hku logo
The University of Hong Kong
Home » Accessible student life

Accessible student life

We would like to provide you with equal learning opportunities to participate fully in the HKU’s rich and diverse student life.

If you have a disability or financial constraint that has an impact on your studies, CEDARS can assist you in overcoming barriers that prevent you from having and achieving a successful university education.

What do we mean by the word “Disability” ?

Disability is a broad term to cover a wide range of conditions and illnesses.  They can be temporary or permanent and include :

  • Attention deficit/ hyperactive disorders
  • Autism /autistic spectrum disorders
  • Hearing impairments
  • Mental illnesses
  • Physical handicap
  • Specific learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia) 
  • Speech impairments
  • Visceral disabilities
  • Visual impairments

How we can help ?

In order to facilitate your full participation in the university education, CEDARS provides the following accessibility support, services and advice for you:

Academic studies

  • Special examination arrangement
  • Volunteer note-taking service
  • Custom-delivered learning support for students with dyslexia

Learning aids/equipment

  • On-loan study aids or equipment
  • Provision of funding to procure learning aids/ equipment/ services
  • Resources room for visually-impaired students in the Library

Information services

Other support services

  • Volunteer / Buddy Programme
  • Employment preparation
  • Support for application for university housing
  • Counselling service

If you think you need any of the aforementioned accessibility support services at HKU due to your disability, please register with CEDARS upon receiving the admission letter or whenever needs arise.  Since some services require lengthy delivery time, you are recommended to contact the Senior Student Advisor (Accessibility Support) of CEDARS immediately, if needs arise.

Some disabilities are not conspicuous.  If you or your fellow students have experienced specific learning difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, information processing, you are encouraged to approach CEDARS for further advice and support.

Funds

For individuals
If you are having a disability, you may apply for the following financial awards which are specifically for students with disabilities:

  • HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship for Students with a Disability (open for application in January)
  • Li Kwan Hung Education Fund open for application in August)
  • Sir Edward Youde Memorial Awards for Disabled Students (nominated by the faculty in September)
  • Vitasoy and KS Lo Foundation Bursary for Students with a Disability (open for application in January)
  • Zonta Club of Victoria Bursary (apply via the University Financial Assistance - Main Exercise in September)
  • Henry Chan Inclusive Education Grants (open for application in September)
  • Henry Chan Inclusive Education Award (open for application in September)

If you have difficulties in financing your university education and you are your family’s first generation receiving university education, you may apply for the First-in-the-Family Education Fund in January and September.  If your application is successful, you will receive a grant of $10,000 to finance your university learning activities.  You will be given opportunities to discuss your university learning plans with a Student Advisor as well.  Further information on government financial aid and university financial assistance scheme is posted on the CEDARS website at http://cedars.hku.hk

For Projects
Promoting campus awareness is one of the approaches to facilitate inclusion and diversity.  If you are a HKU student or staff or student group, you may apply for the following inclusion funds to support your educational projects / service projects/ seminars /research / publications or events that aim to promote equal opportunities and social inclusion :

Find out the details of these inclusion funds on the CEDARS’ website at http://cedars.hku.hk.  

All of you count

All HKU students can contribute to building an inclusive campus.  You can sign up as a buddy / volunteer to support students with disabilities. You can help with orienteering, book-scanning, book-searching, note-taking etc.  If you are interested, please contact CEDARS directly at cedars-accessibility@hku.hk.   

Your contact points

Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS)
Tel : (852) 2857 8388
Email : cedars-accessibility@hku.hk
Web : http://cedars.hku.hk

Equal Opportunity Unit
Tel : (852) 2241 5115
Email : eounit@hkucc.hku.hk
Web: http://hku.hk/eounit

University Health Service
Tel : (852) 2549 4686
Email : uhealth@hkusua.hku.hk
Web: http://hku.hk/uhs