Meanwhile, the supply of post-DSE options has increased. Earlier this year, the Legislative Council approved the University Grants Committee’s funding application to maintain roughly the same number of undergraduate places (15,000) over the next three years. But while the supply of government-funded places at the eight universities remains the status quo, overall, students actually have more choices. The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors will subsidise 3,075 places in 44 undergraduate programmes of eight private postsecondary institutions for the cohort to be admitted in the 2022/23 academic year. Compared to the 1,000 places when the scheme was launched in 2015/16, the supply of places has tripled.

Even if you are unable to receive an offer from a degree programme, there is always the option of pursuing a sub-degree programme for two years before transferring to a degree programme. I teach global marketing at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, and many of my year three students are senior year entrants who came from other local institutions that offer sub-degree programmes. When they graduate, they will have the same degree as those who were admitted in year one.

My message to the students who might feel a little disappointed about their DSE results is that there are more opportunities out there than you think. Even if you fall short of the minimum entrance requirement, it may still be worth your while to apply. Universities this year will probably be more willing to adopt a more open-minded admission policy because of the fierce competition for students.

Roy Ying, senior lecturer, department of marketing, School of Business, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong