HKU Champions Holistic Education, Attracts Visionaries

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is dedicated to fostering whole-person education. This year, through its various admission schemes, the University has welcomed a cohort of students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and come from diverse backgrounds.

Professor Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange, expressed his satisfaction with the positive admission outcomes for this year's cohort. "HKU has consistently supported the diverse development of its students, placing importance on their academic success while also encouraging excellence in non-academic pursuits. By employing a holistic approach to student evaluation, the University actively seeks out and admits talented individuals through a range of admission schemes, offering them various opportunities to realize their potential. This year, HKU has accepted students who not only excelled in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education ("HKDSE") Examination but also possess a broad spectrum of non-academic accomplishments. We are committed to supporting students in their whole-person development, enabling them to pursue their aspirations at HKU."

Commitment to attracting exceptional talent with excellent results in HKDSE via JUPAS

HKU has successfully admitted a remarkable cohort of top students through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System ("JUPAS"), including 5 "top scorers" (5** in 6 subjects) and over 60 other top scorers who received 5** in 4 or more subjects; these students will pursue a diverse array of programmes, such as the "Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery", "Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Global Management", "Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Finance", "Bachelor of Dental Surgery", "Computing and Data Science".

The admission results for various programmes were exceptional, with overall scores showing an upward trend compared to the previous year. The average score of best five subjects (based on the "HKU Scoring System") for admitted students exceeds 30, with a per-subject average exceeding Level 5 in the HKDSE Examination.

Among the students who met the University Entry Requirements (UER) and were admitted via JUPAS, HKU admitted the highest percentage (over 48%) of students who ranked in the top 1% of HKDSE scores. This year, HKU admitted 20 President's Scholars who achieved an average score of 47.9 in the best six subjects.

New or enhanced programmes receive positive feedback from exceptional students

To broaden programme diversity and address the evolving needs of society and high-achieving students, HKU has launched as many as 11 new or enhanced programmes this year, which include the "Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science", "Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence in Engineering", "Bachelor of Engineering Elite Programme", "Computing and Data Science", "Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Technology", etc.

These programmes have also seen a very positive admissions results, with the "Computing and Data Science" and "Bachelor of Engineering Elite Programme" attaining the highest average admission scores among comparable programmes. Additionally, HKU continues to have the highest number of programmes selected by top students in the HKDSE Examination; whether counting the top 50 or top 100 programmes with the highest average JUPAS scores, HKU programmes account for the highest proportion in Hong Kong (23 programmes/46% and 45 programmes/45% respectively).

Apart from the traditional popular programmes favoured by top scorers, such as the "Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery" and "Bachelor of Business Administration (International Business and Global Management)", this year's cohort of admitted students reflects a broader and more diverse range of academic interests. Among the top 100 students based on HKDSE results, over half have chosen programmes related to artificial intelligence, technology and innovation.

Forward-looking special admissions schemes

HKU is dedicated to attracting students who possess unique talents and interests in particular fields or disciplines. This year, HKU welcomed 140 academically exceptional and versatile students via the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS). These students are enrolled in various programmes that align with their interests and strengths. "The SNDAS initiative, introduced by the Education Bureau, is now in its fourth year, and HKU has been consistently endorsing this Scheme as it facilitates a more holistic evaluation of student performance. We are delighted to observe that students accepted through this Scheme demonstrate distinct aspirations and accomplishments in non-academic areas such as sports, arts, and community service," stated Professor Yim.

This year, 7 outstanding student-athletes were admitted to HKU via the "Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme". They include Pang Wing Ka (Para Table Tennis), admitted to the "Bachelor of Social Sciences" programme; Mak Hiu Tung Tiffany (Sailing), Kwok Chun Ting (Athletics), Karlsson Jane Christa Ming Suet (Athletics), and Leung Ching Hang Wesley (Athletics), enrolled in the "Bachelor of Business Administration" programme; Wong Shun Yat (Fencing), set to pursue the "Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology"; and Jia Wai Yin (Athletics), admitted to the "Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences" programme. Besides, HKU also admitted 27 outstanding athletes through the long-standing Sports Scholarship Scheme. They will enrol in programmes such as the "Bachelor of Business Administration", "Bachelor of Sciences", "Bachelor of Dental Surgery", "Bachelor of Psychology" and "Bachelor of Nursing", etc. HKU will continue to provide resources and support for these elite athletes, assisting them to achieve excellence in both sports and academics.

HKU admitted 51 local non-Chinese-speaking students, the highest number among the eight funded universities. The admission results were very satisfactory, with these students enrolling in programmes such as the "Bachelor of Business Administration (Law) and Bachelor of Laws", "Bachelor of Engineering Elite Programme", "Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery", "Bachelor of Dental Surgery", and "Bachelor of Arts" and "Bachelor of Education in Language Education – English", etc. HKU has also extended admission offers to four students who have special educational needs; these students, who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, will pursue programmes related to humanities, business, science, medicine and health. HKU is committed to understanding the unique learning requirements of these students and providing them with suitable arrangements to facilitate their adaptation to their campus life and educational setting.

Detailed admission results:

Awarding President's Scholars

HKU grants the title of President's Scholars to candidates with the best HKDSE results (including those with the same scores) from each faculty. This year, there are 20 President's Scholars, who achieved an average score of nearly 47.9 in their best six subjects. They are admitted to various programmes, including "Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Technology", "Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering", "Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology", "Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Global Management", and "Science Master Class", etc. Each student will receive a scholarship of HKD100,000 or more as an incentive, encouraging them to continue pursuing greater achievements.

Highest Average HKDSE Scores Among Universities in Hong Kong

HKDSE candidates admitted to HKU this year continue to have the highest average scores among institutions, calculated based on the results of the three core subjects: Chinese, English, and Mathematics, or using other selection principles.

Note: All the above points are calculated on the "HKU Scoring System", in which Level 1-4 equals 1-4 points; Level 5 equals 5.5 points; "5*" equals 7 points; "5**" equals 8.5 points.