Applied Learning

Applied Learning (Rev. September 2026)

What is Applied Learning?

Applied Learning (ApL) courses are elective subjects in the NSS curriculum which complement other NSS subjects by offering studies with stronger elements of practical learning linked to broad professional and vocational fields.

Curriculum and Assessment Guide

Information is available through the following link:

https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/cross-kla-studies/applied-learning/curriculum-documents/index.html

Applied Learning under the HKDSE Curriculum

G10 students can opt to take ApL courses as elective subjects in G11 and G12.

The duration of each ApL course is 180 contact hours, spanning 2 school years at the senior secondary level.

For university admissions, please refer to the table “Recognition of Applied Learning by UGC-funded Universities Undergraduate Programmes (2026)”

https://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/en/curriculum-development/cross-kla-studies/applied-learning/quality-assurance-and-articulation/Recognition%20of%20ApL_e%202026%20Entry.pdf 

Courses Available (2027-29 Cohort)

Please refer to the ­“Prospectus for Applied Learning 2027-29” published by EDB.

https://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/en/curriculum-development/cross-kla-studies/applied-learning/ref-and-resources/applied-learning-prospectus/ApL%20Prospectus_2027-29_Final.pdf 

Guidance for Students

Students who would like to enrol in an ApL course should approach the School in the second term of G10. Each student is allowed to take only one ApL course from G11 through G12. 

Course fees for ApL courses: All course fees will be fully covered by the Diversity Learning Grant (DLG) from EDB.

Students taking ApL courses are required to attend lessons and participate in learning activities organized by the respective course providers. The minimum attendance requirement of all ApL courses is 80% of the total number of lessons.

Assessment and Reporting of Students' Performance (HKEAA)

There is no public examination for ApL subjects. The assessment of each ApL subject comprises 6 to 10 assessment tasks to be undertaken within the period of study. The moderated results by the HKEAA will be recorded on the HKDSE certificate.

Students who have satisfactorily completed their enrolled ApL course and fulfilled the minimum attendance requirement of 80% will be reported as “Attained” or “Attained with Distinction (I)/(II)”* on the HKDSE certificate. 

* "Attained with Distinction (I)": comparable to Level 3 of Category A subjects; "Attained with Distinction (II)": comparable to Level 4 or above of Category A subjects.

Remarks: 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Applied Learning (ApL) (June 2025 version)

https://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/en/curriculum-development/cross-kla-studies/applied-learning/q-and-a/FAQs(Eng)_ApL_6.2025_clean.pdf