Hong Kong Students

According to German Government, Hong Kong students holding Hong Kong Passport or BNO can only study in Germany after completing Form 2 or Grade 8 and enroll into Class 9 in a German secondary school. However, there is no restriction for students with EU passports.

Majority of international students choose between 2 types of schools: Traditional German School (Gymnaisum) or International Baccalaureate School.

Students who have completed F.2/G.8

Applicants may apply for Class 8 or 9 in a Traditional German School, or may choose to study in Grade 8 or 9 in an International Baccalaureate school.

Students who have completed F.3/G.9

Enrolling into Class 9 or 10 is possible. In a G8 Traditional German School, Class 10 is considered a Senior Secondary Level, if students wish to have more time to adapt, they can consider repeating Class 9.

Students who have completed F.4/G.10

The last two years of senior high school in a Traditional German School do not accept new students. Students may consider repeating Class 10 in a G8 school or enroll in Class 11 in a G9 school, or they may choose to study in International Baccalaureate Grade 10 or 11. At this stage, students can choose subjects according to their learning interests and the subject offerings of their schools.

Students who have completed F.5/G.11

Students either starts from Class 10 in a G8 school or Class 11 in a G9 school, or they may choose to study in International Baccalaureate Grade 11.

Enrolling in a traditional German School or IB School?

Which type of secondary school is right for you? It depends on several factors:

the student’s current grade level
long-term goals
language proficiency
grades and strengths and weaknesses
personality and social skills
time
family finances.

The following list can also be used as a reference:

	Traditional Arts and Science Secondary School	International Baccalaureate School
Pro	International students graduating with Abitur are treated the same as local students in Germany when applying to German Universities.* Abitur result is not based on a single exam, it includes the last 2 years of school performance. Build a solid foundation on German skill Majority of University programs are taught in German than in English.	Enrollment by age IBDP is highly recognised in Germany IBDP result is not based on a single entrance exam Taught in English
Con	German B2 Level required Enrollment is not based on age but on previous Education Level The last two years of high school are closed	German Universities do not consider International Students who have graduated with IBDP equivalent to those with Abitur.* Depends on the German language learning arrangement of individual schools, students aim for German taught University programs might need to provide German language certificate.. The ratio of English taught to German taught University programs is 1:9.

*Admissions to University programs in Germany are categorized into nationally restricted, locally restricted or unrestricted. A local restricted program might only allocate 5% to 10% of total seats to international students.

If you are interested in German universities, please note that there are differences in the recognition of DSE and IBDP, the pathway to further study is also different. Students should also note that the recognition requirements of DSE and IBDP may change every year, the requirements announced in July 2020 are as follows:

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

At least 6 subjects must be taken.
6 subjects including 4 majors with grade 3 or above.
All 6 subjects must be independent subjects, e.g. “English Literature” and “English Language” are regarded as subsidiary subjects and counted as 1 subject only.
Some subjects are regarded as vocational training subjects and are not treated as traditional subjects, e.g. BAFS, Tourism and Hospitality, Health Management and Social Care.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

At least 6 subjects must be taken.
6 subjects including 4 majors with grade 3 or above.
All 6 subjects must be independent subjects, e.g. “English Literature” and “English Language” are regarded as subsidiary subjects and counted as 1 subject only.
Some subjects are regarded as vocational training subjects and are not treated as traditional subjects, e.g. BAFS, Tourism and Hospitality, Health Management and Social Care.

Now is the time to plan your future!

And we assist you along the whole way

Alby W. S. Wong

Your study consultant