FAQ

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).

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.

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.

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.

Teacher-student ratio is around 1:28.4.

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Diploma in College Foundation Studies or Diploma in Applied Education are suitable for you. Please refer to LIFE website for more information.

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.

Students can apply for different financial assistance from the government as follows:

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.
 

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.

Please click HERE for more information on application of Associate Degree and Higher Diploma programmes.