HKFYG’s “DSE 2777 1112” releases finding from DSE 2026 survey – 香港青年協會 The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

HKFYG’s “DSE 2777 1112” releases finding from DSE 2026 survey

Main findings

  • Nearly 46% of DSE candidates surveyed experience high stress ahead of results release; about half find planning difficult
  • Almost 70% fear losing their competitive edge; economic outlook and AI development add to pressure
  • Nearly half have never heard of Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS); fewer than 5% rank UAS as first choice
  • HKFYG to enhance support services ahead of results day, from 13 July

 

Survey overview

  • As DSE results day approaches next Wednesday, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG)’s “DSE 2777 1112” today (9 July) released findings from its “Further Education Planning Survey”
  • The survey polled 1,241 secondary students, including 445 DSE candidates and 796 Form 5 students
  • 6% of DSE candidates and 54.1% of Form 5 students rated their levels of DSE-related stress at 7 to 10 on a 10-point scale
  • Candidates who sought support reported persistent low mood after the exams, with some showing signs of burnout

 

Sources of stress

  • The top three stress sources among DSE candidates were concerns about personal competitiveness (69%), uncertainty about prospects, including the economic outlook and AI development) (38%), and a rising number of DSE candidates (32.1%)
  • Most candidates felt “worried” (57.8%) or “confused” (55.5%) about their path ahead, though 37.5% remained positive and “hopeful”
  • Despite growing access to information on further studies, about half (49.2%) of DSE candidates and Form 5 students found planning their academic and career pathways highly difficult, rating the difficulty at 7 to 10 on a 10-point scale

 

Plans for further studies

  • 9% of candidates cited a university degree as their primary goal
  • If unable to secure their preferred JUPAS programme, 59.1% said they would consider self-financed sub-degrees, followed by self-financed bachelor’s degrees (40%) and working while studying part-time (21.8%); some would also consider retaking the DSE as a school repeater or private candidate (20.4%) or vocational skills training (14.4%)
  • The top factors influencing their pathway decisions were personal interest (74.4%), exam results (69.4%), and the economic/employment outlook (50.1%)

 

Low awareness of UAS

  • Despite government efforts to promote vocational and professional education and training (VPET) by designating Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), 48.5% of students surveyed had never heard of UAS
  • 2% said they would prioritise traditional universities, while only 4.1% preferred UAS; 21.6% said their choice would “depend on the programme”; 51.7% felt employability depends more on individual ability than institution type
  • Over half (50.9%) said a key value of a university degree is gaining professional qualifications, while 48.7% said it helps build vocational skills, suggesting a growing focus on practical credentials in an uncertain economy

 

Key insights

  • Andy Chan, Supervisor at the HKFYG, said rising candidate numbers and a shifting job market have heightened student anxiety
  • He noted that in the AI era, a degree is no longer the only pathway to competitiveness, with employers increasingly valuing diverse skills gained through self-directed learning, internships and project work
  • He added that UAS programmes align closely with industry needs through extensive internships, placements and industry collaboration, and urged the government to further promote the value and prospects of VPET

 

AI-powered support app

  • To address candidate concerns, “DSE 2777 1112” has published an online and print “DSE Results Release Guide,” and is offering limited free access to the “DSE Admission Easy” app, in partnership with a start-up
  • Based on candidates’ results, interests and career preferences, the app provides AI-powered subject-matching recommendations, complemented by in-app guidance from HKFYG counsellors to help students plan their pathway

 

Emotional support cases

  • “DSE 2777 1112” has handled 8,170 cases between 1 September 2025 and 9 July 2026. Examples include:
  • Case 1: A Band 1A student, consistently ranked in the top 30 in her form, experienced persistent low mood, loss of interest and social withdrawal after her DSE exams. Describing herself as “burned out,” she reported a loss of motivation and confidence in gaining university admission
  • Case 2: A parent sought help over fears that a slip in core subjects like English could jeopardise university entry, despite flexible admission arrangements. This led to differences between the parent and the child, who favoured more competitive JUPAS choices
  • Case 3: A candidate expressed reluctance towards non-traditional degree options like UAS degrees, equating not gaining a place at a traditional university with “failure in life.” She reported anxiety and insomnia while awaiting her results

 

Enhanced support services

  • To better support candidates and their families, “DSE 2777 1112” will extend its hotline and online counselling service, from 13 to 18 July, offering real-time academic advice and emotional support
  • The “HKFYG – With You on Results Day 2026” will be held on the night before and on results day at six HKFYG Youth S.P.O.Ts: Tin Yuet, Tin Yiu, Lung Hang, Tseung Kwan O, Verbena and Cheung Wah
  • Support by “DSE 2777 1112” is available from 13 to 18 July, 10am to 2am (from 9am on results day, 15 July), via WhatsApp, hotline, website (27771112.hk), Instagram, Threads, Facebook, the uTouch online counselling platform (uTouch.hk) and the “Shall We Talk·Shall We Walk” one-stop wellness platform (talknwalk.hk)

 

Chinese press release