Hong Kong students aspiring to pursue higher education across the border are receiving a significant boost, as the Ministry of Education in the mainland has broadened the scope of its admission scheme for Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) candidates. For the 2026/27 academic year, 165 institutions—an increase of 20 from the previous cycle—will participate, offering candidates direct entry based on their HKDSE results.
This expansion, welcomed by the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB), aims to provide more diversified pathways for local graduates while fostering a deeper connection with the mainland’s social, economic, and cultural spheres. The participating universities are geographically diverse, spanning 21 provinces, municipalities, and two autonomous regions, including the newly added Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Navigating the 2026 Admission Pipeline
The application process for HKDSE candidates taking the 2026 examination is set to open later this year. To ensure a smooth process, candidates must adhere to a strict timeline for submissions and verifications:
- Application Period: Submissions via the designated online portal will be accepted from December 1 to December 31, 2025.
- Verification and Updates: Applicants must log in by January 10, 2026, to confirm eligibility status. Those required to submit supplementary information can check updated verification results by January 23, 2026.
- Fee Payment: Successful candidates who pass the initial verification must pay the required HK$460 application fee by January 31, 2026.
Following the application phase, mainland universities will proceed with material review and may arrange interviews. Admission offers are expected to be released in late July 2026, with subsequent supplementary rounds available depending on remaining vacancies.
Simplified Entry and Eligibility Benchmarks
A key advantage of this initiative is that it allows Hong Kong students to bypass the rigorous Joint Entrance Examination for Mainland Institutions, admitting them solely on the strength of their HKDSE performance.
According to the EDB, the general minimum entry benchmark across participating institutions requires:
- A grade of Attained in the Citizenship and Social Development subject.
- A combined total score of at least eight across the three core subjects: Chinese Language, English Language, and Mathematics. Importantly, none of these three subjects should fall below Level 2.
The scheme also continues to feature the School Principal Nomination Scheme, enabling each secondary school to nominate up to eight high-achieving students for priority consideration.
Financial Support and Resources for Students
Recognizing the cost of cross-border education, the mainland’s program offers financial assistance. Eligible Hong Kong students enrolled in undergraduate programs at designated mainland institutions can apply for the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme. This scheme provides both means-tested and non-means-tested subsidies, granted annually for the entire normal duration of the program, with students limited to receiving one type of subsidy per academic year.
For students, parents, and educators seeking more comprehensive information, the EDB encourages attendance at the 2026/27 Mainland Higher Education Expo. This event, co-organized by the Ministry of Education and the EDB, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday and Sunday, November 29–30. Details regarding the expo agenda will be announced soon.
The EDB affirms its commitment to ongoing dialogue with mainland authorities to further invite additional prestigious universities, thereby continuously diversifying and strengthening the study pathways that align with national development strategies. Comprehensive details and application guidance are available on the Education Bureau’s official website.