Hong Kong students choosing sub-degree courses are not ‘losers’, but realists

In reality, only about 18 per cent of the Form Six graduates would secure a degree offer, meaning that a vast majority of students would have to decide on whether to further their studies or join the workforce.

But, in fact, they provide students with an alternative route to University Grants Committee or non-UGC degree programmes; as stand-alone qualifications, they equip students with the credentials needed for the job market.

Since the launch of such programmes almost two decades ago, however, there has been growing concern about the extent of recognition of associate degree and higher diploma programmes by employers and tertiary institutes.

As far as I know, all sub-degree programmes have to go through very stringent academic accreditation before they are run, but the prevailing public perception, that these programmes are second-best, remains.

For instance, schoolteachers, though equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed, often have a hard time trying to persuade Form Six students with average results – and their parents – to consider applying for sub-degree programmes, as children don’t want to be labelled “losers”. Many live in denial and would rather choose to retake the HKDSE.