DSE exams

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, the territory's university entrance examination, are currently in the news due to significant fee adjustments and stories of student success. Candidates taking the DSE exams in mainland China will experience a substantial 220% increase in their entry fee, rising to HK$8,000 from HK$2,500, following the conclusion of a pilot scheme. This fee hike applies after a 4% increase for local students taking each exam. Concurrently, the DSE exams are highlighted by the achievements of ethnic minority students who have successfully navigated language barriers to attain high scores. These stories underscore the ongoing challenges and triumphs associated with the DSE, emphasizing its role as a critical gateway to higher education in Hong Kong and the varying accessibility for different student groups.