JUPAS 2025 Update: Decoding New University Pathways for Your HKDSE Success

The HKDSE marathon is a defining experience for every Hong Kong student. After years of hard work, you’re finally approaching the finish line: the JUPAS application. It’s a time filled with both excitement and anxiety. Choosing your 20 JUPAS options can feel like plotting a course into the future, and with the educational landscape constantly evolving, that map is being redrawn every single year.

For the JUPAS 2025 cycle, the changes are more significant than ever. Universities are rolling out a wave of innovative, future-focused programmes designed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Forget the old, rigid faculty lines; the future is about flexibility, technology, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. But what does this mean for you? How can you navigate these new pathways and make choices that align with your passions and future career goals?

In this guide, we'll decode the latest JUPAS trends, spotlight exciting new programmes, and provide an actionable strategy to help you secure your dream university offer. Let's dive in!


The Big Picture: What’s Trending in Hong Kong Higher Education for 2025?

Before you start filling in those JUPAS codes, it's crucial to understand the major shifts happening in local universities. These trends aren't just buzzwords; they reflect where the world is heading and where the most exciting career opportunities will be.

1. The AI, Data Science, and FinTech Revolution

Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction; it’s a part of our daily lives, and universities are racing to produce talent in this field. For 2025, you'll see a surge in programmes related to AI, data science, machine learning, and financial technology (FinTech). These courses are designed to equip students with the computational and analytical skills needed to build the next generation of technology. If you have a passion for maths, coding, and problem-solving, this is your moment.

2. The Rise of Interdisciplinary Studies

The world's biggest challenges—like climate change, public health crises, and digital ethics—can't be solved by one discipline alone. Recognizing this, universities are breaking down the traditional walls between Arts, Science, and Business. Expect to see more programmes like:

  • Arts and Sciences in combination (e.g., BASc degrees)
  • Technology and Management (e.g., Engineering with a minor in Business)
  • Humanities and Data Analytics (e.g., Digital Humanities)

These programmes create versatile graduates who can think critically from multiple perspectives—a highly sought-after skill in any industry.

3. A Focus on Sustainability and Health Tech

With growing global awareness of environmental issues and advancements in healthcare, programmes in sustainability, environmental science, biomedical engineering, and health technology are gaining prominence. These fields offer a chance to make a tangible impact on society, whether by developing green technologies or creating innovative medical devices.


Spotlight on New & Noteworthy JUPAS Programmes for 2025

While the final list of JUPAS programmes is subject to change, the trends are clear. Here are the types of innovative programmes you should be looking out for from Hong Kong's top universities.

The Tech Titans: HKU, CUHK, and HKUST

These research-intensive universities are at the forefront of the tech boom. Look for new and expanded offerings such as:

  • HKU: Expect to see more programmes under their "Innovate Hub" umbrella, potentially blending science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Their Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc) programmes continue to expand, offering unique combinations like BASc (Financial Technology).
  • CUHK: A leader in AI research, CUHK is likely to introduce more specialized AI streams within their engineering and science faculties, such as "AI: Systems and Technologies" or programmes combining AI with specific applications like medicine or finance.
  • HKUST: Always a pioneer, HKUST is expanding its interdisciplinary offerings. Watch for programmes that merge technology with business (like FinTech and Green Finance) and new tracks within their popular Engineering and Science schools.
The Applied Innovators: PolyU, CityU, and HKBU

These universities excel at combining academic theory with practical, real-world application.

  • PolyU: Known for its strengths in design, engineering, and health sciences, look for new programmes in areas like smart cities, sustainable design, and applied AI.
  • CityU: With its focus on professional education, CityU is a strong contender in areas like data science, creative media, and veterinary medicine. Expect more programmes that have a direct link to industry needs.
  • HKBU: A leader in creative arts and communication, HKBU is integrating technology into its core strengths. Look for unique programmes in fields like Art Tech or data-driven journalism.

Thinka Pro Tip: Don't just rely on the JUPAS programme title! Dive deep into the university websites to check the curriculum for each programme. Two programmes with similar names might have very different course structures and focus areas. This is your future—do the research!


Decoding Admission Requirements: More Than Just Your DSE Score

Getting into these new, competitive programmes requires more than just a high DSE score. Universities are looking for students with a genuine passion and a well-rounded profile.

The Growing Importance of M1/M2

For any programme related to data science, AI, engineering, or quantitative finance, having a strong grade in Mathematics Extended Part 1 or 2 (M1/M2) is becoming a massive advantage. While it may not always be a strict prerequisite, it's often a "preferred" subject and can significantly boost your admission score. If you're in S4 or S5 and aiming for these fields, seriously consider taking M1/M2.

Building a Compelling Student Learning Profile (SLP)

Your SLP is your chance to show the admissions officers who you are beyond your grades. For these new programmes, you need to demonstrate interest and initiative.

  • For Tech Programmes: Participate in coding competitions, take online courses on platforms like Coursera or edX in Python or Machine Learning, or start a small personal project.
    • - For Interdisciplinary Programmes: Show your breadth of interest. Join the debate team and the science club. Write about a topic from both a historical and a scientific perspective. - For Sustainability Programmes: Volunteer for an environmental NGO, participate in a beach cleanup, or start a recycling initiative at your school.

Nailing the Interview

Interviews for these programmes often focus on your problem-solving skills and passion. Be prepared to discuss recent news in the field (e.g., "What are your thoughts on the ethical implications of generative AI?") and explain why you are genuinely interested in the subject.

A solid grasp of core concepts from your DSE subjects, which you can perfect through consistent HKDSE practice, gives you the confidence to tackle tough interview questions. An AI-powered learning system like Thinka ensures you’ve mastered the fundamentals, so you can focus on showcasing your unique perspective.


Your Strategic JUPAS Action Plan for 2025

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be. Here’s a step-by-step plan to navigate your JUPAS choices effectively.

Step 1: Self-Reflection Meets Research

Before you get dazzled by trendy programme names, ask yourself: What am I genuinely curious about? What problems do I want to solve? Use the new JUPAS offerings as a lens to explore your interests, not as a list to chase blindly.

Step 2: Align Your Subjects with Your Ambitions

Check the programme prerequisites and admission score formulas carefully. Does your DSE subject combination give you a competitive edge? If you're aiming for a tech programme without M1/M2 or a strong science background, you need to be realistic about your chances and have solid backup options.

Step 3: Strategize Your Band A Choices

Your Band A choices (A1, A2, A3) are your most critical decisions. A smart strategy is to use the "Reach, Match, Safety" approach:

  • A1 (Reach): Your dream programme. This could be one of the new, highly competitive offerings where you meet or are slightly below the expected admission score.
  • A2 (Match): A programme where your predicted DSE score fits comfortably within the previous year's admission range.
  • A3 (Safety): A programme you are confident you can get into and would still be happy to study.
Step 4: Supercharge Your DSE Preparation

Ultimately, a strong HKDSE score is the key that unlocks all these doors. With competition for new programmes set to be fierce, every mark counts. This is where smart, efficient studying makes all the difference.

Instead of passively rereading textbooks, you need active, targeted practice. A personalized learning journey on a modern study platform can pinpoint your weaknesses and provide questions tailored to your level. Thinka's adaptive AI-powered practice platform creates a study plan just for you, ensuring your exam preparation is as effective as possible. Why study harder when you can study smarter?

Ready to build a rock-solid foundation for your DSE? Start Practicing in our AI-Powered Practice Platform today and experience the future of learning.


Your Future Awaits

The JUPAS 2025 landscape reflects an exciting shift towards a more dynamic, interconnected, and technologically advanced future. It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to pursue a degree that is not only interesting but also highly relevant in the 21st-century job market.

Remember, success in this new era requires two things: a clear vision for your future and a strong academic foundation to get you there. Choose your path wisely, prepare with focus and dedication, and step confidently towards your goals. The future is yours to build.

For more tips and resources to help you excel, check out our collection of HKDSE Study Notes on the Thinka platform.