IDP Strengthens Role as Key Player in International Education Consultancy

Overseas Education Gains Momentum as HKDSE Results Drive Demand

Founded in 1969, IDP Education has built a global reputation over 55 years as a trusted provider of international education services. It partners with all 40 Australian universities, over 70 UK institutions, eight in New Zealand, and numerous higher education providers across Ireland, the United States, and Canada. Its wide-ranging services include university placements, vocational training, foundation and secondary programmes, and English language education. As a co-founder and official administrator of IELTS, IDP conducted over 3.5 million tests globally in 2023. The exam is recognised by more than 11,000 organisations across 140+ countries and remains the only English proficiency test accepted by all major Commonwealth nations for study, work, and migration purposes.

On 16 July 2025, the results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) were released, marking a significant milestone for around 55,000 students. Of these, only 38.5% met the entry requirements for top-tier local universities, leaving the remaining 60% to explore alternative academic options. Consequently, overseas education has become an increasingly attractive pathway, especially in fields such as education and psychology, due to the availability of faster admissions processes. In response to this rising demand, IDP Education, known for its 90% success rate in global university placements, organised its annual flagship event, the IDP GO Overseas Education Expo, on 16, 19, and 20 July. The event aimed to guide students and parents through various international study options, offering structured support on admissions and planning.

In recent years, preferences among families have notably shifted. Whereas affordability was once a primary concern, factors such as the international reputation of institutions, graduate employment prospects, and long-term career opportunities have taken precedence. Accordingly, early academic planning has become crucial for students nearing graduation, as they seek to align their aspirations with tangible outcomes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as one of the most sought-after disciplines in 2025, prompting a 40% increase in enquiries to IDP about AI-related programmes. This trend is largely driven by AI's wide-ranging applications, from smart healthcare to autonomous vehicles, which have led global universities to expand and diversify their AI offerings.

In Hong Kong, only two universities, the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, currently offer undergraduate degrees specifically in AI. In contrast, international institutions such as King’s College London, Monash University, and the University of Technology Sydney have developed more varied, interdisciplinary, and industry-aligned AI curricula. Emily Yip, Destination Manager at IDP Hong Kong, shared the case of a DSE student who initially missed admission to nutrition programmes but was successfully redirected into AI studies. She explained that IDP had guided the student by emphasising the field’s strong growth trajectory and broad career prospects. Yip reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to personalised, future-oriented academic planning.

Moreover, universities around the world are increasingly blending AI with traditional disciplines such as liberal arts, business, STEM, and healthcare. This interdisciplinary approach, coupled with growing industry demand, has opened up new pathways for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Data indicates that at least seven UK and twelve Australian universities now offer specialised undergraduate AI programmes, many with more flexible admission requirements than those found in Hong Kong. Alongside AI, veterinary science is becoming a popular choice among Hong Kong students. This rise in interest is attributed to the growth of the pet care industry and heightened awareness of animal welfare. However, local opportunities remain limited. City University of Hong Kong is currently the only institution offering a veterinary bachelor’s programme, which demands a highly competitive best-five HKDSE score of 27 or above. Consequently, many students are turning to overseas options.

Prestigious institutions such as the University of Edinburgh (ranked 5th globally in veterinary science by the 2025 QS World University Rankings) and the University of Sydney (ranked 21st) offer accredited veterinary programmes with lower entry thresholds, typically requiring best-five scores of 20–25. These qualifications allow graduates to return to Hong Kong and begin practice immediately upon obtaining licensure. Yip further noted that modern veterinary training now goes beyond clinical instruction to include public health and pandemic preparedness. She pointed out that many overseas universities prioritise experiential learning, offering farm rotations, wildlife rescue opportunities, and clinical placements. The University of Melbourne’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme, which integrates advanced research with hands-on clinical experience, was cited as a prime example. According to Yip, studying abroad is not solely about gaining easier admission but also about equipping future veterinarians with a global outlook and the specialised expertise needed to meet evolving industry demands.

As interest in international veterinary education continues to grow, Fred Leung, Destination Manager for the UK, Canada, and Ireland at IDP Hong Kong, stressed the importance of professional guidance. He stated that IDP provides comprehensive support through personalised application strategies, clarification of subject requirements, and detailed accreditation checks to ensure that selected programmes are recognised by the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong, thus preventing qualification issues post-graduation.

It has also been observed that an increasing number of Hong Kong students with HKDSE scores around 21 points are seeking medical education overseas, given the exceedingly high entry requirements for competitive programmes like medicine, law, and veterinary science at local institutions. Emily Yip, a seasoned education consultant, explained that students with similar academic results have successfully secured places in world-class medical programmes abroad, which would otherwise be out of reach domestically. For example, Australian universities generally require 21–30 points for medicine, 20–25 for veterinary science, and 15–21 for computer science (including AI), standards considerably more accessible than those set by Hong Kong institutions.

In line with this growing interest in overseas education, IDP Education organised its IDP GO Overseas Education Expo to coincide with the release of the 2025 DSE results. The event, held on 16, 19, and 20 July at Cordis Hong Kong, was described as the city’s most extensive overseas education exhibition. It offered students and parents a comprehensive platform to explore global study options, featuring direct access to admissions officers from top universities in the UK, Australia, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland. The expo also included expert-led seminars and one-on-one counselling sessions covering a range of essential topics such as visa application processes, comparisons between international education systems, high-demand academic fields, post-study work rights, and immigration policies. Certified consultants from IDP provided free, personalised advice to help attendees craft customised overseas education plans aligned with their academic profiles, goals, and budgets.

A special highlight of the expo was the dedicated IELTS zone, offering expert test preparation advice, personalised registration support, and access to free exam resources. Attendees also benefited from exclusive offers, including IELTS test fee discounts, AI-powered practice tests, and preparation kits. Admission to the event was free for secondary school students, university applicants, and parents interested in international education. With more than 56 years of experience, IDP has supported over 900,000 students in pursuing academic opportunities abroad. Its consistent success, boasting a 90% placement rate in QS World Top 100 universities and UK Top 30 institutions, was cited as a testament to its leadership in global education services.

The exhibition featured participation from over 110 prestigious institutions and offered on-the-spot application perks such as UCAS fee waivers (up to £28.5) and Australian university fee waivers (up to HKD 5,000). A dedicated secondary school zone for UK and Australian institutions was also available on 19 and 20 July. IDP’s long-standing presence in Hong Kong and its co-ownership of the IELTS test further solidified its role as a market leader in international education consultancy. IDP Education’s comprehensive approach, trusted expertise, and global network continue to empower students in Hong Kong to access world-class educational opportunities beyond their borders.

Editor’s Note:

The pursuit of international education has become a strategic priority for many students aiming to gain global exposure and specialised knowledge. IDP Education plays a critical role in supporting students in Hong Kong, particularly those interested in high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence, veterinary science, and medicine. The IDP GO Overseas Education Expo is strategically scheduled to coincide with the release of the 2025 HKDSE results, ensuring that students receive timely and personalised guidance. With admission to local universities becoming increasingly competitive, IDP’s strong global network and consistent placement record provide a valuable alternative for students seeking quality education and viable career outcomes. Families are now focusing less on immediate costs and more on long-term benefits, viewing education as an investment in employability and global relevance. The growing availability of interdisciplinary courses and flexible entry routes abroad underscores the importance of early academic planning and informed choices.

As per Skoobuzz, with over 55 years of experience and a 90% placement rate in leading institutions, IDP Education remains a trusted guide for students pursuing studies overseas. Its established presence in Hong Kong and co-ownership of IELTS position it as a key partner in helping students realise their international education goals.