The Professional Development Incentive Grant Scheme will accept applications in the new school year, giving language teachers more financial incentive to pursue further study and qualifications.

The Standing Committee on Language Education & Research said as at August 16, the scheme had received nearly 1,740 applications since its launch in March, with total grants sought exceeding $52 million.

A total of $225 million has been allocated from the Language Fund to support the scheme.

Applications should be made before the commencement of the programmes and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, priority will be given to teachers who do not have a degree or any training in the languages they teach.

For those undertaking study programmes which started between June 28 and April 1, and who wish to apply to the scheme, they should send applications by 5pm, August 31.

Applications should be submitted either by mail or in person to the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research Support Unit at Room 934, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Late submissions may not be processed (according to the post-stamp date on the envelope for mail applications).