Media

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is committed to nurturing interdisciplinary talents and has always encouraged students to follow their interests in programme selection. HKU also offers diverse admission opportunities to talented students.

In the 2022 admission year, 16 top HKDSE scorers who have achieved outstanding and remarkable results with an average score of 42 or more in the best five subjects, equivalent to a level 5** in nearly all five subjects, have been admitted to HKU and received the President’s Scholars award.

The elite students are not only interested in top-scoring programmes such as Medicine and Law, they also opt for programmes in other disciplines.

Professor Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange at HKU, said: “HKU’s average admissions score has always been the highest among universities in Hong Kong and there has been a continuing rise over the past three consecutive years. This year, our students achieved an average of 29.12 points (note) in the best five subjects, meaning that students admitted to HKU through JUPAS achieved a Level 5* in one subject and a Level 5 or above in four subjects on average. We are delighted to see that students are following their individual interests in programme selection and have shown passions in different disciplines, which is aligned with the University’s educational aim and vision.”

Encourage diverse development to unleash students’ potentials
HKU always encourage students to pursue diverse development opportunities. Several special admission schemes have been launched since last year to admit students who have shown outstanding performance in academic and non-academic areas in their high school years and provide them with opportunities and an excellent teaching and learning environment to strive for excellence and unleash their potentials.

Last year, under the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS), HKU received around 200 nominations from schools and admitted 82 students – the highest number among universities in Hong Kong. These students have shown exceptional talents in cultural activities, creative sciences, leadership abilities, community service, etc., and diversified programme choices. Most of the admitted students are now studying in programmes including Science, Education, Business Administration, and Social Sciences.  

Nine new HKU programmes such as Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Chinese Medicine, Bachelor of Engineering in Data Science and Engineering (BEng(DS&E)), and Bachelor of Science in Marketing Analytics and Technology (BSc(MAT)) have joined the Scheme this year to expand our total number of programmes to 39. HKU hopes to admit more students with diverse talents and encourage them to pursue their dreams at HKU. (Please refer to the appendix for details of the nine new programmes)

The University will continue to offer the Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme (TADAS) for student-athletes with outstanding sports achievements with their sports achievements being the primary selection criteria, to encourage and support outstanding athletes in their pursuit of excellence in both sports and academic studies.

New HKU Scholarships for Non-Academic Talents for students
In addition to the aforementioned admission schemes, a new HKU Scholarships for Non-Academic Talents has been launched to recognise students’ outstanding achievements in non-academic disciplines, including sports, music, entrepreneurship, community services, and international competitions. Each candidate will receive a scholarship worth up to HK$500,000, supporting them to excel in their respective fields.

Continues to strive for excellence
The rising position of HKU in the international rankings is also a reflection of the University's excellence in teaching and research. In the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings 2023, HKU’s rankings in more than half of eleven subjects have risen, including Medicine, Education, Law, Arts and Humanities. In addition to the Faculty of Education, which is ranked 5th in the world, the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Law are also ranked high at 13th and 24th respectively. HKU was also ranked 1st place in Hong Kong and 2nd in Asia in the previously announced QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2023, with the highest score in Asia for the indicator of Equality.

Professor Yim added: “These ranking achievements demonstrate the international recognition of HKU’s excellence in teaching, learning and research. We will continue our efforts to invest resources and funds in our academic facilities, teaching and research. For instance, we have a series of projects currently under construction including the Tech Landmark to foster interdisciplinary research in Science and Engineering, a smart and sustainable new campus at Pokfield Road, and multiple student residential halls. They will further enhance the learning environment and facilities for our students when completed.”

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

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications and Public Affairs Office
Ms Melanie Wan (Tel: 2859 2600 / Email: melwkwan@hku.hk)
Ms Jaymee Ng (Tel: 3910 3612 / Email: ngjaymee@hku.hk)
Mr Kenneth Choi (Tel: 2859 2607 / Email: khkchoi@hku.hk)