academic asia

Preparation for Studying in the UK

HK vs UK Education System

There are numerous entry points for students aspiring to study in the UK. We have outlined the various stages through which you may apply to a school in the UK, especially if you are transitioning from the HK education system. UK education is typically divided into three levels: Preparatory School, Senior School, and University.

HK System

Age

UK System

University: Year 4
University: Year 3
University: Year 2
University: Year 1
Senior 3 (F6)
HKDSE
Senior 2 (F5)
Senior 1 (F4)
Junior 3 (F3)
Junior 2 (F2)
Junior 1 (F1)
Primary 6
Primary 5
Primary 4
Primary 3
Primary 2
Primary 1

21-22

20-21

19-20

18-19

17-18

16-17

15-16

14-15

13-14

12-13

11-12

10-11

9-10

8-9

7-8

6-7

5-6

University: Year 3
University: Year 2
University: Year 1
Year 13
A Level / IBDP
Year 12
A Level / IBDP
Year 11
I/GCSE
Year 10
I/GCSE
Year 9
Year 8
Year 7
Year 6
Year 5
Year 4
Year 3
Year 2
Year 1
University
Secondary School
Primary School
University
Senior School
Preparatory School
Public Exams

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE)

Public Exams

A Level, IBDP, I/GCSE