The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE), administered by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, is a globally recognized secondary school qualification system, often referred to as the “Hong Kong Gaokao.” Known for its flexible structure and comprehensive subject offerings, the HKDSE is accepted by over 600 universities worldwide—including top institutions in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Germany, and other major study destinations. Additionally, Hong Kong permanent residents can use their HKDSE results to directly apply to 145 top-tier universities in Mainland China—including Tsinghua University and Peking University—through the “Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions.”
ISA Wenhua Wuhan School’s HKDSE programme is one of the few in Central China designed to support both Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese students in pursuing diverse higher education pathways. Anchored in ISA’s “whole-child development” philosophy, the programme features immersive English instruction and a range of academic pathways to ensure high compatibility with students’ language abilities, prior academic experiences, and future ambitions.
Whether targeting top universities in Mainland China, direct entry into Hong Kong’s prestigious “Eight Universities,” or exploring global study destinations, the HKDSE programme offers a flexible, adaptable, and internationally recognized pathway tailored to students’ unique strengths and aspirations.
At ISA, students not only gain academic growth but also build a solid platform for future success in a globalized world.
At ISA Wenhua Wuhan School, the HKDSE programme is not only a diversified pathway to higher education but also a high-quality academic system that integrates the strengths of both Chinese and Western education. Designed to balance language adaptability with academic rigor, the programme is rooted in the philosophy of whole-child education and focuses on building students' core competencies through four key pillars:
Recognized by over 600 universities worldwide, the HKDSE qualification opens pathways to top institutions in Mainland China, Hong Kong, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and other major study destinations.
It is the only internationally recognized examination that allows students to respond in Simplified Chinese, offering better alignment with the language foundation and learning habits of Mainland students.
Subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Citizenship and Social Development closely align with the content of Mainland high school curricula, ensuring a smooth academic transition.
Except for English Language, most HKDSE subjects have strong linguistic adaptability, supporting students’ progression from junior secondary to senior secondary levels.
The HKDSE places emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving rather than rote memorization, with no restrictions on age, nationality, or academic background.
Results are valid for two years, and students may retake specific subjects or the full set to combine their best scores when applying to universities, thereby increasing their chances of admission.
The programme is structured around four pillars of growth—language, academics, well-being, and character—offering three years of continuous, individualized support.
Co-teaching by Chinese and international faculty, fostering an intensive English learning environment.
Approximately 14 DSE English classes per week, including IELTS speaking-focused sessions led by foreign teachers, ensuring well-rounded development in all four language skills.
Study trips to Hong Kong’s top three universities and prestigious institutions abroad (e.g., the University of Hong Kong).
Research-based academic projects in collaboration with Tsinghua University.
Participation in international academic competitions such as AMC10/12, Physics Bowl, UKCHO, BBO, and BPHO.
Foreign languages: German, French, Japanese.
Interest and arts courses: Anime voice acting, gastronomy, dance, band, etc.
Practical & skills-based courses: Financial literacy, STEAM innovation, swimming, etc.
Small-class teaching (around 25 students per class), focusing on individual growth.
One-on-one university counseling and personalized three-year development plans.
Differentiated instruction and inquiry-based learning tailored to diverse academic rhythms.
Professional psychological support system that addresses emotional well-being and mental health.
Dedicated overseas study tours within the DSE programme, enabling students to practice academic expression and cultivate intercultural competence in authentic global settings.
Leveraging the rich academic ecosystem and resources of ISA Wuhan’s educational park, the HKDSE programme not only offers students a globally recognized pathway to top universities but also ensures profound academic engagement and nurturing personal development—empowering every learner to achieve dual breakthroughs in both scholarship and self-growth.
