Education Official source

Mainland DSE exam fees rise to HK$8,000 after subsidy ends

Mainland DSE candidates face a 220% fee increase to HK$8,000 as subsidies end, raising concerns about access to Hong Kong's education system.

By Vishal Kumar Garg · Correspondent

31 जुल 2026, 14:36 · 1 min read · हिन्दी · View web story

Key takeaways

The registration fees for Hong Kong's Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams in mainland China will increase to HK$8,000, a 220% rise from the current HK$2,500.
This fee hike follows the end of a three-year pilot scheme that subsidized costs for mainland exam centres.
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) cited the need for sustainable operations of examination centres as the reason for the fee increase.
Local DSE students in Hong Kong will experience a smaller fee increase of 4%, with subject fees ranging from HK$540 to HK$808 next year.
The increase in fees may deter some mainland students from taking the DSE, impacting their access to Hong Kong's universities.
The decision highlights the challenges of maintaining overseas examination centres without external funding.

Students taking Hong Kong's Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams in mainland China next year will see their registration fees soar to HK$8,000, marking a 220% increase from the current HK$2,500. This sharp hike follows the conclusion of a three-year pilot scheme that had subsidized costs for mainland exam centres.

Pilot Scheme Ends, Costs Shift to Students

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) announced the fee increase on Friday, citing the need for "sustainable and effective operation" of mainland examination centres after the pilot scheme's termination. Initially launched in 2024, the scheme allowed eligible Hong Kong candidates to sit for the DSE remotely at centres in mainland China.

The authority explained that the operational costs of these centres included stringent security measures, specialized equipment, personnel deployment, and the secure handling of examination materials such as question papers and answer scripts. With the pilot subsidies no longer in place, these expenses are now being passed on to candidates.

Local Students Face Smaller Fee Hike

While mainland candidates bear the brunt of the changes, local DSE students will also see a modest 4% increase in subject fees, which will range from HK$540 to HK$808 next year. The HKEAA has not indicated further adjustments for local candidates.

Why This Matters

The fee hike is significant as it could deter some mainland-based students from taking the DSE, a crucial gateway to Hong Kong's universities. The pilot scheme's subsidies had made the exams more accessible, but the new costs may place additional financial strain on families. The HKEAA's decision underscores the challenges of maintaining overseas examination centres without external funding.

This development raises broader questions about affordability and access to Hong Kong's education system for students outside the city, particularly as cross-border educational ties continue to evolve.

Source: South China Morning Post

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