UM updates admission criteria, no DSE option

The University of Macau (UM) has updated its admission criteria for mainland Chinese students, now requiring applicants to apply for undergraduate programs without the option of using Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) qualifications.

This change follows a recent incident at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), where 24 students were expelled amid allegations of using fraudulent credentials.

In an announcement, UM clarified that it has not authorized any organizations or agencies in mainland China to manage admissions or enrollment processes. All prospective applicants must complete their applications through the university’s online portal.

This year, UM will independently handle admissions for candidates taking the Gaokao, the National College Entrance Examination, separate from the national admissions plan for colleges and universities.

Currently, the only available admission pathway for mainland Chinese students is through the Gaokao, a standardized test that attracted over 13.4 million candidates earlier this year, setting a new record for participation. Staff Reporter