Every year, as the course selection season approaches, especially during the transition from Form 3 to Form 4, many parents consult us about their children's subject choices. Most believe that choosing science subjects allows their children a broader range of options in university, based on the rationale that many university programs require science-related subjects in public examinations for consideration. Parents even firmly believe that science students will have better career prospects than humanities students. However, due to the policies of different schools, some determine the order of subject selection based on students' grades, and certain subjects are not allowed to be taken simultaneously; some schools also do not offer specific subjects. As a result, we often encounter students who are unable to select their desired subjects seeking our advice on solutions or suitable pathways for further education.
Is Choosing Science Really a Major Trend?
According to statistics released by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority for the 2025 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) candidates [1], 15,691 students registered for Biology, 15,487 for Chemistry, and 12,654 for Physics; in contrast, only 5,763 registered for History, 8,535 for Geography, and 6,807 for Chinese History. This indicates that most students lean towards a series of science subjects. However, in recent years, we have gradually observed that some students are choosing a mix of humanities and sciences, even combining arts and business subjects, to enhance their public examination results and expand their options for university programs later.
Do 95% of "Prestigious Courses" Require a Science Background?
We previously mentioned that so-called "prestigious courses" refer to those with higher admission scores and thresholds, which have limited enrollment numbers; however, graduates enjoy good job prospects and relatively favorable salaries. These include: Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Optometry, Radiotherapy, Law, Nursing, Chiropractic, and Podiatry.
For example, most universities in Hong Kong list "no mandatory subject requirements," only indicating subjects with higher weightings, including Biology and Physics. While they appear to welcome any students to apply, universities are particularly rigorous in assessing these high-threshold, low-enrollment programs; thus, having excellent science grades, especially in Biology or Physics, significantly enhances an applicant's competitiveness.
Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong [2]
- Requires studying science subjects, specifically Biology and Chemistry, and preferably Mathematics Extension (M1/M2).
Medicine at The University of Hong Kong [3]
- In addition to achieving specified grades in four core subjects, Chemistry or one of the combined science subjects must reach level 3 or above.
Physiotherapy at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University [4]
- Although there are no mandatory science subjects, excellent grades in Biology or Physics will increase admission chances. During JUPAS admissions, the Polytechnic University considers candidates' scores in various subjects, including Biology and Physics. Applicants with outstanding science grades will be prioritized.
Radiography at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University [5]
- Students need a solid science foundation; admission requirements usually include relevant science subjects like Biology or Physics. This course requires students to learn anatomy, physiology, and radiological physics, laying a solid foundation for the radiotherapy profession.
How Can Humanities Students Connect with Medical Fields?
Path 1: Consider Universities with No Mandatory Subject Requirements
Some Australian universities offering medical-related programs do not have mandatory subject requirements, meaning students who meet the HKDSE score and English requirements are guaranteed admission. One such university is the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, which offers a comprehensive range of degree programs, including business management, engineering, law, education, humanities, social sciences, and a series of specialized subjects in medicine, health sciences, and nursing, without requiring a science background, providing humanities students an opportunity to "change tracks"!
Path 2: Complete University-Recognized Science Courses
Generally, medical health science degrees require Biology, and humanities students can take short-term science courses recognized by Australian universities to fill this gap. One popular course among students is Monash University's Human Biology Short Course, an 8-week online course widely recognized by Australian universities. Completing it and meeting the standards will satisfy university requirements.
Path 3: Enroll in University Pathway Programs
University pathway programs include foundation and diploma courses lasting 8 months to 1 year, conducted on university campuses with small class sizes, allowing students to use university facilities. Successfully completing the course and achieving specified grades ensures progression to the first or second year of the connected university. Pathway programs help enhance students' English and academic abilities, significantly benefiting those lacking a science background.
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. Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority - Registration Statistics of 2025 HKDSE
https://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/tc/media/facts/facts.html
2. Medicine @ The Chinese University of Hong Kong
https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/tc/programme/medun-medun-gps/
3. Medicine @ The University of Hong Kong
4. Physiotherapy @ The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
5. Radiography @ The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/jupas/2025/js3612
6. The University of Newcastle, Australia – Undergraduate
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/study/undergraduate
7. Monash University - Human Biology Short Course