Higher Diploma - Progression Pathways and Career Prospects
Graduates Pursuing Further Education
Around 96 % graduates articulate to full-time degree programmes at local/overseas universities+
Over 90 %
of our HD graduates advancing to degree programmes benefit from government funds and subsidies#
Over 95 %
articulate to degree programmes related to Higher Diploma+
Graduates Pursuing a Profession
Around 90 % employment rate+
80 %
work in professions related to their study programmes+
Over 1/4
are directly hired by their internship companies after graduation+
Professional Development
IVE programmes align closely with industry trends and enjoy strong industry support and recognition. Over 2,600 companies and organisations provide students with interships and workplace experiences, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while mastering industry practices and advanced technologies. IVE graduates are highly sought after by employers, with many excelling in multinational corporations and earning employer acclaim.
Mr Wilson Kwong
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited
VTC graduates already possess a solid understanding of the industry when they join the workforce. They quickly adapt to the work environment and pace, and swiftly grasp the entire operational process.
Ms Doris Ip
Assistant Vice President, Human Resources (Hong Kong), Shangri-La Group
IVE students benefit from extensive internship opportunities throughout their studies, allowing them to become familiar with the fundamental hotel operations upon graduation. They exhibit a positive work attitude, strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities. Many departments within our group have hired IVE graduates, and they have consistently delivered exceptional performance.
Mr Joseph Law
Managing Director, CLP Power
CLP Power places great emphasis on people development. We have closely collaborated with various institutions to provide training for students interested in the power industry. IVE's Vocational and Professional Education and Training keeps pace with industry developments and needs. We will work with IVE to nurture more young power engineering talents, ensuring a stable power supply for Hong Kong, promoting the city's long-term development, and supporting it to achieve its carbon neutrality goals.
Diploma in Foundation Studies – Government-Recognised Qualification
The IVE Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) offers 10 streams, equipping students with foundational knowledge and skills in one year, paving the way for further studies or careers. DFS qualification is recognised by the government and professional bodies. Eligible graduates can apply for civil service positions, become members of industry associations, or obtain professional certifications.
Guaranteed Pathway to VTC Higher Diploma Programmes^
Government-Recognised Qualification Equivalent to Level 2 in Five Subjects in the HKDSE (including Chinese and English)
Eligibility for Civil Service Jobs
Solid Foundation for Professional Growth
All graduates can progress to VTC Higher Diploma programmes^
The qualification is recognised by the government as comparable to five HKDSE passes including Chinese and English.
Eligible for applying for civil service positions
Build a strong professional foundation
Progression Ladder
Student Voice
Amelia Yu
Full-time student of Master of Social Work
The Diploma of Foundation Studies allowed me to engage with various social welfare organisations and kindergartens, helping me find my career direction. The programme is equivalent to five Level 2 subjects in the DSE, enabling me to register for professional qualifications after completing my Higher Diploma and progress to Bachelor’s Degree. Thus, I began my career in special early childhood education.
- Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, Education University of Hong Kong
- Higher Diploma in Special Child Care and Inclusive Education, IVE
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Community Services), IVE
Olyvia Tse
Product Manager, Jewelry Company
The IVE Diploma of Foundation Studies allowed me to explore various design disciplines and build a strong language foundation. I then progressed to Higher Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree. After graduation, I worked in accessory design and graphic design, applying my knowledge into practice.
- Bachelor of Arts in Fashion and Textiles, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Higher Diploma in Fashion Design, HKDI
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Design), IVE
Alan Liu
Graduate Engineer Trainee, Multinational Engineering Company
The Diploma of Foundation Studies covered various engineering disciplines, helping me identify my interests and strengthen my language skills. After graduation, I progressed to the Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering at IVE and then smoothly transitioned to a Bachelor’s Degree, fully equipping myself to become an engineer.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Services Engineering, THEi
- Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering, IVE
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Engineering), IVE
Kelvin Chan
Founder, Pet Food Online Store
After the public examination, I chose to enroll in the IVE’s Diploma of Foundation Studies to establish a solid foundation in business field, preparing myself for the future goal of starting my own company. After completing the one-year programme, I progressed to Higher Diploma and then articulated to Bachelor’s Degree. After graduation, I applied the knowledge I gained to realise my entrepreneurial dreams.
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from a British University
- Higher Diploma in Retail and E-Commerce Management, IVE
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Business), IVE
Kam Ming Wai
Deputy Manager at a Hostel for a non-profit organization
The Diploma of Foundation Studies helped me solidify my aspiration to pursue a career in social work and laid a strong academic and professional foundation. This enabled me to progress to higher qualifications. After graduation, I became a social worker dedicated to serving the community.
- Master of Social Sciences in Psychology, City University of Hong Kong
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Higher Diploma in Social Work, IVE
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Community Services), IVE
Bobo Ng
Associate Director of Decarbonisation, AECOM Non Executive Director of the UK Power Corporation
The Higher Diploma programme at IVE combines theory and practice, covering a broad spectrum of areas. Through exchange activities and internships, I gained a deep understanding of the industry’s practical operations. After graduation, I was awarded a scholarship to study at a UK university, where I pursued a Bachelor’s and Doctoral Degree. I am now a chartered engineer, contributing to green engineering development at a major energy company in the UK.
- Masters Degree, Northumbria University, UK
- BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Northumbria University, UK
- Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering, IVE
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Engineering), IVE
Kelly Ho
Engineer, Multinational Engineering Firm
The Diploma of Foundation Studies allowed me to explore engineering knowledge. I was awarded a scholarship for an overseas exchange, which broadened my horizons. After graduation, I advanced to Higher Diploma and then smoothly transitioned to Bachelor's Degree, laying a solid foundation for my career development.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure), RMIT University, Australia
- Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering, IVE
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Engineering), IVE
Myra Tsang
Assistant Building Services Engineer, Gammon Construction Limited
I began with IVE's Diploma of Foundation Studies, advanced to a Higher Diploma, and later earned a Bachelor's Degree at THEi. During my studies, an internship with an engineering consultancy provided me with valuable industry insights and practice for paving my way to a professional engineer.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Services Engineering, THEi
- Higher Diploma in Building Services Engineering, IVE
- Diploma of Foundation Studies (Engineering), IVE
+ Source: Employment Survey of Graduates of Full-time IVE/HKDI/ICI programmes in the past 3 years (as of March 2025)
# Sources of government funding include: University Grants Committee (UGC) funding I Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) I Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong (NMTSS)
^ Students are required to apply the corresponding programmes and meet the related requirements