Studying "Top Tier" Programs is No Longer a Dream! Decoding How to Successfully Enter "Top Tier" Programs in Australia!
Every parent hopes their children will be successful and pursue professional disciplines that pave the way for their future careers. Therefore, in recent years, whether in newspapers, magazines, educational publications, special reports, or casual conversations, discussions about studying "top tier" programs are everywhere. This leads more parents and students to believe that studying these programs will guarantee a secure and bright future!
What are "Top Tier" Programs?
"Top Tier" programs generally refer to courses with high admission scores and criteria, limited university enrollment quotas, and a relatively small number of students who meet the requirements. Graduates from these programs typically enjoy excellent job prospects and relatively ideal salaries. Currently, the publicly recognized "top tier" programs, in addition to medicine and dentistry, include other courses with good employment prospects and high admission requirements, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, optometry, radiation therapy, law, nursing, chiropractic, and podiatry.
How Fierce is the Competition to Enter "Top Tier" Programs in Hong Kong?
Based on the websites of various universities and JUPAS (Joint University Programmes Admissions System), here is an overview of the application and admission data for several programs [1]:
- HKU Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (Applied Artificial Intelligence)
Admitted: 30 | Applications: 92 | Competition Ratio: 3.1 per place
- HKU Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws (Double Degree)
Admitted: 24 | Applications: 51 | Competition Ratio: 2.1 per place
- HKU Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Admitted: 55 | Applications: 203 | Competition Ratio: 3.7 per place
- HKU Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Admitted: 155 | Applications: 482 | Competition Ratio: 3.1 per place
- CUHK Data Science and Policy Studies
Admitted: 12 | Applications: 46 | Competition Ratio: Approximately 3.8 per place
- CUHK Artificial Intelligence: Systems and Technologies
Admitted: 29 | Applications: 108 | Competition Ratio: Approximately 3.7 per place
- PolyU Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy
Admitted: 150 | Applications: 299 | Competition Ratio: Approximately 5.99 per place
- HKMU (Metropolitan University) Physiotherapy Degree
Admitted: 40 | Applications: 242 | Competition Ratio: Approximately 6.1 per place
- Caritas Institute of Higher Education Physiotherapy Degree
Admitted: 50 | Applications: 251 | Competition Ratio: Approximately 36.4 per place
- Tung Wah College Physiotherapy Degree
Admitted: 50 | Applications: 417 | Competition Ratio: Approximately 8.3 per place
Is it Really Easier to Study "Top Tier" Programs in Australia?
Australian universities highly recognize the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) and generally use the student's best 5-6 subjects as admission criteria (including Chinese and Liberal Studies). Compared to Hong Kong universities, where only individual subjects may have bonus points, Australian universities' admission requirements can be considered more "friendly," giving students a relatively higher chance of entering professional disciplines.
What are the Admission Requirements for "Top Tier" Programs in Australia?
Admission requirements for some popular programs (DSE Best 5 Subjects):
- Health Sciences (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, Veterinary Science, Nursing, Medicine, etc.): 18 to 29 points
- Veterinary Science, Animal Science: 18 to 26 points
- Business: 15 to 23 points
- Engineering: 15 to 21 points
- Information Technology / Computer Science: 14 to 21 points
- Architecture: 16 to 21 points
- Sports Science: 15 to 20 points
Does a Poor HKDSE Result Mean Saying Goodbye to "Top Tier" Programs?
As mentioned earlier, Australia has a high recognition of the HKDSE and greater confidence in Hong Kong's education system. Therefore, if students complete the DSE but their results do not meet the requirements for direct entry into the first year of university, they can consider first studying a pathway program at an Australian university. These programs are taught on university campuses in small classes, and students can also use university facilities. Upon successful completion of the program and achieving the specified grades, they are guaranteed to continue into the first or second year of the affiliated university. Currently, all Australian universities offer pathway programs, and most "top tier" and professional disciplines are available.
What are the Employment Prospects for Studying Top Tier Programs?
- Physiotherapy: Facing the problem of an aging population, the employment prospects for registered physiotherapists are broad. Graduates can work in public or private hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private clinics, special schools, sports centers, community health centers, fitness centers, nursing homes, and occupational health centers, providing professional services to people of all ages in need.
- Occupational Therapy: Hong Kong's healthcare industry has always suffered from a shortage of personnel, and the situation for occupational therapists is even more severe. According to the government's healthcare manpower planning report, Hong Kong will lack approximately 185 occupational therapists by 2030. Graduates can find employment in rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, special schools, vocational training centers, education and training centers, sheltered workshops, halfway houses, social welfare, and medical institutions.
- Information Technology: With society's increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence, FinTech, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, the employment prospects and career paths for graduates are very promising. According to a recent survey report by the Hong Kong Computer Society [2], the industry has always suffered from a talent shortage, and more than 60% of employees receive annual salary increases of over 4%.
If students and parents want to know more about studying abroad, please call 2111 1480 or WhatsApp 5117 4380 to talk with our professional education consultant at Synchro!
References:
1. Joint University Programmes Admissions System
2. Hong Kong Computer Society Announces Results of Hong Kong ICT Industry Employment and Salary Trend Survey