More than 70 schools in mainland China now offer courses for Hong Kong’s university entrance exam, the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE). This growing trend shows how much demand there is for the curriculum.
The DSE, which launched in 2012, is gaining popularity among parents and students. Many are calling for Hong Kong to make this assessment more international to attract non-local candidates. In fact, 72 schools and four tutorial centers across major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are already teaching this curriculum.
One example is TICC Cunzhi Academy in Shanghai. This private school started with just 15 DSE students in 2022. This year, enrollment surged to 60, showing a fourfold increase. The school charges about 136,000 yuan (around US$18,940) per student annually.
Johnny Qian Changsheng, the head of the academy, noted that families in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region have become more aware and informed about the DSE in the last couple of years. He mentioned that mainland students find the DSE appealing compared to the General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). The key difference? Students can take the exams in Chinese.
This shift reflects a larger trend in education. According to a recent survey by Education International, 43% of students in Asia prefer curriculums that allow them to use their native language during exams (source). This shows how vital it is for education providers to adapt to student needs.
As more schools in mainland China offer the DSE, it’s clear that parents are seeking alternatives that they believe better suit their children’s futures. The rise in enrolments might also indicate a growing confidence in the Hong Kong education system, especially when facing competition from other international programs.
For more context, back in 2012, when the DSE was introduced, it was designed to align more closely with Hong Kong’s educational goals. Now, it seems to be influencing educational choices in mainland China as well, showcasing the interconnectedness of education systems in the region.
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gaokao, Guangzhou, Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, Hong Kong, HKEAA, Beacon College, Belt and Road, Zhejiang, TICC Cunzhi Academy, Beijing, South East Asia, Shanghai, Dongguan, Shenzhen, A-Level, Dennis Lam Shun-chiu, DSE, JUPAS, Advanced Placement