Failing the tricky HKDSE Chinese paper can mean missing out on local university places, leading students to find alternative qualifications or studying abroad.

With a significant shortfall in publicly funded Higher Education provision in Hong Kong, students face pressure to score well in each of the HKDSE core subjects in order to gain entry. However up to half of candidates fail Chinese, which means missing out even if achieving good grades in other subjects.

Some students will opt for alternative qualifications such as A-Levels or IB, or those with the means may decide to study abroad. Studying senior secondary education overseas and then applying to local universities via the non-JUPAS (Hong Kong equivalent of UCAS) route  is one option.

This article by the South China Morning Post includes interesting background, student examples and some relevant statistics.

Commentary by Steve Corry, Regional Business Development Manager, British Council:

International Officers who recruit in Hong Kong should read this article. The student Daniel Lee Cheuk-hin, who is covered in this article, is a fairly typical example. Students who are competent in English and Mathematics but have performed poorly in Chinese are prime candidates for UK universities, or likewise for UK schools who may find students wishing to avoid the HKDSE.

International Officers should also be familiar with Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools in Hong Kong offering alternative qualifications such as A-Levels and the IB.