Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme open for applications
The Education Bureau (EDB) announced that the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme (MUSSS) 2026/27 will be open for applications from eligible Hong Kong students from today (July 21) until September 21.
The Education Bureau, Photo source: reference image
A spokesman for the EDB said that MUSSS would benefit Hong Kong students pursuing undergraduate studies in 217 designated Chinese Mainland institutions, including 165 institutions participating in the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions for the 2026/27 academic year.
Eligible students may apply for a means-tested subsidy (only for those students who have passed the means test) or a non-means-tested subsidy under MUSSS. The subsidy under MUSSS is granted on a yearly basis, and the subsidised period covers the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student concerned in the designated Chinese Mainland institution. Eligible applicants may only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in the same academic year. MUSSS is not subject to any quota. It is envisaged that MUSSS will benefit most Hong Kong students who are pursuing undergraduate studies on the Chinese Mainland and have different financial needs.
The subsidy under MUSSS will be disbursed based on the distance between the locations of the institutions and Hong Kong, which will be grouped into three categories. Details of the subsidy rates under the different categories are set out in the Annex.
Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Details of MUSSS are available on the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/musss). Eligible students are required to submit their applications via the MUSSS Electronic Application Platform (musss.edb.gov.hk) or send the completed application forms by post to the EDB on or before September 21. The EDB expects to notify applicants of the application results in phases from the first quarter of 2027.
Photo source: reference image
Police conduct anti-illegal gambling operation during 2026 FIFA World Cup
Police conducted a territory-wide anti-illegal gambling operation codenamed “CROWBEAK” cum “WINDSHIELD” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July. During the operation, Police arrested 991 people and seized over $365 million in betting records, as well as over $7.4 million in cash and assets.
During the operation, Police raided 249 premises suspected of being linked to illegal gambling activities and arrested 991 people (645 males and 346 females, aged between 16 and 93) for offences including “engaging in bookmaking”, “promoting or facilitating bookmaking”, “betting with a bookmaker”, “operating illegal gambling establishments”, “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as “money laundering”), etc.
Police seized suspected crime proceeds comprising about $3 million in cash and $4.4 million worth of valuables. Additionally, 43 computers and 443 mobile phones suspected of facilitating bookmaking activities were seized. The aggregate value of betting records uncovered in the operation was $365 million.
Moreover, on the education front, Police conducted a series of preventive education campaigns under the theme “Stay Away from Illegal Gambling”, including:
• promoting anti-illegal gambling messages via media and online channels, including producing a promotional video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyDaXOZv6TA);
• broadcasting promotional videos, distributing leaflets and displaying posters at entertainment venues and strategic locations in various districts; and
• collaborating closely with the communities, schools, government departments and other organisations to enhance the promotion of anti-illegal gambling messages through various channels.
Police appeal to the public that in accordance with the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), anyone who bets with a bookmaker commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and nine months’ imprisonment on conviction. Anyone who engages in bookmaking, or promotes or facilitates bookmaking, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and seven years’ imprisonment on conviction. A person would still be liable to the offences even if the gambling website is hosted overseas yet he/she engaged in its operation in Hong Kong.
Source: AI-found images
