DSE 2023: Jobs with a Starting Salary of over 20,000
Despite Hong Kong’s median income being 20,000 yuan, there are still plenty of job opportunities that do not require a university degree and offer a starting salary of more than 20,000 yuan. Here is a list of some high-paying jobs and relevant courses that may be suitable for high school students who plan to pursue them.
Dispensers:
Dispensers work mainly in public hospitals and clinics under the Hospital Authority. They are responsible for dispensing medications and related tasks, including measuring the dosage of medicines and explaining doctor’s prescriptions to patients. To become a dispenser, students need to enroll in a higher diploma program related to dispensing. Once they have completed the program, they can begin working as a dispenser in a public hospital with a starting salary of $21,875.
Monthly Salary for Hospital Authority Dispensers:
Dispenser – $21,875 – $43,610 (Master Pay Scale Points 8 to 21)
Senior Dispenser – $45,670 – $60,100 (Master Pay Scale Points 22 to 28)
Chief Dispenser – $62,950 – $75,620 (Master Pay Scale Points 29 to 33)
Partially Accredited Pharmacy Courses:
1. Caritas Bianchi School of Professional Studies – Higher Diploma in Pharmacy
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time or three years part-time
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language), or graduation from Yi Jin Diploma, or completion of the third level of the Qualifications Framework recognized by our school
– Tuition Fee: $29,040 (following deducting the government subsidy of $39,140)
2. VTC – Higher Diploma in Pharmacy Dispensing
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language), or VTC Diploma of Foundation Studies, or VTC Diploma of Vocational Education / International Diploma of Vocational Education, or Diploma Yi Jin, or equivalent
– Tuition fee:$31,570 per year
Early Childhood Education:
Kindergarten teachers are great jobs for those who love children and care for them. Their role includes promoting social, physical, and intellectual development in students in the classroom. To become a kindergarten teacher, Secondary 6 graduates can study for a Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. After obtaining a Higher Diploma, students can begin working or continue studying.
Monthly Salary for Kindergarten Teachers:
According to the “Education Bureau Circular Memorandum No. 122/2022”, the salary of kindergarten teachers in schools participating in the Kindergarten Education Scheme ranges from $23,360 to $41,540.
Partially Recognized Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education:
1. EdUHK – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language)
– Tuition Fee: $15,040 per year
2. VTC – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language), or VTC Diploma of Foundation Studies, or VTC Diploma of Vocational Education / International Diploma of Vocational Education, or Diploma Yi Jin, or equivalent
– Tuition fee: $31,570 per year
3. HKBU Faculty of Continuing Education – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language), or Diploma Yi Jin
– Tuition fee: $33,700 per term (two-year tuition divided into four installments)
4. CUHK SPEED – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language), or Diploma Yi Jin
– Tuition fee: $78,780 per year
Social Worker:
Social workers usually work in the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organizations. Their work includes counseling, clinical social work, group work, social education, and family therapy to solve personal and social problems. To become a registered social worker, students need to complete a course accredited by the Social Workers Registration Board, including a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma, etc. After obtaining a Higher Dipoma in Social Work, graduates can work as a Social Work Assistant (SWA), but a Bachelor of Social Work is required to become an Assistant Social Work Officer (ASWO).
Monthly Salary for Government Social Work Assistants (SWA):
$23,295 – $45,670 (Master Pay Scale Points 9 to 22)
Partially Approved Social Worker Advanced Diploma:
1. CUHK SPEED – Higher Diploma in Social Work
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language), or Diploma Yi Jin
– Tuition fee: $92,106 per year
2. Caritas Institute of Higher Education – Higher Diploma in Social Work
– Course format and study period: Two-year full-time or three-year part-time program
– Admission Requirements: DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language)
– Tuition fee: $153,650 for a two-year full-time program or $153,670 for a three-year part-time program
3. HKCT – Higher Diploma in Social Work
– Course format and study period: Two years full-time
– Admission Requirements: Pass the entrance interview and; DSE Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language), or Yi Jin Diploma/Diploma
– Tuition fee: $163,548 for two years full-time.
The median income in Hong Kong in the most recent quarter was 20,000 yuan, but there are still many jobs that do not require a university degree and the starting salary exceeds 20,000 yuan! The following is a search for a few high-paying positions and related courses. High school students who are planning to go to school may wish to pay attention to whether the following industries are suitable for them.
Dispenser
Dispensers are mostly employed in public hospitals and clinics under the Hospital Authority. They are mainly responsible for dispensing and related work. Their responsibilities include measuring the dosage of medicines and explaining doctor’s prescriptions to patients. To become a dispenser, you must first enroll in a higher diploma program related to dispensing, and you can start working as a dispenser in a public hospital with a starting salary of $21,875.
Monthly Salary of Dispensers of Hospital Authority
-
Dispenser – $21,875 – $43,610 (Master Pay Scale Points 8 to 21)
-
Senior Dispenser – $45,670 – $60,100 (Master Pay Scale Points 22 to 28)
-
Chief Dispenser – $62,950 – $75,620 (Master Pay Scale Points 29 to 33)
Partially accredited pharmacy courses
1. Caritas Bianchi School of Professional Studies – Higher Diploma in Pharmacy
Course format and study period:Two years full-time or three years part-time
Admission requirements:DSE has achieved Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language); or graduated from Yi Jin Diploma; or completed the third level of the Qualifications Framework recognized by our school
tuition fee:This course has been included in the “Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors” (SSSDP). After deducting the government subsidy of $39,140, the actual tuition fee payable by full-time first-year students in the 2023/24 academic year is $29,040.
2. VTC – Higher Diploma in Pharmacy Dispensing
Course format and study period:two years full-time
Admission requirements:DSE with Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language); or VTC Diploma of Foundation Studies; or VTC Diploma of Vocational Education / International Diploma of Vocational Education; or Diploma Yi Jin; or equivalent
tuition fee:$31,570 per year
Early Childhood Education
Kindergarten teachers are ideal jobs for many caring young people who love children. They are responsible for promoting the social, physical and intellectual development of students in the classroom. To become a kindergarten teacher, Secondary 6 graduates can study for a Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. If you choose a Higher Diploma, you can enter the workplace or continue your studies following graduation.
Kindergarten Teacher Monthly Salary
According to the “Education Bureau Circular Memorandum No. 122/2022”, the salary of kindergarten teachers in schools participating in the Kindergarten Education Scheme ranges from $23,360 to $41,540.
Partially recognized Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
1. EdUHK – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Course format and study period:two years full-time
Admission requirements:DSE obtained five subjects up to level 2 (including Chinese Language and English Language)
tuition fee:$15,040 per year
2. VTC – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Course format and study period:two years full-time
Admission requirements:DSE with Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language); or VTC Diploma of Foundation Studies; or VTC Diploma of Vocational Education / International Diploma of Vocational Education; or Diploma Yi Jin; or equivalent
tuition fee:$31,570 per year
3. HKBU Faculty of Continuing Education – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Course format and study period:two years full-time
Admission requirements:DSE obtained Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language); or Diploma Yi Jin
tuition fee:$33,700 per term (two-year tuition divided into four installments)
4. CUHK SPEED – Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Course format and study period:two years full-time
Admission requirements:DSE obtained Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language); or Diploma Yi Jin
tuition fee:$78,780 per year
social worker
Social workers generally work in the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organizations. Their work includes counseling, clinical social work, group work, social education, and family therapy to solve personal and social problems. Social workers will analyze the types of services that clients need, follow up and evaluate related services and supports. To become a registered social worker, one must first complete a course accredited by the Social Workers Registration Board, including a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma, etc. Graduates with a Higher Diploma in Social Work can work as a Social Work Assistant (SWA), while a Bachelor of Social Work is required to become an Assistant Social Work Officer (ASWO).
Government Social Work Assistant (SWA) Monthly Salary
$23,295 – $45,670 (Master Pay Scale Points 9 to 22)
Partially approvedsocial workerAdvanced Diploma
1. CUHK SPEED – Higher Diploma in Social Work
Course format and study period:two years full-time
Admission requirements:DSE obtained Level 2 results in five subjects (including Chinese Language and English Language); or Diploma Yi Jin
tuition fee:$92,106 per year
2. Caritas Institute of Higher Education – Higher Diploma in Social Work
Course format and study period:Two-year full-time or three-year part-time program
Admission requirements:DSE obtained five subjects up to level 2 (including Chinese Language and English Language)
tuition fee:A total of $153,650 for a two-year full-time program; a total of $153,670 for a three-year part-time program
3. HKCT – Higher Diploma in Social Work
Course format and study period:two years full-time
Admission requirements:Pass the entrance interview and; DSE obtained five subjects up to level 2 (including Chinese Language and English Language); or Yi Jin Diploma/Diploma
tuition fee:A total of $163,548 for two years full-time
more info
In summary, there are several high-paying positions that do not require a university degree and start with a salary exceeding 20,000 yuan in Hong Kong. These positions include dispensers, kindergarten teachers, and social workers. To begin a career in these industries, high school graduates can pursue higher diploma or bachelor’s degree programs. We have provided information on accredited courses and their admission requirements, as well as the starting salaries for each position. As you plan your career path, consider whether these industries are suitable for you and take advantage of these opportunities to achieve success.