Exploring the Path to Hong Kong Universities
This offer season, our students have demonstrated remarkable diversity in their academic interests and goals. Among the many outstanding offers, Hong Kong universities have once again emerged as a popular choice. As of now, we have received 13 offers from top Hong Kong universities, including 2 from the University of Hong Kong (QS #17), 1 from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (QS #36), 8 from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (QS #47), 1 from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (QS #57), and 1 from the City University of Hong Kong (QS #62).
To explore why Hong Kong universities are so appealing, we spoke with Mr Mark Coyle, our Head of Counselling, who recently attended an academy at HKU and met with their admissions officers and professors. Additionally, we interviewed Kevin Y, who received offers from both HKU and Imperial College London, and Julia C, who was accepted into the Chinese Medicine programme at both CUHK and HKU. Their insights offer valuable guidance for students and parents considering Hong Kong universities.
#From the Counsellor’s Perspective
Mr Coyle highlighted the strong appeal of Hong Kong universities due to their academic reputation, interdisciplinary opportunities, and global connections. He noted, “Institutions like HKU and CUHK have strong partnerships with world-class universities such as Cambridge and Berkeley, offering students unparalleled opportunities for postgraduate studies and career development.”
With increasing applications, admissions of Hong Kong universities have become more competitive. Mr Coyle explained, “Outstanding grades are the foundation, but interviews are becoming increasingly critical. Students must demonstrate collaboration, critical thinking, and resilience.” He also mentioned that HKU’s Innovation Department specifically assesses how students learn from failure, raising the bar for applicants.
To help students stand out in their applications, our school provides comprehensive support, including mock interviews and personalised feedback. Additionally, our students enhance their profiles by participating in various competitions, EPQ projects, and internships, showcasing their well-rounded abilities. These activities add significant value to their applications. Mr Coyle also emphasised that Hong Kong universities’ interdisciplinary programmes are highly flexible, making them particularly suitable for students who wish to explore diverse interests before deciding on a specialisation.
#From the Students’ Perspective
Kevin Y received offers from the University of Hong Kong for Medical Biosciences and Imperial College London for Biomedical Science. His passion for biology began in childhood, when he spent summers catching and observing insects. This curiosity deepened during an internship at a cell technology company in Nanjing, where he worked on CAR T-cell therapy. Kevin shared, “We genetically modified immune cells to enhance their ability to fight cancer. That’s when I realised I could use knowledge to save lives.”
Kevin expressed gratitude for his counsellor’s guidance in writing his personal statement and managing application portals. His advice to lower school students: “Trust yourself and stay consistent with your studies. Revising regularly and believing in the process are key.”
Julia C received offers for the Chinese Medicine programme from both CUHK and HKU. Her passion for the field stems from personal experience. “My mother recovered from illness through traditional Chinese medicine, which inspired my respect for this field,” she said. Her interest deepened after reading Huang Di Nei Jing, where she realised that Chinese medicine is not only about curing diseases but also about maintaining a balanced life.
As a relatively niche and highly competitive field, applying for Chinese Medicine was challenging. However, with the help of our alumni network, Julia connected with a CUHK student who introduced her to a senior studying Chinese Medicine. “The senior shared valuable details about the written tests and interviews, which were incredibly helpful,” Julia said. The support from alumni is a vital part of our school’s university counselling services, opening up broader horizons and opportunities for students.
Reflecting on her journey, Julia encouraged students to follow their passions: “Don’t be discouraged if your choice isn’t widely understood. Every profession has its unique value.”
Through conversations with Mr Coyle, Kevin and Julia, we gained valuable insights into the rich opportunities offered by Hong Kong universities. From the flexibility of interdisciplinary programmes to the depth of specialised fields like Chinese Medicine, these stories showcase the diverse paths available to students. We hope their experiences and perspectives inspire students and parents to explore and pursue academic journeys that align with their goals.
