Hong Kong’s DSE Exam Gains Popularity in Mainland China

Hong Kong’s Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination is rapidly gaining recognition in mainland China, with over 70 schools now offering specialised courses to prepare students for this globally recognised qualification. The DSE is emerging as a competitive alternative to China’s national college entrance exam, the Gaokao, providing students with more diverse pathways to higher education - both in Hong Kong and abroad.

Why Mainland Students Are Choosing the DSE Over the Gaokao

The Gaokao is notoriously rigorous, with intense pressure on students to perform well in a single high-stakes exam. In contrast, the DSE offers several advantages:

1. Global Recognition – The DSE is widely accepted by universities in Hong Kong, the UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries, making it an excellent option for students aiming to study overseas.

2. Flexible Subject Choices – Unlike the Gaokao, which follows a fixed curriculum, the DSE allows students to select elective subjects based on their strengths and interests.

3. Emphasis on Critical Thinking – The DSE assesses problem-solving and analytical skills rather than pure memorisation, aligning more closely with Western education systems.
   

Rise of DSE Programs in Mainland Schools

The number of mainland schools offering DSE preparation has surged, particularly in Guangdong province, where cultural and economic ties with Hong Kong are strong. Many of these schools provide bilingual instruction, with a strong focus on English proficiency - a key requirement for the DSE. Some institutions even collaborate with Hong Kong educators to ensure teaching standards meet international benchmarks.

Notably, the DSE’s Chinese language exam is considered more accessible than the Gaokao’s, as it focuses on comprehension and expression rather than complex literary analysis. This makes the DSE particularly appealing to students who may struggle with the Gaokao’s difficulty level.

Challenges for Mainland Students Taking the DSE

While the DSE offers many benefits, mainland students may face some hurdles:

• English Proficiency Requirements – The DSE English exam is demanding, requiring strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students with limited exposure to English may need extra support.

• Different Exam Structure – The DSE includes school-based assessments (SBA) and public exams, which may be unfamiliar to students accustomed to the Gaokao’s single-test format.

• Limited Awareness – Some parents and students are still unfamiliar with the DSE’s advantages, leading to hesitation in choosing it over traditional pathways.

  
  

Is the DSE the Right Choice for You?

For mainland students seeking an alternative to the Gaokao, the DSE presents a valuable opportunity to access world-class universities with a more balanced and internationally recognised curriculum. However, success requires early preparation, strong English skills, and strategic subject selection. This article summarises key points from the South China Morning Post report 'Hong Kong university entrance exam courses offered at over 70 mainland Chinese schools' (SCMP, 11 August 2025).