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Category C: Other Languages Subjects
Category C subjects in the 2024 HKDSE and Before
Six language subjects are offered to candidates in the HKDSE. They are:
  • French Language
  • German Language
  • Hindi Language
  • Japanese Language
  • Spanish Language
  • Urdu Language

Question papers of the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level from Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International) are used for the examinations of these six subjects. Marking and grading are conducted by Cambridge International. Results are reported in five grades (a-e) on the HKDSE certificate, with grade 'e' being the lowest and grade 'a' being the highest. Achievement below grade 'e' is designated as 'Ungraded' and is not reported on the certificate.

Syllabuses for HKEAA Centre

2020-2022 2023

Instructions to Candidates

2022 Examination Year - November 2021 Series

 

 

 

Category C subjects in the 2025 HKDSE
In the 2025 HKDSE, five Other Languages subjects will be offered to candidates under Category C in the HKDSE. They are:
  • French Language
  • German Language
  • Japanese Language
  • Korean Language
  • Spanish Language
Category C subjects in the 2026 HKDSE and Beyond
Starting from the 2026 HKDSE, six Other Languages subjects will be offered to candidates under Category C in the HKDSE. They are:
  • French Language
  • German Language
  • Japanese Language
  • Korean Language
  • Spanish Language
  • Urdu Language

Candidates have to take the stipulated language examinations administered in Hong Kong by the official organisations, which are the official providers of the language examinations concerned. Candidates should enroll themselves with the examination administrators of the stipulated language examinations according to the schedule of the respective language examinations.

Candidates’ results obtained in these examinations at the stipulated minimum proficiency level or above will be included in the HKDSE Category C results. The HKDSE accepts results obtained in the language examinations taken within two years preceding the HKDSE the candidate sits. If a candidate takes the language examinations more than once at the same or different levels, only the highest level and result attained will be reported under the HKDSE Category C subjects. A deadline will be stipulated for the acceptance of the results obtained from these examinations. Candidates will be informed of the deadline at the time of registration in the HKDSE.

For details regarding the stipulated language examinations, including the examination providers and administrators, accepted language proficiency levels in the HKDSE, etc., please refer to the information provided below. Other information about the examinations (e.g. schedule, examination structure and requirements) can be found on the websites of the respective official organisations/examination administrators.

  • Details on Category C (Other Languages) Subjects in 2025 HKDSE
  • Details on Category C (Other Languages) Subjects in 2026 HKDSE and Beyond
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    School Briefing Sessions

    In order to familiarise schools with the new arrangements of the Category C subjects starting from the 2025 HKDSE, a series of online briefing sessions were held in late July 2022:

    Presentation materials:

    Introduction Korean Spanish
    Japanese German French

     

    Schedule (in the 2024 calendar year) of language examinations of Category C subjects

    Please click here for the schedule (in the 2024 calendar year) of language examinations of Category C subjects. For matters related to assessment requirements, registration, examination, reporting of result, handling of examination irregularities and the updated examination schedule, please contact the respective official cultural organisations of Category C subjects below.

    Weblinks of official organisations:

    French Language German Language Japanese Language
    Korean Language Spanish Language Urdu Language