The results of the university admission exam this year have drawn particular public attention. On one hand, the relatively high level of emigration recently has seemingly made it easier to gain a place at one of Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities. On the other hand, the quality of the students and the attractiveness of the city as an international higher education centre have to be maintained. Both are challenges facing the education sector as it adapts to a new era.

More than 15,500 of the 39,523 students who applied through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System have been allocated a place, the highest success rate in a decade. Almost nine in 10 were able to secure a place at one of their top three choices, the highest rate since 2016. The outcome has been attributed to a new low in applications, evidently the result of an increase in emigration spurred by a changing sociopolitical environment. While the competition for admission may be less severe than before, it does not necessarily mean the calibre of applicants has dropped. The candidates have braved a challenging studying environment over the past few years and gained their due recognition in the Diploma of Secondary Education examination. They are as deserving as any of their predecessors who went through the same competitive process.

The concerns are further eased by an influx of top students from mainland China. Amid the pandemic and prevailing international political tensions, more mainlanders have opted to study here. This is not surprising. Local universities – some of which sit high on international rankings – each have their strengths. The prospect for graduates to obtain residency after completing their course is also an attraction. That is why some universities have reportedly received a record number of applications from the mainland this year. Separately, the more stringent restrictions to study on the mainland may also divert international students to the city.