[HKDSE Cheer Up Videos – Exam Preparation] 2024

The 2024 HKDSE written examination will start on 9 April. The Curriculum Development Institute of the Education Bureau produced for all Secondary 6 students “HKDSE Cheer Up Videos – Exam Preparation” (2024) videos which include five 30-second short videos and a compilation of the above videos.  Through sharing by guests, students are encouraged to embrace challenges with positive attitude, and positive and caring social atmosphere is created.   >>Click here to view the five cheer up videos and the HKDSE instant messaging stickers

[Study] Information on Non-JUPAS Applications

Apart from getting a place into universities through JUPAS, students may consider applying post-secondary programmes not covered by JUPAS. Here are some information about non-JUPAS applications, including programme duration, tuition fees, academic accreditation, professional recognition of a programme and career pathways. Students are advised to access: 1.  The Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (CSPE)2.  The Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (IPASS) For application details for full-time accredited sub-degree and bachelor degree courses outside of JUPAS, please refer to “2023 Application Information and Admission Arrangement for Full-time Locally-accredited Sub-degree and Undergraduate Programmes NOT Covered under JUPAS”. For more information, please contact the corresponding institutions directly. The corresponding institutions are listed below:  Caritas Bianchi College of Careers Caritas Institute of Higher Education Hong Kong Chu Hai College UOW College Hong Kong City University of Hong Kong – School of Continuing and Professional Education Gratia Christian College HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) HKU SPACE Community College HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College Hong Kong Art School (a division of Hong Kong Arts Centre) Hong Kong Baptist University - Academy of Film Hong Kong Baptist University – College of International Education Hong Kong Baptist University – School of Continuing Education Hong Kong College of Technology HKCT Institute of Higher Education Hong Kong Institute of Technology Hong Kong Nang Yan College of Higher Education Hong Kong Shue Yan University Lingnan University Lingnan University – Lingnan Institute of Further Education The Chinese University of Hong Kong - School of Continuing and Professional Studies The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong The Education University of Hong Kong The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Hong Kong Community College The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Hong Kong Metropolitan University Hong Kong Metropolitan University – Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education Tung Wah College UOW College Hong Kong Vocational Training Council Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education YMCA College of Careers Hong Kong Adventist College Note: The information above is for general reference purpose.  For details, please contact individual institutions direct.  There is a lot of information regarding non-JUPAS admissions. Gather your information in advance and plan ahead.   Sources: Education Bureau - Life Planning Information Website Education Bureau - The Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education

[Preparation] Helpful Tips for the Big Day

As the DSE results will soon be released, you might feel excited for turning a new page in life, but it is also natural for you to feel nervous about the road ahead.  Therefore, the editorial team has gathered some information regarding future planning for your better preparation. You may learn about the strategies for modifying your programme choices on JUPAS as well as planning your future with reference from the below resources. 1. Reprioritising of Programme Choices under JUPAS2. 出路指南2023 (Chinese version only) If you would like to search for a future pathway that matches your personal attributes, you can participate in psychological tests such as《型格人》*(Chinese version only). This test help to better understand yourself and to learn about your suitable academic programmes or career paths. Like other psychological tests, the assessment results are for your reference only, and the final decision remains in your hands. *The test is provided by Hang Seng – St. James’ Settlement "I am..." Youth Portal     Sources:Hang Seng – St. James’ Settlement "I am..." Youth Portal (Chinese version only)Hok Yau Club (Chinese version only)

[Preparation] Reprioritising of Programme Choices under JUPAS

As the saying goes, “Opportunity is open to those well prepared for it”. The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) results will be released soon, have you prepared yourself for the multiple possibilities of your study path? FOUR Principles for Reprioritising of Programme Choices under Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) Students have the opportunity of reprioritising their programme choices under JUPAS after the announcement of the HKDSE results. We have extracted some necessary tips for your preparation in reprioritising your programme choices and choosing post-secondary programmes. The principles are: Understand your interests, abilities and career aspirations. Interest should be the most important factor affecting your choice. Think carefully about which programmes you really like and the planning after graduation. It is a precious time to study undergraduate programmes which last for four years. Your university life will not be happy if you study in a programme you have no interest at all. Refer to the past records of admission qualification of your preferred programmes. You may refer to the past records of admission qualification of the programmes you prefer and pay attention to the number of intakes of each programme. Check whether you will be able to meet the programme entrance requirements of individual universities; list the programme in Band A if you are given a “conditional offer” or “bonus points”. If you are interested in certain professional subjects, you may consider the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). In 2023/24 academic year, 47 degree courses are included, namely Health Care, Architecture and Engineering, Testing and Certification, Creative Industry, Logistics, Tourism and Hospitality, Computer Science, Financial Technology, Insurance, and Sports and Recreation. You may apply via JUPAS. You should consider your own interests and abilities when choosing a suitable programme. For more, please visit “Principles for Reprioritising of Programme Choices under Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) and Tips for Choosing Post-secondary Programmes not covered by JUPAS” (Page 12) of the  “Careers Guidance Handbook for Secondary School Graduates 2022” published by the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters.   Source:Education Bureau - Life Planning Information Website

[Career] Advice on Finding and Adapting to a Job

Feeling anxious about your first job hunt? Don’t worry! From CV writing to job searching, we have compiled a list of resources to solve your problems! 1. Job Hunting Briefcase       - Choose your career   - Job Application   - Application letter & CV template   - Interview   - Questions frequently asked during the interview   - Interview follow-up and evaluation   - Beware of employment traps 2. Youth.gov.hk – Job Seeking      - Methods of job seeking   - Points to note when applying for jobs   - Employment traps   - Job interview strategies Lastly, after being employed, you may feel puzzled about your new job. Don’t worry. Remember the following points and complete your job assignments step by step, then you will be able to adapt to the new environment quickly. 1. Be friendly and modest: be sincere, friendly and modest. 2. Create nice impression: be punctual; act and dress properly to create a good impression. 3. Concentrate on your work: Remember to finish your job in time. 4. Approach your boss or colleague for guidance: When you encounter any difficulties or have doubts about your job, try to work out the solution by yourself first. In case you have no idea how to solve them, seek for assistance from your boss or colleagues politely. 5. Maintain good relationship: Good communication is built up by more listening, less speaking. Visit A Guide to Job Hunting (Labour Department) for more details.   Sources:Labour Department - Interactive Employment Service Labour Department - Youth Employment Start  

DSE2023 Student Support Kit

To help you prepare for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) Results Release Day, we have consolidated useful DSE-related information into this "DSE2023 Student Support Kit" so as to assist you in realising academic and career aspirations through various feasible pathways. The "Student Support Kit" will be constantly updated to include latest information. 1. Preparation before DSE Results Release 2. Study Series 3. Career Series 4. Subsidy Series - [Preparation] Helpful Tips for the Big Day - [Preparation] We Support You! - [Preparation] Reprioritising of Programme Choices under JUPAS     - [Study] Flexible Admissions Arrangement for JUPAS Candidates - [Study] JUPAS Participating-institutions' Admission Requirements - [Study] Information on Non-JUPAS Applications - [Study] Study in the Mainland and Overseas - [Study] Instructions to Repeaters & Private Candidates - [Study] How to Prepare for Your Interview?   - [Career] Ways to Get Employed - [Career] Advice on Finding and Adapting to a Job - [Career] On-the-job Training  - [Subsidy] Subsidy Schemes for Local Studies - [Subsidy] Any subsidy for Studying in the Mainland?  

[Preparation] We Support You!

Everyone experiences stress differently over exam results on the DSE result release day. Unrelieved stress may trigger various physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses. Beware of these stress signals in order to manage your stress as early as possible. The more stress signals you have, the greater your need for professional help and counselling is. If you find yourself in need of career guidance and emotional counselling, you may wish to talk to someone you trust. The counsellors from many social welfare organizations are ready to listen to your needs and they will provide you with useful information, supports and guidance. The Shall We Talk initiative, which is jointly organised by the Advisory Committee on Mental Health and the Department of Health, delivers a series of information for students including HKDSE mental health information, mental well-being and mental distress. Some organisations that provide emergency helplines and local mental health online support services are also listed on the dedicated website. In addition to the above information, the Education Bureau has also collated the counselling services organisations into a “Community Resources and Helplines” list, in which counselling services that are suitable for DSE candidates are selected below. The counselling services are offered through various channels, you can simply click on the links to contact the organisations directly.  1. Jockey Club Online Youth Emotional Support - Open Up (Chinese and English) Website: https://www.openup.hk/index.htm?lang=en Facebook / Instagram / WeChat: hkopenup SMS: 9101 2012 Service Hours: 24-hour online counselling service 2. The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong (Chinese and English) Website: https://www.sbhk.org.hk/index.php?lang=en Phone Number: 2389 2222 (Chinese) Service Hours: 24-hour Phone Number: 2389 2223 (English) Service Hours: Monday to Friday (6:30 pm to 10 pm, except public holidays)  “Chatpoint” Web Engagement Service  (Chinese only) Website: https://chatpoint.org.hk/#/home Service Hours: Monday to Friday (4 pm to 1 am next day) Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays (8 pm to 1 am next day) 3. Jockey Club Cyber Youth Outreach Service - Caritas Infinity Teens (Cantonese, Putonghua, English) Website : http://it.caritas.org.hk/  (Chinese only) Phone Number: 2339 3759 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/caritas.infinityteens WhatsApp: 9377 3666 Telegram: https://t.me/Caritasinfinityteens Email: [email protected] Service hours of the online counselling services: Monday and Tuesday (10 am to 6 pm); Wednesday and Thursday (2 pm to 10 pm); Friday and Saturday (6 pm to 2 am next day); Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays The above information is for reference only. Updated information will be subjected to the announcement of individual organisations. If information from other organisations is needed, please contact the school social workers, counsellors, etc.   Sources:Education Bureau - Life Planning Information WebsiteThe Shall We Talk initiative The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong Jockey Club Online Youth Emotional Support - Open UpJockey Club Cyber Youth Outreach Service - Caritas Infinity Teens (Chinese version only)

[Study] Flexible Admissions Arrangement for JUPAS Candidates

Many universities has been introducing a more flexible admissions arrangement so that HKDSE candidates who perform below par in one subject will still have an opportunity for further studies. More details please visit the official website of the universities: Flexible Admissions Arrangement of the University of Hong Kong Flexible Admissions Arrangement of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology  Flexible Admissions Arrangement of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Flexible Admissions Arrangement of the City University of Hong Kong  Flexible Admissions Arrangement of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University   Candidates may refers to Flexible Admissions Arrangement for JUPAS Candidates (Chinese only) by Hok Yau Club as well.    Sources: Official website of universities Hok Yau Club (Chinese version only) (The latest announcement by the official website of the universities shall prevail.)  

[Study] Instructions to Repeaters & Private Candidates

If you are one of the students considering retaking the HKDSE, be reminded not only it is important to find the ways to boost your academic results, but also to evaluate your decision strategically. Candidates should also pay attention to crucial information such as entry qualifications and application timeline in order to plan ahead for your repeating year. 01 | Three Variables With reference to Hok Yau Club’s article, "3 Major Considerations for Retaking DSE" (Chinese version only), three key variables are extracted below which would help the repeaters to make informed decisions. For details, please refer to the relevant website: -    Evaluate your past experience of preparing for the DSE-    Align your interests and/or aspirations with your decision of repeating DSE-    Choose a suitable method to retake (e.g. repeating DSE at the same or at another school, or being a private candidate) 02 | Entry Qualifications for Private Candidates A person may enter for the 2024 DSE as a private candidate provided he/she has satisfied the requirements set out at (a) or (b) or (c) below: (a)    The person has sat the previous HKDSE or an equivalent examination, or(b)    The person has reached the age of 19 by 1 January of the year of the Examination, or(c)    The person has completed or is currently pursuing a non-HKDSE curriculum equivalent to Secondary 6 as determined by the HKEAA in the year preceding the Examination. The Authority may consider applications from persons possessing other qualifications or pleading special circumstances.  Persons who have sat other public examinations are expected to demonstrate a suitable level of competence in the same subject(s) entered for the Examination and may be required to provide supporting documents from their schools (if applicable).  Persons who are currently pursuing an HKDSE curriculum will not normally be considered for special entry to the Examination. Exceptional cases may be considered on a case-by-case basis (please refer to the website for any updates).  03 | Instructions to Applicants Students can submit their applications through the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) Online Services. For the registration details, please refer to Registration for Category C (Other Languages) Subjects Instructions to Applicants (Private Candidates). 04 | Repeat Secondary 6 If you would like to repeat Secondary 6 at other schools, you may refer to the Life Planning website of the Education Bureau for the list of “Schools admitting HKDSE S6 repeaters from the other schools”. Also,repeaters and private candidates attending designated evening secondary courses are eligible to apply for a variety of subsidy schemes provided by the Government, such as “Extended Non-Means-Tested Loan Scheme” and “Financial Assistance Scheme for Designated Evening Adult Education Courses”. Please refer to another story of the DSE Student Support Kit, “Subsidy Schemes for Local Studies” for details. Sources: Hok Yau Club (Chinese version only) Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment AuthorityLife Planning Website of the Education Bureau

[Study] JUPAS Participating-institutions' Admission Requirements

Are you ready for the coming JUPAS results release? Information about JUPAS, like Important Notices, Useful Materials, as well as Admission Requirements of JUPAS Participating-institutions can be found from the JUPAS section of the "Designated Webpage for Secondary 6 Students" prepared by the Education Bureau.   Source: Education Bureau - "Designated Webpage for Secondary 6 Students"

Plan for future pathways, Seize the opportunities

The results of the 2022 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination will be released on 20 July. This is a new chapter in life for S6 students. The Curriculum Development Institute of the Education Bureau continues to give encouragement to the candidates before and after the HKDSE Exam results release. “All roads lead to Rome.” Students shall never give up to achieve success through various channels, be proactive in exploring feasible pathways and plan ahead to realise their aspirations according to their interests, abilities and orientations. To support S6 students in preparing for the HKDSE Examination results release day, “Three useful tools for the release of the HKDSE Examination results”, namely e-Navigator, Further Studies and Career Map, and Compass@HKDSE are available on the Designated Webpage for S6 Students to provide students with timely and essential information about multiple pathways and various supporting services.   Information Source: Education Bureau

Continuing Education

Continuing Education Fund If you want to better equip yourself but also seek some form of financial assistance, you might consider the Continuing Education Fund (CEF).  It subsidises adult learners who enrol in the reimbursable education and training courses. Eligible applicants may submit an unlimited number of claims for reimbursement of course fees on successful completion of CEF reimbursable courses up to a maximum sum of HK$25,000.  The co-payment ratios by learners (i.e. the percentage of course fee to be borne by learners) for the first HK$10,000 subsidy is 20% of the course fee and that for the remaining HK$15,000 subsidy is 40% of the course fee. Vocational Training Council part-time courses The Government, through collaboration with different educational institutions, offers courses designed for different levels of people. The Vocational Training Council part-time courses offer various types of courses from certificates to higher diplomas for young people and working adults with different academic background and educational attainment. Most Higher Diploma courses are designed with multiple entry and exit points. You can plan your study schedule in accordance with your circumstances and needs. Continuing education courses In addition, other institutions and professional bodies also offer continuing education courses, giving you even more choices. Using the search engine, you can plan your learning according to your interested area of study, college, institution or tuition fee. Diploma of Applied Education Programme The Government has introduced the Diploma of Applied Education Programme in the 2023/24 academic year to provide an alternative pathway for secondary 6 school leavers as well as adult learners to obtain a formal qualification for the purposes of employment and further study. Non-local Higher and Professional Education Courses If you are considering courses offered by institutions outside Hong Kong, you have to visit the one-stop information hub for Non-local Higher and Professional Education Courses. It has a comprehensive list of programmes, frequently asked questions, and other useful tips.

Secondary Education

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)  The New Academic Structure (NAS) implemented in September 2009. Under NAS, all students are expected to complete three years of junior secondary education followed by three years of senior secondary education. Upon completion of this six-year secondary education, students will take the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), which aims to measure the attainment of students. The HKDSE was administered for the first time in 2012. Most of the candidates are presented by schools. Sub-degree Programmes  Sub-degree programmes (including Higher Diploma and Associate Degree programmes) are independent and valuable qualifications preparing students for employment in associate professional and management positions at entry level, or for articulation to top-up degree programmes. iPASS  You may browse Education Bureau’s website for more information on accredited self-financing post-secondary courses at iPASS. Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority publications  As a student, you have to face issues on your education path and career matters as well as the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE). Reference books are your essential tools to prepare for the examination. Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority publications should be useful to you. There are subject examination reports and question papers covering various aspects of the examination, including the objectives, content and format of the examination, question papers, marking schemes, and examiners' comments on candidates' performance in the examination. You can order your copy online. Career Guidance  Life Planning Information Website of the Education Bureau aims to provide students, teachers, parents and the public with required information of life planning education and careers information handily. Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) You can apply through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) for admission to bachelor’s degree programmes and selected associate degree / higher diploma programmes offered by its participating institutions. All applications will be submitted online and it is easy to get yourself acquainted with the application procedures. Full-time self-financing post-secondary programmes  Besides University Grants Committee (UGC) funded institutions, there are many full-time self-financing post-secondary programmes available. These full-time self-financing post-secondary programmes at sub-degree levels (Associate Degree or Higher Diploma) or above, all meet the Government's quality requirements and are run by different education institutions.  

Vocational Training

Vocational Training Council For your future career development, you have to equip yourself with professional knowledge and skills. The Vocational Training Council (VTC) was established under the Vocational Training Council Ordinance to provide programmes from certificate level to higher diploma to suit the needs of people with different educational backgrounds. Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education  Operated by the VTC, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the School of Business and Information Systems (SBI) and the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) offer full-time and part-time courses covering nine disciplines for students of  secondary 6 and secondary 3 as well as for working adults. More different types of courses are also provided by other institutions and centres of the VTC. You will be able to find courses that suit your needs and interests for career development. Employees Retraining Board  The “Vocational Development Programme” of the VTC’s Youth College is funded by the Employees Retraining Board's “Youth Training Programme” and is suitable for the non-engaged youth aged 15 to 24 with education attainment at secondary education level or below. The programme consists of “Teen's Programme”, “Modern Apprenticeship Scheme” and “Ethnic Minority Programme”, which offer these youth with various interesting vocational training courses and help them set up a clear direction on their career path. Training programs for construction or clothing industry If you are interested in the construction or in the clothing industry, the Construction Industry Council and the Clothing Industry Training Authority provide full-time training programmes for young people who wish to pursue a career in the related industries. Part-time programmes are also available for in-service personnel to help improve and enhance their skills. Skills Upgrading Scheme Young people should always continue to improve themselves by keeping up-to-date with new information and skills. This is also the main objective of the Skills Upgrading Scheme. The scheme provides targeted training programmes for post-secondary students and for the basic-level work force, helping them to improve their skills. Through collaboration among employers, employees, training institutions and the Government, the scheme also offers high-quality courses which are widely acknowledged by the industry. Details of the Schemes’ courses are easily accessible on internet.

Examinations

Hong Kong public examinations The study rooms are always full during the months from March till May, when the major public examination, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) takes place. If you have to buy Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA)’s publications, you can easily do it online. Other examinations Apart from the HKCEE and HKALE, the HKEAA also conducts other examinations including Test of Proficiency in Putonghua, Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers and a large number of examinations on behalf of local and overseas examining bodies, which include professional bodies, examination boards, colleges and universities. Relieving stress  To alleviate examination stress, you can do some physical exercises to keep yourself in good shape and to reduce stress. In doing so, your examination results are likely to be improved as well.