Consumers contemplating enrolment in adult English courses that are eligible for Continuing Education Fund (CEF), are advised to confirm with the provider on the registration status of the course and double-check the CEF Course Code as posted on the CEF website.
In a recent market survey on 8 institutes offering English courses for adults, the Consumer Council has found the situation potentially confusing to the unwary consumers.
Out of the 8 institutes surveyed, 5 made a broad statement that their courses are eligible for the application of CEF. But it was found that not all of the courses they offered were eligible.
In one case, for example, the institute offered a total of 39 English courses for adults but in fact only 22 were CEF eligible.
Consumers are, therefore, advised to ascertain from the provider whether the particular course they intend to enrol is registered under CEF. They should also enquire about the CEF Course Code, or look for it on the promotional material of the course they intend to enrol.
They should then double-check the CEF Course Code on the website of the Student Financial Assistance Agency ( http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef/index/htm ) for verification.
Further, consumers should ascertain if they will be able to fulfill the requirements for reimbursement from CEF.
There have been media reports of complaints in that, for one reason or another, consumers who successfully completed the course but only to find the course was not eligible for reimbursement under the CEF.
In competition for students to join courses eligible for CEF, some institutes have used such incentives as scholarship, rebate or cash coupon to entice prospective clients, although in their promotional material is stated in small print that these do not apply to CEF candidates.
The offer of financial incentives to CEF candidates is not allowed, and consumers are urged to report such malpractices to the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) or the Students Financial Assistance Agency.
According to EMB, prompt follow-up actions, including warnings and de-registration, will be taken to prohibit improper promotional practices. In the past, there have been cases of courses having been de-registered from the list of reimbursable courses as a result.
The Consumer Council has received one complaint in that the institute reneged on its promise of a scholarship valued at $2,000 for students completing the course and passing the course exam.
| CHOICE magazine is now also available online (at https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/) and via fixed-line and mobile services of PCCW. Members from the media who are invited by this Council to the Press Conference may quote the content of this Press Statement. The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE Magazine and Online CHOICE ( https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/ ). |