Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

Recognition of Exam

HKDSE Recognised Locally and Globally

The HKDSE has been an important qualification for senior secondary students furthering their studies locally or overseas, or pursuing a career. In addition to local tertiary institutions, higher education institutions from the Mainland and worldwide have indicated their acceptance of students with HKDSE qualification. Visit Recognition of HKDSE webpages and DSE Express to learn more about the multiple pathways for senior secondary students.

132 Mainland Higher Education Institutions to Admit HKDSE Students

In the 2023/24 academic year, the total number of Mainland higher education institutions that accepts HKDSE candidates increases to 132. Read the press release and visit the webpage concerned for details.

Amendments to the UCAS Tariff of the UK

The UCAS announced that all international qualifications, including the HKDSE and non-regulated UK qualifications, were removed from the Tariff Tables in May 2022. The new arrangement will be applicable to students entering the UK higher education from September 2023 onwards. The UCAS also confirmed that this change will not impact the validity of the HKDSE or its acceptability for progression into higher education in the UK. Click here or visit the DSE Express for details.

The New Academic Structure (NAS) has been implemented since September 2009. The NAS provides every student with the opportunity to take part in a six-year secondary course. With the implementation of the NAS, the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) administered the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) in 2012 to replace the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) and the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE).

To secure multiple pathways on both further studies and employment for candidates, the HKEAA has been working closely with university admission offices, higher education institutions, employers and professional bodies around the world to promote recognition of HKEAA qualifications.

Remarks:
Although HKEAA examinations have been widely accepted, some universities have set particular criteria for admission of overseas students. In cases where candidates wish to further their studies abroad, they may be required to take certain unified examinations conducted by the examination authorities of that particular country as one of the basic requirements. These include, for example, the SAT for the United States.