On July 15, 2026 (Wednesday), the results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination will be released. Candidates will receive their result notifications. Day school candidates should return to their respective schools on the results release day to collect their Results Notices. For private candidates, the Results Notices will be delivered by post; alternatively, they can log in to the HKDSE Online Services website starting from 7:00 AM on July 15 to view their results. Additionally, the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) will send out results via SMS starting from 9:00 AM on July 15 to all candidates who have provided their mobile phone numbers to HKEAA.
Prioritise Interest and Capability Over Trends When Choosing a Major
Candidates who achieve a "332A" result (representing attainment levels in Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics Compulsory Part, and Citizenship and Social Development) along with Level 3 in two elective subjects should have a high chance of being admitted to a university in Hong Kong. The only concern is whether that institution or major subject aligns with the student's ideal choice. Based on advice from various education experts, students should prioritise areas where they possess both personal interest and capability. The next viable options are areas where they have interest but insufficient capability, or where they possess capability but currently have insufficient interest, because both skills and passion can often be nurtured over time. The least desirable approach is to choose a subject where both capability and interest are lacking.
Parents and students should avoid selecting a major simply because it is a current trend. A university lecturer shared a case in which parents pressured their child to enrol in an AI-related program simply because "AI is a hot trend." However, the student lacked both interest and ability in studying AI subjects and, as a result, obtained poor grades. Fortunately, he eventually transferred to another discipline that matched his interests and capabilities. Consequently, he regained his confidence in his studies.
Prepare Comprehensive Back-up Plans: "All Roads Lead to Rome"
Students are advised to have comprehensive back-up plans in place ahead of the results release day. These include researching higher education guidebooks, familiarising themselves with the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) modification procedures, and looking into the application and enrolment processes for bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and higher diplomas at various tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. Furthermore, they should prepare all necessary documents for these applications—including hard copies and digital versions of academic transcripts, school reports, and extracurricular activity certificates—as well as electronic or cash payment methods, relevant application websites, campus addresses, and a laptop. This ensures they are fully equipped to either advance or pivot their plans smoothly.
Please note that the final application deadline for E-APP (the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes) is July 6, 2026, while the application deadline for the Diploma of Applied Education is July 13, 2026. Following the announcement of the HKDSE results, all applicants can modify their JUPAS programme choices. Each applicant will be allocated a 48-hour time slot to update their selections between July 16 and July 18, 2026.
In addition, various tertiary institutions in Hong Kong offer both online and on-site applications. When making their choices, students should pay attention to how the qualifications are presented on the graduation diploma (specifically, the name of the awarding institution). They should also explore the pathways to further studies, such as articulating into bachelor's or master's degree programmes at the same institution, as effective planning can lead to a wider range of options. Parents should pay attention to the above information and support their children in the application process.
Day school candidates may also enquire about the mechanism for repeating the DSE, either at their current school or at other secondary schools. Furthermore, those considering studying abroad should research the relevant application procedures. For students intending to switch academic pathways or attempt different examination systems, the period prior to the results release is an ideal time to do some groundwork. Investigating which examination system offers the best chance of success can help candidates make the right choice for their future, keeping in mind the ethos that "all roads lead to Rome." Parents are advised not to put too much pressure on their children and should leave them to make the final decision.
During a recent university information day, some students asked about transferring universities after admission. In fact, students studying at non-UGC institutions can try applying to UGC-funded institutions using their excellent academic results, a route that has seen numerous documented success stories.
Get Yourself Well-Prepared with the Dedicated Webpage for S6 Students
No matter how your children's HKDSE results turn out, keep their passion alive and encourage them to continue working hard, and they will steadily approach their ultimate goals. Parents and students can visit the Education Bureau's Designated Webpage for Secondary 6 students to access more information and watch motivational videos designed to cheer them on. These resources can help students relieve pressure and prepare themselves mentally for the important moment of the results release.
URL: https://s6.edb.edcity.hk/en/index.php