The last day of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) fell on May 2. It's time now for candidates to think about their future. The competition for getting a subsidized degree in Hong Kong is fierce. If the examination result is not good enough for candidates to get a place in local universities, most of them may continue their study by entering IVEs, schools for continuing study, and foreign universities, as well as retaking the DSE. Studying at mainland universities has yet to become an option.

In fact, applying for mainland universities is not difficult. Before, Hong Kong students were required to take the Joint Entrance Examination for Universities, or admission exams organized by five authorized universities. Usually, students would attend a one-year preparatory program for the examination. But since 2012, 63 mainland universities are allowed by the Ministry of Education to recruit Hong Kong students based on their results in the DSE. This policy helps applicants to save time.

The advantages of studying in mainland universities are obvious. First, some mainland universities such as Peking University and Tsinghua University enjoy a high reputation. Many internationally renowned universities such as the London School of Economics and Political Science are holding joint programs with mainland universities. Some of the mainland scholars are world leaders in various academic fields. Certificates granted by mainland universities are widely recognized by overseas universities, transnational firms and NGOs, including universities in Hong Kong.

Second, studying on the mainland does not only help increase proficiency in speaking Mandarin, a common language of at least 1.3 billion people, but one can also learn mainland culture in-depth and build up a strong network by meeting people from different parts of the mainland and the world. It's particularly important nowadays for Hong Kong talents. In the past, Hong Kong was acting as a middleman between mainland factories and overseas markets. Hong Kong people were not required to know much about the mainland. However, the situation has been changing in recent decades, as the mainland market has swung into global focus. Businesses, including service providers and product manufacturers, need to know the trend of the mainland market. It's far from enough to know this knowledge by just reading books and newspapers as well as watching TV programs, since this sort of material may not show the full picture of the mainland.

Third, the central government has granted Hong Kong students favorable entry requirements and school fees as well as scholarships. Mainland universities usually arrange senior students to assist Hong Kong students adapt to school life. Also, the HKSAR government has established mainland offices to help Hong Kong students if necessary.

Fourth, mainland universities have a wide range of available subjects including aerospace which are not available at Hong Kong universities. And it may be easier for Hong Kong students to enter their target subjects such as medicine and law, in which there is fierce competition at Hong Kong universities.

But Hong Kong students choosing to study at mainland universities must also change their mindset. First, Hong Kong students are not superior to mainland students, in matters of English and critical thinking. They need to have psychological preparation for fierce competition. Second, although Hong Kong is part of China and mainland students are quite open-minded, students may still face cultural shocks such as different communicating methods, working styles and eating habits. Third, studying in the mainland is not the last option. In fact, many talents in the world are going to study or develop their careers in the mainland nowadays. Many local university students are eager to get internships in the mainland too.

With the increasing economic integration between Hong Kong and the mainland, it is wise for Hong Kong students to face north as early as possible.

The author is secretary-general of the Hong Kong Association of Young Commentators.

(HK Edition 05/11/2013 page6)