VTC Central Admission Scheme Launches Next Wednesday
Offering Diverse Industry-aligned Programmes for HKDSE Candidates

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) results will be released next Wednesday (16 July). On the same day, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) will launch its Central Admission Scheme (16 to 21 July). More than 140 full-time programmes, including Bachelor’s Degree, Higher Diploma, Diploma of Foundation Studies, Diploma of Vocational Education and Diploma will be offered, providing diverse and flexible progression pathways for Secondary 6 students.

VTC member institutions, including the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT) and International Culinary Institute (ICI), will offer about 100 Higher Diploma programmes, while IVE, HKDI, HKIIT, and Youth College will also provide various Diploma programmes to help students with different learning interests to build a solid foundation for professional development. All Higher Diploma, Diploma of Foundation Studies, Diploma of Vocational Education, and Diploma are subvented programmes.

New programmes ahead of market trends to prepare future talents 

VTC programmes are designed in line with Hong Kong’s industry developments. In academic year 2025/26, 90% of the Higher Diploma and Diploma programmes offered are closely linked to the development of "eight centres" and core industries, including the international innovation and technology centre, the international aviation hub and the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, with a view to cultivating talents with professional knowledge and applied skills for Hong Kong’s future.

With Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital set to open and the Government's commitment to developing Hong Kong into a bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine, there is a growing demand for professionals in the field. IVE's new Higher Diploma in Chinese Medicine Professional and Operation will nurture professionals in Chinese medicine nursing and therapies, and relevant administrative and management duties, preparing graduates for different roles in Chinese medicine clinics, treatment centres, and related institutions.

In response to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, HKIIT introduces a new Higher Diploma in Applied AI. This programme focuses on training students in professional skills in AI applications, including generative AI, language models, image processing, and computer vision, enabling students to develop solutions for industry challenges. Other IT programmes such as the Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity, Higher Diploma in AI and Smart Technology, and Higher Diploma in Game Software Development enable students aspiring to pursue IT careers opportunities to master new industry technologies and support Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology centre.

With the mega event economy and sports-related industries as key growth sectors under the Government’s support, IVE has launched the Diploma of Foundation Studies (Sports) programme to help Secondary 6 graduates acquire professional and generic skills for pursuing a career in sports. Meanwhile, the Higher Diploma programmes in Sports Management and in Tourism and Event Management also equip students with large-scale event planning skills, as well as venue and resource management skills, further strengthening students’ industry know-how for their future careers. 

High articulation and employment rates for skilled Higher Diploma graduates

VTC places strong emphasis on developing students' practical skills and applied capabilities. All Higher Diploma students are given industry attachments and workplace learning opportunities to enhance their work readiness. With the growing importance of AI in the workplace, VTC has strengthened the AI element in the compulsory IT modules across programmes, giving students an advantage when entering the workforce.

Over the past three years, around 96% of Higher Diploma graduates pursuing further studies successfully articulated to Bachelor’s Degree programmes at local universities, overseas universities or top-up degree programmes. Higher Diploma Graduates choosing employment had a high employment rate of over 90%. Many graduates received job offers from their internship organisations.

Degree and Diploma Programmes to Offer More Pathways for Further Studies

The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) will offer a number of applied science-oriented degree programmes. Students can apply for THEi self-financing degree programmes in such subjects as Aircraft Engineering, Chinese Medicinal Pharmacy, Nutrition and Healthcare Management, and Information and Communications Technology through the VTC Central Admission Scheme. Some of THEi’s programmes have been included in the Pilot Project on Development of Applied Degree Programmes and the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP). Students interested in these programmes can apply through the Joint University Programme Admissions System (JUPAS). 

At Youth College, Diploma of Vocational Education programmes are offered, covering the study areas of Business and Services, Engineering, and Design and Information Technology, to provide students with seamless and flexible progression pathways and equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills to pave the way for future success in their studies and career. The Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI), Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) and ICI will provide seven more employment-focused diploma programmes to help students prepare for joining the hospitality industry.

Join the VTC Central Admission Scheme to seize diverse pathways for further studies

The VTC Central Admission Scheme will be held from 16 to 21 July. Secondary 6 students can submit applications through the VTC S6 Admission Portal (the Portal). Eligible applicants who have successfully submitted the required information will normally receive the offer result within 15 minutes. 

VTC campuses* will be open for students to submit applications in person during the Central Admission Scheme. On the DSE results release day, nearly 200 information booths will be set up in secondary schools in various districts for students to enquire about programme information and enrol on-site. Students applying in person at campuses or information booths can receive an application fee waiver by entering a designated promotion code. 

Applicants who have received “conditional offers” will have their offers converted to “Firm Offers” on the DSE results release day if their examination results meet the stipulated requirements. These applicants are required to confirm acceptance of their offers through the Portal before 4:00pm on the DSE results release day.

New applicants or applicants without offers can apply through the Portal or at the campus during the VTC Central Admission Scheme^.

All applicants who have been offered places are required to complete their registration online before 12:00 noon on 21 July, otherwise the offer will become null and void.

*During the Central Admission Scheme, VTC campuses open to the public include the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), various campuses of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI), the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), and Youth College.

^Fresh applicants should create an account through the Portal and pay the application fee to join the online Central Admission service.

About Vocational Training Council 

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge, and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT),  the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI),  the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: www.vtc.edu.hk

Media enquiries: 2836 1971 / 2836 1094