Two Exams, One Goal
Both the DSE and the mainland gaokao are public examinations for university entry, but they differ significantly in design, scope and use. Understanding the differences helps mainland families plan their educational journey.
Exam Structure
- DSE: Four core subjects plus electives, assessed subject by subject, with school-based assessment in some subjects; results are reported in grades (1–5**).
- Gaokao: Most provinces examine six subjects (Chinese, Mathematics, a foreign language, plus a humanities or science comprehensive paper); a single sitting determines the outcome.
Grading and Scoring
- DSE: Graded by level; each university publishes its specific grade requirements for entry.
- Gaokao: Ranked by total score (usually out of 750); competition is fierce and places are allocated by province quotas.
How to Choose?
- If your goal is a Hong Kong or overseas university, the DSE curriculum and results are a closer fit, and English-medium study is a plus.
- If your goal is a mainland university, the gaokao route is more direct; however, Hong Kong students can also use their DSE results to apply to selected mainland universities under the DSE admission scheme without sitting the gaokao.
- Practical considerations: Attending a DSE-curriculum school in mainland China, or a non-public-sector school in Hong Kong — compare fees, family arrangements and your child's adaptability.
Summary
Neither exam is inherently better; it depends on what suits the student. Base your decision on language ability, university goals and family circumstances, and consult official EDB and HKEAA sources.