Story perspectives

Non-Local Student Admissions Surge Amid Local Declines

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Education Bureau of Hong Kong reports a fivefold rise in non-local students admitted to government-funded degree programs over four years.
Local Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) candidates qualified for public universities fell 5%.
Non-local DSE admissions rose from 13 in 2022-23 to 65 in 2025-26.
Non-DSE admissions increased by 15%, prompting calls for transparency.
Concerns about social mobility have emerged as competitive programs favor non-DSE students.

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Story summary

The Education Bureau of Hong Kong reports a fivefold rise in non-local students admitted to government-funded degree programs over four years.
Local Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) candidates qualified for public universities fell 5%.
Non-local DSE admissions rose from 13 in 2022-23 to 65 in 2025-26.
Non-DSE admissions increased by 15%, prompting calls for transparency.
Concerns about social mobility have emerged as competitive programs favor non-DSE students.