This week Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) exam results were released for 61,600 candidates, including 52,058 day school candidates. This is around 9% fewer candidates than last year. The HKDSE results determine whether a student is likely to receive an offer from a local university, and students who are not likely to receive a place now step up efforts to decide which overseas university or college to enrol in for Higher Education.

Each year there is a shortage of local publicly funded university places compared to the number that meet entrance requirements. This year 20,885 day school candidates met entry criteria, while only 12,000 publicly funded places are available via the JUPAS system (the Hong Kong university application system). This represents 40.9% of candidates. Those that miss out will either look to study abroad or enter expensive self-funded programmes. 34,660 candidates (69.7% of candidates) achieved level 2 or above in five subjects, which is the minimum required to apply for civil service posts or enter sub-degree programmes.

The HKDSE exam includes four core subjects - English, Chinese, Core Mathematics and Liberal Studies. Most candidates also take two elective subjects. The most popular elective subjects are Economics and Science subjects.

Full results are included in the attached press release from HKEAA.