Author: Ta Kung Pao  

Date: September 9, 2024

Following the release of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) results, the Mainland Universities Admission Scheme for HKDSE Students announced admission outcomes in late July, marking a continued trend of Hong Kong students pursuing education in mainland China. This year, six additional universities in mainland China have started recruiting DSE candidates, further expanding educational options for these students. Guangdong universities are set to begin their admissions for DSE candidates at the end of September.

Increasing Enrollment of Hong Kong Students

Admissions officers from institutions such as Jinan University and Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have noted a significant increase in Hong Kong student applications this year. They advise prospective students to carefully consider their interests and strengths when selecting majors, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices rather than merely following trends.

One major attraction for students choosing to study in Guangdong is the one-hour living circle concept within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which facilitates ease of commuting and connectivity. Many students feel confident about the improving education standards and diverse course offerings in Guangdong universities, which they see as beneficial for their future career prospects.

This year, 138 higher education institutions in mainland China will use DSE scores for admission, providing even more options for Hong Kong students looking to study in the north. Jinan University, renowned among Hong Kong residents, now has over 7,000 Hong Kong students enrolled. Zhu Zimu, Vice Dean of the Undergraduate School at Jinan University, notes that the influx of applicants has led to higher academic performance among those applying through the joint examination or DSE scores.

Rational Subject Selection

Popular majors at Jinan University include business management, clinical medicine, dentistry, and journalism. Zhu Zimu emphasizes that students should consider their personal interests and career aspirations when selecting a major, rather than opting for popular fields that may not align with their strengths.

The upcoming completion of Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital will create more opportunities for graduates in the field, making Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) a compelling option for many students. Jia Jianwei from the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine reports that the university aims to enroll about 180 Hong Kong students this year, including 100 DSE candidates, with additional spots added in response to strong interest.

Survey Insights on Student Preferences

Sun Yat-sen University has set a target of 150 Hong Kong DSE candidates for this year, the same as the previous year, with the potential to increase this number based on enrollment rates. New students will spend their first year at the South Campus of the Guangzhou Campus, noted for its rich historical and cultural significance. 

Additionally, Guangzhou Medical University and Southern Medical University will admit 10 and 40 Hong Kong DSE candidates, respectively, reflecting the growing interest in specialized medical education among Hong Kong students.

A recent survey indicated that 33% of fresh DSE candidates are considering further studies in mainland China, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from the previous year. Among these, 46% believe that the mainland offers greater development opportunities due to its geographic proximity to Hong Kong. 

I had my first internship in Guangzhou this summer and experienced firsthand the convenient transportation options in the Greater Bay Area, said Chen, a recent DSE candidate. Whether by high-speed rail or other means, traveling between Guangdong and Hong Kong is very accessible, making me optimistic about my future college experience.

As Hong Kong students increasingly recognize the advantages of studying in the Greater Bay Area, the region continues to be positioned as an attractive destination for higher education.