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.
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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.
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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.