Programme Code: A1E001

Learning/Teaching Chinese is not an easy task especially for non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students/teachers. Let’s listen to their heartfelt voices and feelings.

D(ECE) programme 2025/26

D(ECE) Programme is a promising response to education provision for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. It aims to nurture a new generation of teaching assistants who possess the language proficiency, pedagogical knowledge and positive attitudes required to support preschool teachers, education and community service workers in helping non-Chinese speaking (NCS) children build a solid base for learning, and to contribute proactively and meaningfully to social inclusion and early childhood education.

September 2025 Entry: Applications are now open!

	Click HERE for the Online Application Guide

Programme Features:

	For students who aim at pursuing Further Study or being a Teaching Assistant to help NCS children
	No tuition fee
	Studentship for eligible students

General Entrance Requirements

Local applicants* are eligible to apply through the Direct Application route if they:

1. have obtained in the HKDSE (a) Level 1 or above in Chinese Language ^{(Note 1)} and English Language; and (b) 6 points or above in the best five subjects ^{(Notes 2 & 3)}; or

2. possess other equivalent qualifications; or

3. are mature applicants (aged 21 or above by 1 September 2025) who can demonstrate relevant academic abilities, including proficiency in both Chinese and English languages, and a commitment to study in the programme.

Local applicants* are also required to have achieved satisfactory performance in both language tests and an interview.Having knowledge of one or more ethnic minority languages (e.g. Hindi, Urdu, Nepali) will be an advantage.

* Please refer to www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/nonlocal for the definition of local/non-local students

Note:
1. For non-Chinese speaking (NCS) applicants who have met the specified circumstances^ as announced by the Education Bureau (EDB), the University accepts the Alternative Qualifications in Chinese Language (ACL) in the table below, as equivalent to Level 3 in HKDSE Chinese Language for meeting the minimum Chinese Language requirements and for calculation of the related admission scores. If the grade/score falls below the following specified requirements, it is not included in the admission scores calculation.

Table 1. Conversion of Levels/Grades to Scores for Alternative Qualifications in Chinese Language (ACL) (for NCS students)
^ Please refer to https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/student-parents/ncs-students/about-ncs-students/jupas-admission.html for the information on the specified circumstances

2. If a local applicant has attempted less than 5 subjects but can obtain 6 points or above, his/her application will also be considered. Calculation of points: Level 5** = 7 points; Level 5* = 6 points; Level 5 = 5 points; Level 4 = 4 points; Level 3 = 3 points; Level 2 = 2 points; Level 1 = 1 point.

3. Local applicants are allowed to use up to two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects (Applied Learning Chinese is not applicable) in the application. For admission scores calculation (i.e., Best 5), the results of ApL subjects (Category B) are converted into numeric values as follows:

Table 2. Conversion of Levels/Grades to Scores for HKDSE Category B - Applied Learning Subjects

Programme Exploration