Student Affairs Office - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Guidebook for Non-local Students 2008-09
7
b. Financial Assistance
Non-local students holding student visa are not eligible to apply for the Government’s
student financial assistance schemes. For details, you may visit the webpage of the
Government’s Student Financial Assistance Agency at http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/.
The University also does not provide grants and loans to non-local students.
Therefore, it is important for each student to make sure that he/she has the funds
required, apart from scholarship (if any), to cover the cost of studying at the PolyU
and living in Hong Kong.
c. Banking Services
You will find it convenient to open a savings account with a local bank in Hong Kong.
Most of the banks will ask you to produce the Hong Kong Identity Card or PolyU ID
card and passport / travel document(s), e.g. Chinese Travel Permit when opening an
account. A minimum deposit of HK$10 is required for opening a savings account.
24-hour Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available especially at large
shopping centres. Visa and Master Card holders can have access to most ATMs.
American Express Cardholders can withdraw cash with Jetco ATMs.
There are two mini-banks, namely the Hang Seng Bank and the Bank of East Asia, on the
podium level of the Shaw Amenities Building on university campus. Opening hours are:
Mondays to Fridays : 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are also
available there and you will find it convenient
to have an ATM card to withdraw money at any
time.
d. Currency
The Hong Kong currency (HK$) is linked to the US$ at the rate of approximately
US$1=HK$7.78. Notes are denominated in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000.
Coins are in $1, $2, $5, $10 and 10, 20 and 50 cents. Traveller’s cheques can
be cashed and foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, money changers
and major outlets. Credit cards are accepted at large restaurants and department
stores.