Media
HKU Admits Over Half of Top 1% HKDSE Talents
Leading the Way in Talent Admissions for AI and Innovation Programmes
05 Aug 2026
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is dedicated to fostering whole-person education. This year, through the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination and various admissions schemes, HKU successfully admitted a dynamic cohort of exceptional students with outstanding academic achievements and multifaceted backgrounds. The admissions result of HKU across multiple academic disciplines continue to lead Hong Kong, reinforcing its position as Hong Kong’s premier institution for cultivating future leaders in cutting-edge fields.
Professor Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange, expressed his delight with this year's results: "Our newly admitted students have achieved remarkable results in the HKDSE. We attracted students with the highest overall results in six subjects in the past 10 year, setting a new record. HKU will continue to adopt a holistic and comprehensive student evaluation approach. We actively seek out and admit talented individuals through a wide range of admission schemes, offering them various opportunities to realize their potential. We are dedicated to providing a diverse learning environment and ample resources to support their pursuit of excellence."
Strong Admissions Advantage in Innovation and Technology Programmes
This year, HKU has admitted an impressive group of top students, including 12 “top scorers” (7 with 5** in 7 subjects and 5 with 5** in 6 subjects) (with 1 admitted via the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS). These students will pursue a diverse array of programmes, such as the “Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Distinguished MedScholar)”, “Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery”, “Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws) and Bachelor of Laws”, and “Bachelor of Business Administration (Law) and Bachelor of Laws”. This year, HKU attracted the largest portion of top talents, admitting over half of the top 1% of top talents in the HKDSE, with more than 37 President’s Scholars achieving an average score of 48.6 in their best six subjects (including those with the same scores).
To meet global trends and technological advancements, HKU has introduced several innovative programmes in recent years related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, and engineering. Examples include the “Computing and Data Science (Delta+)” and the “Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Technology,” which have attracted strong interest from high-achieving students. This year, applications for these programmes increased significantly, with over 60% of Hong Kong’s top 10% students in these fields choosing HKU. The total number of admitted students to HKU’s AI and technology-related programmes exceeded 300, all with an average score of 6.2 or above across their best six subjects, ranking highest in Hong Kong, while the “Bachelor of Engineering Elite Programme” has become the top-scoring engineering programme. The admissions scores in HKU’s law, economics, and management programme also maintained their position at the top.
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 115 academically exceptional and versatile students via the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS). These students are enrolled in various programmes related to humanities, business, education, medicine and health, and science.
Four outstanding student-athletes were admitted to HKU via the “Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme” this year. They include Luk Chun Lok (Fencing), admitted to the “Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery”; Arianna Lau (Golf), enrolled in the “Bachelor of Arts” programme; Emily Grace Polson (Sailing) and Lau Kin Hei James (Swimming) set to pursue the “Bachelor of Business Administration” programme. Besides, HKU also admitted 12 outstanding athletes through the long-standing Sports Scholarship Scheme. They will enrol in programmes such as the “Bachelor of Social Sciences”, “Bachelor of Dental Surgery”, “Bachelor of Business Administration (Law) and Bachelor of Laws”, “Bachelor of Arts” and “Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering”, 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 33 local non-Chinese-speaking students, the highest number among the eight funded universities. They enrol in programmes such as the “Bachelor of Nursing”, “Bachelor of Business Administration”, “Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies”, “Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in Language Education - English”, and “Computing and Data Science”, etc. HKU has also extended admission offers to 7 students who have special educational needs. These students, who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, will pursue programmes related to education, 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 37 President’s Scholars, who achieved an average score of nearly 48.6 in their best six subjects. They are admitted to various programmes, including the "Bachelor of Science in Surveying", "Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering", "Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Global Management", "Science Master Class" and "Bachelor of Arts in Global Creative Industries", etc. Each student will receive a scholarship of HK$100,000 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.
|
Subjects / Selection Principles |
HKU Average Admission Scores |
|
Chinese Language |
5.33 |
|
English Language |
5.61 |
|
Mathematics |
6.35 |
|
Best 6 subjects |
36.33 |
|
Best 5 subjects |
32.00 |
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.