They're the holy grail for the ambitious, the talented and the driven. Steeped in centuries-old tradition and considered bywords for academic excellence, Britain's Oxford and Cambridge universities have their pick of the creme de la creme from the thousands of students who cross their fingers and post an application from across the globe.
Countless hours of study, nail-biting exams and probing interviews must be overcome before students can even think about entering their hallowed halls.
This intensely competitive process has done little to dim the appeal of the institutions that have earned the moniker 'Oxbridge', but it appears Hong Kong students are finding it tougher to get a foot in the door.
Last year, about 15 per cent of all international students who applied went on to study at Oxford and Cambridge.
This week the English Schools Foundation gave its students a head start with a two-day workshop offering advice on applications, exams and interview technique.
'Anecdotal information suggests it's getting tougher,' said Chris Forse, head of ESF parent and student services. 'I think the schools will say it's more difficult to get in now than it was at the turn of the century.'
Last year the ESF received seven offers from Oxford and Cambridge and four of those went to students at Island School. The school's former university adviser, Kevin Lester, said the number of applicants had increased in recent years but the number of students being accepted had remained constant.