A must-read for mainland parents considering Hong Kong schooling: admission paths, DSE, system transition and daily life.
What are the pathways for mainland students to attend primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong? This article explains local vs non-local status, private and international school options, and visa arrangements.
Applying to Hong Kong schools differs from the local central allocation system — schools mostly admit students directly. Here are the application steps, documents needed and key timelines.
New to Hong Kong? Here are practical daily-life tips on housing, food, transport, clothing and everyday essentials for students.
Living costs in Hong Kong cover tuition, rent, transport and food. Here is a monthly cost reference and money-saving tips for mainland student families.
The DSE is not just for Hong Kong students. Here we explain private-candidate eligibility, subject structure, and the mainland exam centres introduced from 2024.
Both DSE and the gaokao are public examinations for university entry, but they differ greatly in design, scoring and use. Here is a simple comparison to help you choose.
The HKDSE is split into core and elective subjects. This article outlines the full structure of Category A senior secondary subjects and the advantage mainland students have from answering in Chinese.
The DSE itself does not restrict nationality or household registration. Here we explain the three ways mainland students can register: as a partner-school candidate, as a private candidate by direct registration, or as a private candidate by special application.
A complete walkthrough of registering for the DSE as a private candidate: creating an account, special application, formal registration and waiting for approval, with a reference to the 2027 examination fees.
One set of DSE results can be used to apply to universities in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas — truly "one exam, many paths". Here we cover local/non-local applicants, the mainland exemption scheme and studying abroad.
Is the DSE "without barriers"? Can you sit it at a mainland centre? Is it "much easier than the gaokao"? This article clarifies common misconceptions and important reminders.
The DSE is not for everyone. Here we list the traits of four types of students who suit the DSE curriculum, to help parents judge whether it fits their child.
Private candidates face caps and restrictions on subject selection, while some DSE subjects overlap with the mainland curriculum. This article covers subject-selection rules and the school-based assessment (SBA) arrangements.
Some recognised DSE schools in mainland China grant "partner-school candidate" status and let students sit the exam at a mainland pilot centre. Here we cover how to register and notes on the school list.