Chasing Dreams: the journey of applying for SSSDP funding
Known for its colorful culture and vibrant economy, Hong Kong is a top destination for students aspiring to pursue a career in hotel management. The city has a range of internationally recognized degree programs, and the hotel management courses offered by Po Leung Kuk Ho Hung Sun Community College, School of Professional and Continuing Education, University of Hong Kong are funded by the SSSDP.
Why Study Hotel Management in Hong Kong?
Strategic Location: Hong Kong serves as a gateway between East and West, making it an ideal location for students interested in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The city is well-connected to major Asian markets, providing students with unique opportunities for internships and employment.
World-Class Education: The SHTM at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is consistently ranked among the top institutions globally for hospitality and tourism management. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for successful careers in the industry.
Diverse Learning Environment: Hong Kong's multicultural atmosphere enriches the educational experience. Students from various backgrounds come together, fostering a collaborative learning environment that enhances cultural understanding and professional networking.
What degree programs are offered?
The following courses provide annual funding of HK$23,390
1.Higher Diploma in Hotel Management
The two-year programme aims to train junior management talents in the hotel industry. It focuses on teaching students the basic skills of hotel administration and also strengthens students' understanding of the operation of different hotel departments.
2.Higher Diploma in Tourism, Events and Events Management
The course focuses on training students with specialized knowledge, skills and experience in organizing and managing various tourism, conference and exhibition projects, laying a solid foundation for students to stay in Hong Kong or go abroad for further studies and join the tourism and event management industry in the future.
3.Higher Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management
The two-year course is designed to cover a wide range of knowledge and aims to teach students basic skills in entry-level administrative management. It also focuses on teaching specialized knowledge in tourism and hospitality-related industries, with the goal of training junior management talents.
How to apply for a course?
1. Learn about the courses
Research the courses: Visit the official website of HKU SPEED for detailed information on each course and funding scheme.
Confirm your eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for applying for SSSDP, including academic background and other requirements.
2. Prepare your application materials
3. Submit your application
Submit online: Most applications can be submitted through the school's online system, ensuring that they are completed before the deadline. Pay the application fee: Pay the corresponding application fee as required by the school.
Various Benefits
1.Get a job opportunity: Some graduates of the programme are now working for The Peninsula, Grand Hyatt, Four Seasons, InterContinental Grand Stanford, Mandarin Oriental and Sheraton, as well as different airlines including Virgin Atlantic.
2.UGC-funded universities: Graduates can articulate to bachelor degree programmes offered by local universities, including the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's BSc (Hons) Scheme in Hotel and Tourism Management.
3.Scholarships, Grants and Program Sponsorships： The scholarship amount is HK$10,000 and is awarded to students who meet the corresponding requirements.
Case Study: Xiao Zhang
Background： Xiao Zhang is a working person who wants to change his career to the hotel management field.
Application Process: In his spare time, Xiao Zhang actively learned about the Advanced Diploma in Hotel Management course and found that this course also met the funding conditions of SSSDP.
She prepared a detailed personal statement outlining her motivations for changing careers and her passion for hospitality management.
Get funding: Xiao Zhang was successfully admitted and received a subsidy of HK$23,390 to help her successfully complete her studies.
After the course, she successfully found a job related to hotel management and achieved a career change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Can non-local students apply for the relevant funding scheme?
This scheme is not applicable to non-local students. They can still enroll in these courses, but they will not receive funding.
2.If I am not a Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education student, can I still apply for courses under this program?
Yes, the college will consider admitting local students with other relevant qualifications.
3.How many semesters are there in each academic year?
There are two semesters in each academic year. Each semester is about 15 weeks long. The first semester is usually from September to December, and the second semester is from January to April/May. The semester exams last about two to three weeks.
Final Thoughts
The SSSDP of HKU SPSS provides students who are interested in developing in the tourism and hospitality industry with rich learning opportunities and helps them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. It is hoped that more students can take advantage of this funding program to achieve their academic and career goals.
While providing financial support to students, SSSDP also faces some problems and room for improvement. The course selection is narrow, the funding is insufficient and the allocation of different courses is unbalanced.
It is possible to consider including emerging industries and majors in the funding scope to meet market demand and students' diverse choices.
Adjustment of funding standards: According to market conditions and tuition changes, the funding amount is adjusted regularly to ensure that it can cover the actual expenses of students.