Students in Hong Kong will now have the option of applying to the Shenzhen campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) using their local exam results, expanding the pathways available for those seeking higher education in mainland China. Previously, students could only apply through China’s joint entrance examination. This new route allows applicants to use their scores from Hong Kong’s Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, CUHK announced on Friday.
According to Cai Xiaoqiang, associate vice-president of CUHK Shenzhen, the university is working closely with other higher education institutions in mainland China to accept applications from Hong Kong students using DSE results. Admission decisions will be based on students’ DSE scores, as well as their performance in interviews. However, the specific number of available seats for Hong Kong students remains under discussion.
This year marked a milestone for CUHK Shenzhen, as the campus admitted its first batch of Hong Kong students—23 in total—through a specially designed joint examination for residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, facilitating their entry into mainland universities. Additionally, 50 Hong Kong students are currently enrolled at the Shenzhen campus through a unique 'double major programme', which allows those admitted to the Hong Kong institution to earn a second degree at the Shenzhen campus.
Xu Yangsheng, president of CUHK Shenzhen since 2013, highlighted the benefits of studying at the Shenzhen campus, particularly its proximity to industries and companies that offer abundant internship and job opportunities. “The advantage of studying in Shenzhen is that we have so many companies and industries, so there are plenty of opportunities for internships and jobs”, Xu said.
CUHK Shenzhen offers a range of courses not available at its Sha Tin counterpart in Hong Kong, including emerging fields like financial engineering and big data. Xu stressed that students with experience and networks both in mainland China and Hong Kong would have a competitive edge, regardless of where they choose to build their future careers.
In 2024, 138 mainland universities, including prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University and Peking University, admitted Hong Kong students based solely on their DSE scores, as part of the mainland’s Admission Scheme. This reflects an increasing trend toward academic collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland China, offering Hong Kong students more opportunities to study in top Chinese universities without needing to pass China’s joint entrance exam.
Zheng Yongnian, dean of CUHK Shenzhen’s School of Public Policy, commented on the collaborative development potential between Hong Kong and mainland China. He noted that while Hong Kong has a strong foundation in scientific research, it lags behind in commercializing technological advancements. In contrast, the Pearl River Delta region, including Shenzhen, boasts numerous companies and manufacturers, making it an ideal environment for technological innovation and business growth. Zheng emphasized that regional collaboration would enable cities to leverage their unique strengths for mutual development. "If a city acts independently, no one will be able to produce anything. But if there is cooperation, everyone can develop", Zheng said.
Education-sector lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung highlighted that the appeal of studying at CUHK Shenzhen would vary depending on the courses offered. “Students aiming to develop their careers on the mainland or wanting to build networks there, while also seeking a teaching environment similar to Hong Kong’s, are likely to consider this option,” Chu said. He also pointed out that students with aspirations for high academic achievement and dual qualifications from both Hong Kong and mainland China would find this pathway particularly attractive.
Clement Ng Po-shing, director of Hok Yau Club’s Student Guidance Centre, believes that students interested in technology, computer science, or engineering may find CUHK Shenzhen an appealing choice. The city’s vibrant start-up scene and tech-driven environment offer ample opportunities for students to build careers in these fields. Ng also noted that aspiring entrepreneurs could benefit from Shenzhen’s competitive tech landscape and abundant networking opportunities.
However, Ng warned that Hong Kong students might face challenges adapting to the rigorous academic environment in mainland China. “This issue exists even now for local students who end up on the mainland for university they tend to be weaker in subjects like maths and science compared with their mainland peers”, Ng explained. He cautioned that the different academic foundations could make it difficult for Hong Kong students to adapt to the curriculum, and some may need to adjust their study habits or make up for academic credits in certain subjects.
As Hong Kong students consider this new pathway to higher education, they must weigh the benefits of expanded career opportunities and dual qualifications against the challenges of adjusting to mainland China’s academic expectations.
