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Jane Lee

Talent defies geographical boundaries. As the Hong Kong government works towards making the city a higher education hub, local universities are well poised to attract talented international students. But there is a catch: the main pathway for non-Chinese-speaking students to access our universities is almost blocked.
As an international university entrance exam, the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) is relatively young. Born in 2012 as part of the city’s education reform, it is the main route for admission to local universities and is also recognised worldwide by over 600 higher education institutes as an entry qualification.
However, while the DSE’s status is international, access to it is not. The Chinese language component of this international exam is compulsory, which practically slams the door shut for many non-Chinese-speaking students from across the world who want to study in the city.
While there are strictly limited provisions for mainland students to take the DSE across the border, no comparable options are available for overseas students. The primary pathway to the DSE remains through local schools. This framework reduces the DSE’s international appeal compared to qualifications like the General Certificate of Education A-levels or the International Baccalaureate.
As the government moves forward in establishing a world-class education hub focused on its subsidised universities, there is a strong case for broadening access to the DSE for students from mainland China and beyond. This expansion could bring significant financial and social benefits to the educational landscape and the wider community, mirroring successful models in other countries that promote their secondary education systems to international students. Switzerland is a good example.
To capitalise on this opportunity, the DSE should be reformed so that it is easier for non-Chinese-speaking students to take the exam. By positioning the DSE as a credible pathway to world-class universities in Hong Kong and internationally, we can enhance and diversify the pipeline of strong candidates for institutions in the proposed Northern Metropolis University Town.


Easing access for non-Chinese-speaking students to the DSE would also mitigate the shrinking number of DSE candidates due to the declining birth rate in Hong Kong. Census and Statistics Department figures show that the city’s birth rate has plunged from 95,500 in 2011 to 33,200 in 2023, a drop of over 65 per cent.
The impact on the DSE has been large: between 2015 and 2024, the number of students sitting the exam dropped from 72,859 to 49,026, a decrease of nearly 33 per cent. This downward spiral is likely to continue in the foreseeable future. We must fill that void.
Mainland Chinese parents may see the DSE as less competitive but they could become increasingly interested in getting their children to study in Hong Kong if DSE exams were more accessible.
Opening up the DSE can also bolster Hong Kong’s reputation as a safe, sophisticated and globally connected international education hub by enhancing curriculum flexibility, providing language support, and adjusting admission and examination processes.

Adjusting visa requirements and allowing non-Chinese-speaking students to attend public or assisted schools on a fee-paying basis could significantly benefit the city. In addition, local students would have increased exposure to other cultures, supporting Hong Kong’s status as a global city. This also aligns with the central government’s vision of Hong Kong as the main conduit between mainland China and the global community.
To succeed and become a fully integrated international education hub, the city can build a holistic ecosystem that delivers secure and enriching academic and cultural experiences.
This includes providing diverse accommodation options, such as boarding facilities, which are lacking, host families and guardianship services while strengthening extracurricular offerings, sports and cultural programmes that foster personal growth and cross-cultural connections.
These elements are essential for creating an environment where overseas students feel supported and engaged, positioning Hong Kong as a top destination for secondary education in the region.

Making the DSE a globally relevant certification would strengthen its standing and elevate Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub. With five universities ranked in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, the city presents an appealing option for families living abroad, especially in Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.
With the DSE at the core of the education system, Hong Kong can attract a growing share of the international student market. This will drive demand from students and families seeking a high-quality, globally connected education with clear pathways to top universities worldwide.
By improving our education ecosystem and the DSE’s international appeal, Hong Kong can fully realise its potential. Swinging open the DSE gate means we are truly opening our hearts to welcome the world’s talented students to our halls of thought.


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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s university entrance exam should be a bridge, not a barrier

Visitors take pictures at the University of Hong Kong campus, on January 25. Photo: Elson Li

Students from Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College in Sai Wan Ho receive their DSE exam results, on July 17, 2024. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Five Hong Kong universities are in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, making the city an attractive option for international students. Photo: Shutterstock

Student scams also cost reputation of Hong Kong as an education hub

The main building of The University of Hong Kong at Pok Fu Lam. Two HKU students were swindled out of HK$11 million by fraudsters posing as law enforcers. Photo: Dickson Lee

Swire Hall, home to Hong Kong University students. According to the Centre of Development and Resources for Students at HKU, more than 60 students have fallen prey to tricksters in recent months, resulting in losses of over HK$60 million. Photo: SCMPOST.

Education University of Hong Kong puts non-local students on notice over visas

EdU has said it will create a task force to review the mechanism for reminding students to submit visa information in a timely manner after a recent check uncovered the scale of the problem. Photo: EdUHK

CUHK head to explore creating Hong Kong college system for postgraduates

The Chinese University of Hong Kong is the only tertiary education institution in the city to offer a collegiate system for full-time undergraduates. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Professor Dennis Lo has said that as a pathologist, fairness and equality have always been important virtues when it came to allocating resources. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Hong Kong may require minimum stay to obtain ‘local student’ university status

Students who first received dependant visas or entry permits when they were under 18 years old are considered local under the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (Jupas). Photo: Photo: Handout

Secretary for Education Christine Choi says she will consult stakeholders and other government departments on any changes. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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To become a world-class education hub, Hong Kong must ensure its DSE exam is globally accessible


To become a world-class education hub, Hong Kong must ensure its DSE exam is globally accessible.


Education in Hong Kong

HKDSE - Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

Belt and Road Initiative

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Hong Kong’s university entrance exam should be a bridge, not a barrier

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}To become a world-class education hub, Hong Kong must ensure its DSE exam is globally accessible

To become a world-class education hub, Hong Kong must ensure its DSE exam is globally accessible