Background Summary

The ever-changing international landscape has cast a shadow of uncertainty over what was once a clear blueprint for studying abroad. Faced with geopolitical turbulence and official warnings about studying overseas, many students and parents are grappling with a realistic and pressing question: In today’s environment, how should we plan our path to studying abroad?

The answer isn't to retreat, but rather to re-examine the resources at hand and the path ahead with a more prudent attitude, a broader perspective, and wiser strategies. For students choosing between the DSE and A-Level curricula, the real advantage lies not in avoiding storms altogether, but in possessing the ability to navigate steadily even amid ever-changing sea conditions.

I. The Ministry of Education Issues a Warning Regarding Study Abroad in Japan

This is undoubtedly the most direct and significant international development currently influencing students’ study-abroad planning. On November 16, 2025, the Ministry of Education issued its No. 4 Study-Abroad Alert for 2025, explicitly stating that recently, public security in Japanese society has been unstable, with a surge in criminal and illegal activities targeting Chinese citizens. As a result, the security situation and study-abroad environment have deteriorated, and the safety risks faced by Chinese citizens living in Japan have risen. The alert urges those already in Japan as well as those planning to study there soon to closely monitor the local security situation, strengthen risk assessments, and advises Chinese citizens to carefully plan their study-abroad arrangements in Japan. This official warning stems from deep concern for the safety of international students; it directly affects the personal safety and study environment of every student planning to study in Japan, making it a critical factor that must be given top priority when making study-abroad decisions today.

II. Study Abroad Strategy: Leveraging the Global Passports of DSE and A-Level

Against the backdrop of a complex and ever-changing international landscape, having two highly recognized curricula—DSE and A-Level—as options for study is in itself an advantage. The key lies in leveraging their unique characteristics to develop a more resilient study-abroad strategy.

Based on the above characteristics, in the current context, it is recommended that students adopt a flexible “multi-country joint application” strategy to diversify potential risks:

• For students enrolled in the DSE program: You can build an application strategy that prioritizes Hong Kong while supplementing it with options from the UK, Australia, and Canada. Fully leverage the DSE’s absolute admission advantage within Hong Kong, while also using prestigious Commonwealth universities as high-quality backup options.
• For A-Level students: The strategy of “global positioning with focused breakthroughs” can be implemented. Leveraging the globally recognized nature of A-Level qualifications, students can simultaneously apply to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong, China, and then choose the optimal path based on admission results and the prevailing circumstances at the time.

     III. Rational Planning: A Guiding Principle for Action Focused on Long-Term Development

In times of rapid and unpredictable change, what’s needed most is a calm, long-term-oriented mindset. The following three suggestions can help students stay grounded:

• Strengthen your academic foundation: No matter how the external environment may change, outstanding academic performance will always be the key to unlocking the doors of prestigious universities. Be sure to place great importance on the school-based assessments for the DSE and the AS-level major examinations for A-Levels.
• Enhance Language Proficiency: DSE students need to master the challenging English subject; A-Level students should aim to achieve satisfactory IELTS or TOEFL scores as early as possible to strengthen their application prospects.
• Focus on your personal strengths: Rather than overworrying about external circumstances beyond your control, it’s better to channel your energy into building your personal background—actively participating in competitions, research projects, or initiatives related to your target field—to enhance your overall competitiveness.

Subjects offered in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) program at Yinghua:

Core subjects: Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics, and Civics and Social Development

Elective subjects: Physics, Biology, Extended Mathematics, Chemistry, Economics, Tourism and Hospitality, etc.