, table tennis rooms, physical fitness centre, dancing rooms, other sports facilities, student canteen, learning resources centre, computer laboratory, student function hall, chapel and learning commons, etc.
3. What is the definition of Local /Non-local Students?
Definition of Local Students
According to the Education Bureau (EDB), LOCAL STUDENTS, for the purpose of admission to post-secondary programmes, are defined as follows:
The student is a holder of:
|
LS1
|
HKID Card (Permanent)
|
|
LS2
|
Documents issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR showing right to land / right of abode in Hong Kong
|
|
LS3
|
One-way Permit for entry to Hong Kong
|
|
LS4
|
Full-time employment visa / work permit
|
|
LS5
|
Dependant visa / entry permit (for students who were below 18 years old) Note
Note Students holding dependant visa / entry permit who were below 18 years old when they were first issued with such visa / entry permit by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR. |
|
LS6
|
Visa / Entry permit for Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
|
|
LS7
|
Visa / Entry permit for Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
|
|
LS8
|
Visa / Entry permit for Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents
|
|
LS9
|
Visa label for unconditional stay
|
Definition of Non-local Students
According to the EDB, NON-LOCAL STUDENTS, for the purpose of admission to post-secondary programmes, are defined as follows:
The student is a holder of the following documents issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR:
| NLS1 | Student visa / entry permit |
| NLS2 | Visa / Entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates |
| NLS3 | Dependant visa / entry permit (for students who were 18 years old or above) Note Note Students holding dependant visa / entry permit who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa / entry permit by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR. |
It is the responsibility of students to maintain a valid visa status throughout their studies at LIFE.
4. Is any student hostel available?
Student Hostels are reserved for undergraduate and postgraduate students. In general, no student hostel places are available for Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies students.
5. What is the teacher-student ratio?
Teacher-student ratio is around 1:33.2.
6. What is the medium of instructions?
Apart from language courses and courses that require students to have working knowledge of Chinese, all courses are normally taught in English. English Language Enhancement Programme is offered to support student learning in English.
7. How to ensure the academic quality of our programmes?
LIFE is committed to providing high quality education to post-secondary students. All sub-degree programmes are developed and assessed under the rigorous quality (QA) system of the Lingnan University and pitched at the appropriate QF level before the qualifications are uploaded onto the Qualifications Register (QR) after going through the vetting process by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ).
According to the Qualifications Framework (QF) (http://www.hkqf.gov.hk) launched by the Education Bureau (EDB), Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes are pitched at QF level 4. Graduates are eligible to articulate to the undergraduate programmes (equivalent to HKQF level 5) of overseas and local universities.
Diploma in College Foundation Studies programme is pitched at QF level 3. Graduates are eligible to articulate to the Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programmes (equivalent to HKQF level 4) of overseas and local institutes.
(Source of image: Qualifications Framework Secretariat)
8. How well is an Associate Degree and a Higher Diploma is recognised?
As pitched at HKQF level 4, Associate Degree and Higher Diploma qualifications are widely recognised by local and overseas universities. Student Counsellors will provide counselling and consultation services for further studies and hold articulation seminars to students. The admission requirements of different universities may vary and it is subject to the final decision of individual university and programme.
9. What is the articulation rate of Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes?
According to recent figures, the articulation rate of different Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes varies. For example, over 85% of business graduates furthered their studies*. Among those who continued their study for a bachelor’s degree, over 90% were admitted to local universities (50% were admitted to Lingnan University)*. All the eight UGC-funded Universities in Hong Kong admitted our Associate Degree and Higher Diploma graduates.
* Data from Graduate Survey
10. What is the articulation rate of Diploma in College Foundation Studies?
We offer a promising articulation opportunity to our Diploma in College Foundation Studies graduates. Students can articulate to our Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programmes via our “Direct Admissions Scheme”. Admission interview is exempted, and a firm offer is guaranteed.
11. What are the differences between Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes?
8. How well is an Associate Degree and a Higher Diploma is recognised?
As pitched at HKQF level 4, Associate Degree and Higher Diploma qualifications are widely recognised by local and overseas universities. Student Counsellors will provide counselling and consultation services for further studies and hold articulation seminars to students. The admission requirements of different universities may vary and it is subject to the final decision of individual university and programme.
9. What is the articulation rate of Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes?
According to recent figures, the articulation rate of different Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes varies. For example, over 85% of business graduates furthered their studies*. Among those who continued their study for a bachelor’s degree, over 90% were admitted to local universities (50% were admitted to Lingnan University)*. All the eight UGC-funded Universities in Hong Kong admitted our Associate Degree and Higher Diploma graduates.
* Data from Graduate Survey
10. What is the articulation rate of Diploma in College Foundation Studies?
We offer a promising articulation opportunity to our Diploma in College Foundation Studies graduates. Students can articulate to our Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programmes via our “Direct Admissions Scheme”. Admission interview is exempted, and a firm offer is guaranteed.
11. What are the differences between Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes?
| Associate Degree | Higher Diploma | |
| Focus |
|
|
| Duration | 2 years | |
| Graduate prospects | Prepare students for further studies or employment | |
12. Is there any student support services?
LIFE provides various services and activities to students, helping students to adapt learning environment and atmosphere of tertiary education. Orientation activities will be arranged to new students for a better understanding on learning supports and service provided by LIFE. Meeting senior students in the activity will help new students to build a better peer relationship and supporting network. Under the mentorship programme, teacher mentors meet and get to know their student mentees in mentorship reunions, providing advice and assistance to students, supporting them in overcoming difficulties in their learning.
Besides, LIFE provides personal development and student counselling service. Through individual and group counselling, student counsellors help students in attaining a better self-awareness, nurturing diversified potentials and abilities. Students could make appointment of guidance or counselling service whenever they encounter problem or life challenge. Some examples include special educational needs, career planning, learning and adaptation difficulties, personal growth, mental health issue, peer relationship and emotional distress. Moreover, student counsellors provide students with assistance in local and overseas articulation guidance. They arrange articulation talk, and provide articulation information and consultation to students.
Last but not least, students could enjoy medical and dental benefits, and receive service from numerous medical and dental clinics with preferential fees.
13. Is there any scholarships?
LIFE provides Entrance Scholarship, Articulation Scholarship, Progression Scholarship, Academic Scholarship and Community Service Scholarship to students. Entrance Scholarship will be awarded to newly admitted students who possess outstanding academic performance or special achievements. Articulation Scholarship will be awarded to LIFE Diploma graduates, LIFE Diploma Yi Jin graduates, LIFE Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) and LIFE Applied Learning (ApL) students to encourage students to further their studies at LIFE. Progression Scholarship will be granted as an incentive to Associate Degree or Higher Diploma Year 1 students who progress to Year 2 with outstanding academic results. Academic Scholarships will be awarded to students according to their academic merit and contributions to LIFE or the University. Students who have outstanding involvement in community service and active participation in extracurricular activities in LIFE can apply for Community Service Scholarship.
Please refer to "Scholarship" page for more details.
14. What if my HKDSE results do not meet the admission requirements of Associate Degree or Higher Diploma (i.e. without level 2 or above in five HKDSE subjects including Chinese Language and English Language)? Are there any other programmes for me?
Diploma in College Foundation Studies or Diploma in Applied Education are suitable for you. Please click HERE for more information.
15. How much are the tuition fees for Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies programmes?
The tuition fee for the programmes offered in the academic year 2024-25 are as follows:
| Programme | Tuition Fee |
| Associate of Arts (History) | HK$32,000 per term (4 terms in 2 years) |
| Associate of Business Studies (Business Management) | |
| Associate of Social Sciences (Psychology) | |
| Higher Diploma in Sports Coaching and Leadership | HK$33,500 per term (4 terms in 2 years) |
| Diploma in College Foundation Studies | HK$23,500 per term (2 terms in 1 year) |
Students need to pay Graduation deposit HK$600 when paying the first instalment of tuition fee.
16. Can I apply for financial assistance from the government?
Students can apply for different financial assistance from the government as follows:
| Associate Degree and Higher Diploma | Diploma in College Foundation Studies | |
| Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) | ✔ | ✘ |
| Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS) | ✔ | ✘ |
| Extended Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (ENLS) | ✘ | ✔ |
| Continuing Education Fund (CEF) |
✔ | ✔ |
17. What is the application period? When does the academic year start?
The application period starts from 8 December 2023. Once the programme is full, the application is closed.
The academic year of Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies starts from early September each year.
18. What are the graduation requirements of Associate Degree, Higher Diploma and Diploma in College Foundation Studies programmes?
Associate Degree and Higher Diploma students are required to fulfil the following within the study period upon graduation:
- Passed all the courses as stipulated in the curriculum of the respective programmes; and
- Completed at least 60 credits with a Cumulative GPA 1.67 or above
- (For Associate Degree students ONLY) Completed the Life Enrichment and Appreciation Programme upon graduation.
Diploma in College Foundation Studies students are required to fulfil the following within the study period upon graduation:
- Passed all the courses as stipulated in the curriculum of the respective programmes; and
- Completed at least 30 credits with a Cumulative GPA 1.67 or above.
19. FAQ for current students of LIFE Diploma in College Foundation Studies / Diploma Yi Jin / Diploma of Applied Education who are interested in applying for Associate Degree or Higher Diploma programmes:
Please click HERE for more information on application of Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes.