The Vocabulary of Hong Kong Admissions: A Glossary for Parents

Navigating the school admissions process in Hong Kong can feel like learning a new language. From acronyms like DSS and ESF to financial terms like debentures, the jargon alone can be overwhelming for any parent.

We believe that knowledge is power. Understanding this specialized vocabulary is the first step toward making confident, informed decisions for your child’s educational journey. This glossary breaks down the key terms you’re most likely to encounter.

School Types & Systems

DSS (Direct Subsidy Scheme)

• What it is: A unique Hong Kong hybrid model where schools receive government funding but enjoy greater autonomy than local schools. They can set their own curriculum (often blending local and international elements), fees, and admission criteria.

• Why it matters: DSS schools are highly popular, offering an alternative to the strict local curriculum while often being more affordable than private international schools. They are academically selective and competitive.

Local Schools

• What it is: Government-funded schools following the Hong Kong curriculum, leading to the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) exam.

• Why it matters: The primary education path for most students in Hong Kong. Instruction is predominantly in Cantonese, with Putonghua (Mandarin) and English also taught. Admission is often through the Central Allocation system.
  

International Schools

• What it is: Privately-run schools that offer foreign curricula, such as IB, British (IGCSE, A-Levels), American (AP), or others. Instruction is in English (or the school's language, e.g., French, German).

• Why it matters: These schools cater primarily to non-local students and local students seeking an overseas university pathway. They involve significant fees and often hefty capital levies.
  

The Admissions Process

Central Allocation

• What it is: The automated system used by the government to place Primary 1 students into local schools. It is based on a points system for family connections to the school and random allocation within a designated school net.

• Why it matters: This is a high-stakes, luck-based process for many families seeking a local school place. Parents submit school choices, but the final outcome is not guaranteed.
  

Priority Wait Pool (PWP)

• What it is: A specific term used by the ESF. If a student meets all academic and language requirements but no place is immediately available, they are placed in a ranked waiting list—the Priority Waitpool.

• Why it matters: Being in the PWP is positive; it means your child is qualified and has a strong chance of receiving an offer as places become available throughout the year. Your position in the pool is crucial.
  

Nomination Rights (NR)

• What it is: A benefit often attached to a Corporate Debenture (see below) purchased by a company. The company holder can "nominate" a child for admission to the school, typically bypassing the standard waitlist.

• Why it matters: This is one of the surest ways to gain entry into a top-tier international school. These rights are highly valuable and are usually transferred from an employer to an employee as part of an expatriate package.
  

Financial Terms

Debenture (Personal & Corporate)

• What it is: A mandatory, interest-free loan paid to the school to secure a place. Corporate Debentures are bought by companies for their employees and often come with Nomination Rights. Personal Debentures are bought by individual families and may not guarantee entry but are often a prerequisite for application or admission.

• Why it matters: This is a significant upfront cost (often ranging from HKD $500,000 to several million) that is typically refunded when the child leaves the school, minus administrative fees.
  

Capital Levy (or Capital Note)

• What it is: An annual fee, separate from tuition, that contributes to the school's capital development (e.g., building new facilities). This fee is non-refundable.

• Why it matters: When budgeting for school fees, you must account for both tuition and this annual capital levy, which can be tens of thousands of dollars per year.
  

Curriculum & Programmes

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

• What it is: A two-year programme offered in many international schools, typically for students aged 14-16. It is the international equivalent of the British GCSE and is a rigorous, subject-specific qualification.

• Why it matters: IGCSEs are excellent preparation for A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme, and results are recognized by universities worldwide.
  

PYP, MYP, DP (The International Baccalaureate Programmes)

• What they are: A continuum of programmes offered by many international schools and some DSS schools.

  • PYP (Primary Years Programme): For students aged 3-12, focused on inquiry-based learning.

  • MYP (Middle Years Programme): For students aged 11-16, providing a framework of academic challenge.

  • DP (Diploma Programme): A prestigious and demanding two-year curriculum for students aged 16-19, highly regarded by universities globally.

• Why it matters: The IB is a popular and holistic educational framework. Understanding these acronyms helps you identify a school’s curricular offering from primary through secondary.

Mastering this vocabulary empowers you to engage more confidently with schools, consultants, and other parents. The process is complex, but you don't have to decode it alone.