In support of the initiative of HKSAR government to promote quality life of the elderly population, the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Elderly Commission jointly launched the Elder Academy Scheme. The City University of Hong Kong has established its Elder Academy in September 2008 to provide opportunities for elderly to pursue studies, encourage them to make the best use of their time and to keep pace with the society. It also seeks to promote lifelong learning. Through attending undergraduate courses with CityU students, it is hoped that the elderly will be able to acquire new knowledge, gain new insights and are able to share their valuable life experiences with the younger generation.

Limited places of a number of undergraduate courses offered by different academic units will be available to students of the Elder Academy again during Semesters A and B in 2009-2010. Semester B will commence on 11 January 2010 and last for 13 weeks. The elderly students take part in the course as auditing students. No assignments and assessments are required and no credits/award will be granted. A learning certificate will be issued upon completion of the course.

During the studies at the University, the elderly students can enjoy the CityU learning facilities and a buddy scheme will be arranged to assist them to adapt to the university life.