The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) have released the results of this years’ Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE).

This year 74, 131 candidates sat the exam, 7% less than last year, reflecting the decrease in secondary school population as a result of low birth rates in Hong Kong. Of this number 61,136 are day school candidates and 11,932 are private candidates, some of which may be repeating the exam.

A total of 69.5% of day school candidates attained level 2 or above, the minimum standard for entering sub-degree programmes in Hong Kong or applying to enter the civil service. The percentage meeting the general entrance requirements for local universities is 40.3%, or 24,547 candidates. However as per previous years the number of publicly funded university places is 15,000, meaning that a large number will need to apply to the self-funded sector or study abroad.

Level 4 for English language is considered by HKEAA as equivalent to IELTS 6.3 – 6.5. A total of 25% of candidates achieved this grade.

Release of the HKDSE results sparks a flurry of student recruitment activity in Hong Kong, as students armed with results seek to confirm plans for higher education study.