Students from the post-2000 generation celebrate their graduation at Sichuan Foreign Studies University in Chongqing. (TAO LIAN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong students headed to mainland universities for the new school year can get additional flights to their schools and half-price discounts on nucleic acid tests.

The Hong Kong government had announced a series of facilitation measures for local students studying in mainland-based higher education institutions and invited students in need to apply for assistance by Friday.

As of 5 pm on Friday, 855 Hong Kong students had signed up for the government’s assistance, and 613 cases had been approved, according to the Education Bureau

As of 5 pm on Friday, 855 Hong Kong students had signed up for the government’s assistance, and 613 cases had been approved, according to the Education Bureau.

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On Thursday, the Hong Kong Youth Power Association said it will offer students half-price nucleic acid tests at the Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre and To Kwa Wan Sports Centre. The discount will be available through Sept 15.

After registering online, the students need to pay only HK$120 ($15.29) for the test and can download the test report needed before departure within 24 hours. Currently, all nucleic acid tests offered to people going to the mainland are not free.

In addition, Cathay Pacific Airways and Hong Kong Airlines announced they will add more flights on one or two days for students heading to some mainland cities, including Beijing, Wuhan, Xiamen, Hangzhou and Nanjing.

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Cathay Pacific will add a Flight CX390 to Beijing on Saturday, Flight CX924 to Wuhan on Tuesday, Flight CX978 to Xiamen on Aug 30 and Sept 6, and Flight CX958 to Hangzhou on Sept 12.

Hong Kong Airlines will offer two more flights — Flight HX216 to Nanjing on Monday, and Flight HX112 to Hangzhou on Sept 6.