JUPAS Calculator
Calculate Your HKDSE Score for Hong Kong University Admissions
🎓 HKDSE to JUPAS Points Calculator
📖 Core Subjects (必修科目)
Attained/Not Attained only
📚 Elective Subjects (選修科目)
Select grades for your elective subjects (usually 2-3 subjects):
➕ Mathematics Extended Module (Optional)
Module 1 or Module 2
🎓 Understanding JUPAS & HKDSE
🏛️ What is JUPAS?
Joint University Programmes Admissions System - centralized admission platform for Hong Kong universities
Universities: HKU, CUHK, HKUST, CityU, PolyU, HKBU, LU, EdUHK
📝 HKDSE System
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education - public examination for secondary school students
Grading: Level 1 to 5** (lowest to highest)
🎯 Core + Electives
4 Core: Chinese, English, Math, Citizenship & Social Development
Plus: Usually 2-3 elective subjects from 20+ options
🏆 Typical Requirements
Minimum: 3322+2 (Chinese 3, English 3, Math 2, CSD Attained, 2 electives Level 2)
Competitive: 20+ points out of 35 maximum (Best 5 subjects)
📊 HKDSE Grade to Points Conversion
⚠️ Important: This is the standard conversion system. Some programmes may use different weighting or bonus points for specific subjects.
Typical Score Ranges for Popular Programmes
Based on "Best 5" subjects (3 Core + 2 Electives) - Maximum 35 points
🔢 JUPAS Score Calculation
Standard Calculation Method:
1. Core Subject Score (3 subjects):
Core Score = Chinese Points + English Points + Mathematics Points
Maximum: 21 points (7 + 7 + 7)
2. Best Elective Subjects (Usually Best 2):
Elective Score = Best Elective 1 + Best Elective 2
Maximum: 14 points (7 + 7)
3. Total "Best 5" Score:
Total Score = Core Score + Elective Score
Maximum: 35 points (3 cores + 2 electives)
4. Additional Considerations:
• CSD must be "Attained" for admission eligibility
• M1/M2 can replace one elective subject if higher grade
• Some programmes have specific subject requirements
• Weighted scores may apply for certain programmes
💡 Essential JUPAS Application Facts
Critical Information for JUPAS Applicants:
📌 Minimum Admission Requirements (MAR):
Most programmes require 3322+2: Level 3 in Chinese and English, Level 2 in Mathematics and one elective, CSD "Attained", plus Level 2 in another elective. However, competitive programmes often require much higher scores (20-30+ points). Meeting minimum requirements doesn't guarantee admission—actual cutoffs are significantly higher for popular programmes.
📌 Programme Choices & Ranking Strategy:
You can select up to 20 programme choices, ranked by preference. Universities offer based on your ranking, not theirs. Strategic ranking is crucial: (1) List "dream" programmes first (reach) (2) Include realistic "target" programmes (3) Add "safe" backup programmes. Don't put programmes you won't accept—if offered, you must accept or lose JUPAS eligibility that year. Research previous years' score ranges carefully.
📌 Subject-Specific Requirements Matter:
Beyond overall score, programmes have specific subject requirements. Medicine requires Chemistry and Biology. Engineering programmes require Physics and M1/M2. Business may require specific electives. Some programmes weight certain subjects more (1.5x or 2x multiplier). Check programme requirements carefully—high overall score means nothing if you lack required subjects. Language requirements (Chinese/English) often stricter than general MAR.
📌 Interview & Portfolio Requirements:
Many competitive programmes require interviews (Medicine, Law, Journalism) or portfolios (Architecture, Design). HKDSE score gets you shortlisted, but interview performance determines final offer. Some programmes have entrance exams or aptitude tests. Start preparing early—research programme-specific requirements, practice interviews, develop portfolios. Non-academic achievements (leadership, service, awards) can strengthen applications for holistic review programmes.
📌 Early Admission Schemes (EAS):
Apply for Early Admission based on predicted grades before HKDSE results. If offered, you receive conditional admission pending actual HKDSE results meeting requirements. Advantages: reduce stress, secure place early. However, EAS offers count toward your main JUPAS choice—if you accept EAS offer, it takes priority. Apply strategically. Not all programmes offer EAS. Applications typically December-January before HKDSE exams (March-May).
📌 Band A Programme Selection Timing:
In final selection stage after HKDSE results, you choose 3 "Band A" programmes—your top priorities. Universities consider Band A selections more seriously than lower bands. Strategic tip: put programmes where you're competitive in Band A, not just dream programmes where you're far below cutoff. Band A choices receive special consideration for borderline candidates. You can revise Band A selection during specific periods—use this wisely based on actual HKDSE results.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good JUPAS score?
"Good" depends on target programme. For highly competitive programmes (Medicine, Law): need 28-35 points (Best 5). For competitive programmes (Engineering, Business): 24-28 points competitive. For less competitive programmes: 20-24 points. Minimum university admission typically 18-20 points but varies by programme. Remember: these are guides—actual cutoffs change yearly based on cohort performance. Check previous years' admission scores for specific programmes you're interested in.
Can M1/M2 count as an elective subject?
Yes! Mathematics Extended Module 1 (Calculus & Statistics) or Module 2 (Algebra & Calculus) can count as one of your elective subjects. This is particularly advantageous if you score higher in M1/M2 than your other electives. Many STEM programmes (Engineering, Science, Computer Science) value M1/M2 highly. Some programmes give M1/M2 additional weighting (1.5x or 2x points). Strategy: if strong in math, M1/M2 can significantly boost your score, especially for science/engineering programmes.
How many programme choices should I make?
You can select up to 20 programme choices. Recommended strategy: use 15-20 choices across different competitiveness levels. Choices 1-5: "reach" programmes (competitive but possible). Choices 6-15: "target" programmes (realistic based on your score). Choices 16-20: "safe" backup programmes (almost certain admission). Don't waste choices on programmes you definitely won't accept—if offered, you must accept or lose JUPAS eligibility. Research thoroughly, visit open days, understand programme content before listing.
What if I don't meet CSD "Attained" requirement?
Citizenship and Social Development (CSD, formerly Liberal Studies) "Attained" status is mandatory for JUPAS admission. If you receive "Not Attained," you're ineligible for JUPAS programmes that year, regardless of other subject scores. There's no workaround—CSD is non-negotiable. If this happens: (1) Consider retaking HKDSE next year (2) Explore non-JUPAS options (sub-degree, overseas universities, alternative pathways) (3) Some associate degree programmes have more flexible requirements. Ensure you meet CSD requirements—this subject should not be neglected.
Do universities consider other factors besides HKDSE scores?
Yes! While HKDSE is primary factor, many programmes consider: (1) Interview performance (Medicine, Law, Education, Journalism, etc.) (2) Portfolio quality (Design, Architecture, Creative Media) (3) Entrance exams or aptitude tests (4) Other Learning Experiences (OLE) from SLP (5) Non-academic achievements (sports, leadership, competitions, community service). Some programmes weight HKDSE 50-70% and other factors 30-50%. However, for most programmes, HKDSE remains dominant—other factors mainly differentiate similarly-scored candidates. Focus first on HKDSE performance.
Can I apply to programmes outside JUPAS?
Yes—Non-JUPAS routes exist but with caveats. You can apply to: (1) Non-JUPAS admission schemes at same universities (separate quota) (2) Self-financed programmes at UGC-funded universities (3) Self-financed institutions (HKMU, HSUHK, Chu Hai, etc.) (4) Overseas universities (5) Mainland China universities. However, if you accept JUPAS offer, you typically forfeit other local university offers. Non-JUPAS applications usually have different deadlines and requirements. Strategy: apply to both JUPAS and alternatives as backup, but understand implications of accepting each type of offer.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on standard HKDSE to JUPAS points conversion. Actual admission depends on multiple factors.
Important considerations:
- Different programmes have specific subject requirements
- Some programmes use weighted scoring systems
- Interview performance and portfolios matter for many programmes
- Admission cutoffs vary annually based on applicant pool
- Programme quotas and availability change
- Non-academic factors considered for some programmes
- CSD "Attained" status is mandatory for eligibility
Always check official JUPAS website (www.jupas.edu.hk), university programme handbooks, and consult school counselors for accurate, up-to-date admission information and requirements.
👨🏫 About the Author
Adam Kumar
Co-Founder @ RevisionTown
Adam is a mathematics education expert with extensive experience across multiple international curricula including IB (International Baccalaureate), AP (Advanced Placement), GCSE, IGCSE, and various national systems including the Hong Kong education system. His deep understanding of different grading systems and university admission processes enables him to create accurate conversion tools.
Through RevisionTown, Adam has helped thousands of students across different educational systems understand grade conversions, admission requirements, and academic planning. This JUPAS calculator applies his expertise in Hong Kong's HKDSE system to help students accurately assess their university admission prospects.
Adam's background in teaching across diverse international curricula provides him with unique insights into comparative education systems, enabling students to navigate complex admission processes with confidence and clarity.
📧 Email: info@revisiontown.com
💼 LinkedIn: Connect with Adam