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International universities may not automatically recognise Hong Kong’s new core subject which replaces liberal studies
- Overseas universities yet to determine if entrance requirements will be changed
- Examination authorities communicating with non-local institutions and consulates
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Hong Kong’s revamped liberal studies subject might not be automatically recognised by overseas universities with some leading institutions saying they would need time to consider their decision, the Post has found.
The first cohort of pupils studying the new core subject – citizenship and social development – will sit the university entrance exams in 2024. The Hong Kong examination authorities said they had been communicating with non-local institutions and consulates on the relevant changes.
The new subject, which was introduced last September to replace liberal studies, has a syllabus focused on national security, identity, lawfulness and patriotism.
First introduced in 2009, liberal studies had aimed to enhance senior secondary students’ social awareness and critical thinking skills. But the bureau overhauled it early last year after the pro-Beijing camp blamed the subject for radicalising youth during the 2019 protests.

Local and overseas universities recognised the core DSE subjects liberal studies, mathematics, Chinese and English language before the revamp.
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