The Examinations & Assessment Authority says 17,089 students who passed this year's Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination satisfy the general admission requirement for local tertiary institutions.

The passing rate for college entry was 47.6%. There were 36,608 candidates this year, up 4.7% on last year, with 74.3% passing A-level subjects, down on last year's 74.5% pass rate.

This year saw 81% passes or above in Chinese and English languages, on last year's 81.5%. Students scoring As in both subjects stood at 1.5%, equalling last year's figure.

Ten candidates received five Grade As and 302 candidates received three or more Grade As.