As Hong Kong continues to develop as an international education hub, the cap on non-local student admissions has been raised to 50%. With enhanced support including scholarships, internships, work experience and opportunities for graduates to remain in Hong Kong for employment, studying in Hong Kong is becoming an increasingly attractive and clearly structured pathway—from university applications and undergraduate study to post-graduation development.

While these policy changes offer students more options, the most suitable route will vary according to each student’s status and aspirations. Identifying a clear direction at an early stage can help students make informed choices about subjects, examination preparation and personal development.Once a pathway has been established, students must also remain focused on learning itself. At YWIES Tongxiang, the HKDSE curriculum is aligned with students’ future study plans. The school provides appropriate guidance and support while helping students develop a genuine understanding of subject knowledge and effective learning strategies. Through planning, reflection and adjustment, students are encouraged to make continuous progress.

This time, we speak to Cici, an HKDSE 2 student, about her learning journey and growth at YWIES Tongxiang. 

Student Story:

Adjusting to HKDSE and Finding Her Own Rhythm

When Cici first started studying for the HKDSE, she found it difficult to adapt to her new learning environment.“I found it challenging to communicate with many of the foreign teachers at school because of the changed language environment, so I was initially reluctant to speak up. I also had to plan my revision independently, and all the subjects used Traditional Chinese characters, which meant reading took longer,” Cici explains. “But now, I can manage my time effectively, prioritise tasks, organise my own revision and take responsibility for my learning outcomes. I no longer rely on others to remind me what to do.”

During the second term of HKDSE 1, Cici chose to study Accounting based on her interests and future plans. Faced with a completely new subject, she did not feel anxious like before. Instead, she began by organising the subject knowledge, developing an understanding of accounting concepts and problem-solving processes. With guidance from her teacher, she gradually found a learning approach that suited her.

Personalised Support: From “Getting the Answer” to “Understanding the Method”

As both Cici’s Homeroom Teacher and Accounting Subject Teacher, Ms. Isabella used weekly co-curricular time to provide individualised support. She helped Cici identify key concepts, analyse problem-solving methods and address questions promptly.

Rather than simply providing the answers, Ms. Isabella guided Cici to understand the connections between different concepts and gradually build a clear subject framework. This support not only helped Cici resolve specific questions but also enabled her to develop effective analytical and problem-solving skills.

Peer Support: Broadening Perspectives Through Discussion

Outside the classroom, Ms. Isabella encourages students to learn from one another. She invited Alex, who performs strongly in Accounting, to act as a “peer tutor” and study with Cici.

By discussing questions, explaining approaches and sharing strategies, Cici was able to understand the subject from different perspectives. Peer discussion made learning more focused and natural. At the same time, explaining concepts to someone else helped Alex reinforce his own understanding.

Taking the Initiative: Developing Her Own Learning Strategies

Cici now plans her study time according to her own needs, identifies areas that require further consolidation and asks her teachers for help when necessary. In a recent Accounting class test, she achieved the highest score in the class.This was not only a short-term academic achievement, but also evidence that, through continuous adjustment and practice, Cici had found a learning rhythm that worked for her.

Beyond academics, Cici has also taken part in a school performance and stood for election to the Students’ Union. By actively exploring new opportunities outside the classroom, she is developing her communication, collaboration and organisational skills.

From starting Accounting with no prior experience to achieving the highest score in a class test, Cici’s growth is reflected not only in her academic results, but also in her ability to adapt to the curriculum, refine her learning methods, seek support proactively and engage in school life.

YWIES Tongxiang:

Providing Consistent and 

Practical HKDSE Support

Every student has a different foundation, set of interests and pace of development. Through continuous and attentive academic support, YWIES Tongxiang helps students clarify their goals, develop effective strategies and gradually find an HKDSE pathway that suits them.

Emphasising Understanding and Application to Strengthen Subject Competence

Lessons go beyond the delivery of knowledge. Greater emphasis is placed on making connections between concepts and applying knowledge in different contexts. Through classroom discussion, contextualised exercises, problem analysis and review of mistakes, students are guided from understanding knowledge to applying it effectively.

Providing Personalised Support Based on Students’ Needs

According to each student’s academic foundation and development needs, the school provides differentiated support, guidance on learning strategies and peer-learning opportunities.Students who require additional support focus on building a strong knowledge base. Those who wish to progress further are encouraged to strengthen their abilities through appropriately challenging tasks and extension work.

Developing Independent Learning Habits

The HKDSE is a long-term process. Students need to gradually learn how to plan and manage their own learning. Teachers support students in setting goals, reviewing mistakes, evaluating their progress and making timely adjustments.When students are clear about what they need to learn, where their difficulties lie and what they should do next, learning can move from passive completion to active development.

Connecting Subject Choices with Future Study Plans

Based on students’ academic performance, interests and future aspirations, the school provides subject-choice advice, higher education talks and application guidance. Students are helped to understand the admission requirements of universities and degree programmes in different regions.Subject choices should not be based solely on which subjects appear easiest to score highly in. Students should also consider their interests, abilities, target degree programmes and future study destinations. Establishing the connection between subject choices and future plans at an early stage can also help students prioritise their learning more effectively.

Discovering Strengths and Building Confidence Through School Life

In addition to academic learning, the school values students’ development in communication, collaboration, organisation and community engagement. School events, performances, clubs and student organisations provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities, gain a better understanding of themselves and grow through experience.Academic learning and participation in school life complement one another, helping students broaden their horizons, build confidence and prepare for university life.

Preparing for the Future

at a Pace 

That Suits Each Student

Policy developments are creating more opportunities, but genuine growth always takes place through daily learning, reflection, practice and adjustment.At YWIES Tongxiang, students are supported in developing effective learning strategies through their HKDSE studies, discovering their interests through school life and building confidence through continuous practice. By considering their individual circumstances and aspirations, they can gradually identify a higher education pathway that suits them.

As opportunities for studying in Hong Kong continue to grow, students should take action at an early stage, build their experience consistently and create more possibilities for the future based on a clear understanding of available routes and requirements.

Key Dates for the 2027 JUPAS

For Hong Kong students planning to apply to Hong Kong universities through JUPAS—the Joint University Programmes Admissions System—familiarising themselves with the key dates in advance can make the preparation process more manageable.According to the currently published schedule for the 2027 JUPAS cycle, students and parents should note the following dates:

Date                                                 Key JUPAS activity

Higher education planning does not begin only after examination results are released. It is an ongoing process covering subject choices, academic preparation and personal development.

During this period, students can also:

Learn about the admission requirements of different universities and degree programmes

Choose HKDSE subjects carefully according to their interests, strengths and future plans

Organise information about competitions, activities, service and leadership experience

Record academic achievements and personal growth to build a strong profile over time

Follow official JUPAS updates regularly to stay informed of the latest application information

Book Your School Tour

To learn more about the HKDSE curriculum, admissions arrangements and higher education planning at YWIES Tongxiang, scan the QR code below or contact the Admissions Office. Begin your journey towards studying at a Hong Kong university with us.