Candidates sitting for the 2026 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination will face higher fees and a revised structure, particularly affecting self-study and nonlocal students. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) announced the adjustments on Friday, citing rising operational costs and the need for sustainable financial planning.
Revised HKDSE Exam Fees for 2026
The revised fees include the following increases:
- School-based and local self-study candidates with a permanent HKID will pay:
- HK$777 per language subject (Chinese or English), up from HK$747
- HK$519 per other subject, up from HK$499
This means a typical candidate taking two language subjects and four other subjects will now pay HK$3,630, compared to HK$3,490 in 2025—a 4% increase.
Higher Charges for Nonlocal Candidates
A new fee structure targets self-study candidates without a permanent Hong Kong ID:
- HK$1,377 per language subject
- HK$1,119 per other subject
For two language and four other subjects, nonlocal students will now pay HK$7,230, which is HK$3,600 more than local counterparts.
Additionally:
- The registration fee for nonschool candidates rises by HK$23 to HK$595
- The fee for those taking the exam at mainland venues increases by HK$441 to HK$2,500
New HK$2,000 Special Application Fee Introduced
From 2026, nonschool candidates under 19 years old as of January 1, 2026, who have never taken the HKDSE, must also pay a nonrefundable HK$2,000 application fee when requesting special consideration.
Why the Increase?
The HKEAA explained that falling candidate numbers and a surge in private exam-takers—who require additional processing—have strained financial sustainability. Costs associated with venue rentals, transportation of exam papers, and staffing, particularly for mainland test centers, have also risen.
In its statement, the HKEAA emphasized that the increases remain moderate and ensure efficient use of resources. Despite the hikes, HKDSE exam fees still remain lower than those of many international examinations, maintaining Hong Kong’s global academic competitiveness.
Registration Opens in September 2025
Prospective candidates for the 2026 HKDSE can begin registration in September, and are advised to review the updated fee structures and requirements carefully to avoid unexpected costs.
