DSE, officially known as the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, is also referred to as the Hong Kong A-Level. Similar to the national college entrance examination, DSE is a university entrance selection examination established in 2012 in Hong Kong to align with the "334 education reform" and connect with domestic universities.

DSE results can be used to apply for universities in Hong Kong, and they are also recognized by many universities in countries such as the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and Japan, including world-renowned institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority has revised the examination rules for 2024, allowing eligible schools outside Hong Kong to participate in DSE. These schools must be recognized by relevant mainland authorities and approved to offer diploma examination courses as "partner schools." Mainland schools must also provide examination venues to accommodate both original school candidates and external candidates. Except for the English oral exam, physical education, and music practical exams, candidates for Category A subjects of DSE can take the exam in mainland China. The authority has confirmed that it has received applications from mainland schools to participate in the 2024 DSE for the first time.

The examination authority has issued a notice to schools stating that mainland schools must provide proof of recognition by relevant mainland authorities to become eligible schools for Hong Kong residents' children and to be approved to offer diploma examination courses. The authority will decide whether to accept these schools as "partner schools." The English oral exam and practical exams for physical education and music must be taken in Hong Kong. Additionally, Category B applied learning subjects and Category C other language subjects will only be offered and held in Hong Kong, and mainland candidates must participate in the English oral exam and practical exams for physical education and music alongside other Hong Kong candidates.

Regarding the arrangement of examination venues in mainland China, under the arrangement of core subjects at the original school and regional examination venues, schools are responsible for providing venues to accommodate all original school candidates and external candidates who are self-study students. The examination venues for eligible students outside Hong Kong must also obtain approval from local relevant authorities when accommodating external candidates and self-study students. The examination authority added that it will provide appropriate teacher training for relevant school-based assessment subjects to mainland schools, and the examination operations and invigilation requirements will be aligned as closely as possible with Hong Kong's examination practices.