Important Dates for International Exams in Hong Kong
(IBDP, IGCSE, GCE AL / IAL, AP®, SAT®, ACT®)
Different universities in different countries require students to have different overseas public examination qualifications. Therefore, students should apply early for relevant exams in order to secure the chances of entering their desired overseas universities.
Table of Content
IBDP
What is IBDP?
The IBDP is an assessment programme for students aged 16 to 19. It is recognised by leading universities across the globe, and therefore, the IBDP is suitable for Hong Kong students looking to follow an internationally recognised academic curriculum. However, choosing the best IBDP school can be a challenging task. Some students may also benefit from additional IBDP tuition to supplement their learning and improve their performance. The IBDP is available in various regions worldwide, including Zone C, which encompasses countries or regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.
IBDP Exam Start Date:
27th April, 2023
IBDP Exam Content:
The curriculum is made up of the IBDP core and six subject groups.
The IBDP core is made up of the three required components, aiming to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills. Students choose courses from the following six subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts.
Sources:
IBDP Official Website: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/
Complete guide to IBDP: https://www.aralia.com/helpful-information/guide-to-ib-international-baccalaureate/
IBDP Resources for Students and Teachers: https://www.thinkib.net/
SAT®
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The SAT® (Scholastic Assessment Test) is an exam suitable for students applying to universities in the US.
SAT® Exam Dates:
The exams are held outside of the US in March, May, June, August, October, and December every year. The latest exam dates are 26th August, 7th October, 4th November, and 2nd December. The 2024 exam is expected to be held in March, May, and June.
SAT® Exam Content:
The SAT® (about 3 hours) includes mathematics, reading and writing, and language.
Assessment Format:
Mainly multiple-choice questions
Registration Dates:
Registration deadlines are approximately one month before the exam date.
Deadline for August 2023 exam registration: 11th August, 2023
Deadline for November 2023 exam registration: 20th October, 2023
Deadline for December 2023 exam registration: 17th November, 2023
Registration Method:
Register online through the College Board’s registration system
SAT® Exam Fees:
Registration fee: HKD 470
Additional regional fee of HKD 336 required for taking the exam in Hong Kong
ACT®
The ACT® (American College Testing) is also an exam suitable for students applying to universities in the US.
ACT® Exam Dates:
The exams are held in Hong Kong in February, April, June, July, September, October, and December every year. The latest exam dates are 14-15th July, 2023.
ACT® Exam Content:
The ACT® is divided into four sections, all of which contain multiple-choice questions: English (75 questions, 45 minutes), Mathematics (60 questions, 1 hour), Reading (40 questions, 35 minutes), Science (40 questions, 35 minutes), and an optional writing test (about 40 minutes).
Registration Dates:
Registration deadlines are approximately one month before the exam date, and the corresponding late registration deadline is about two weeks before the exam date.
Registration Method:
Register online through the ACT® Profile or MyACT account. You can select the exam date and location. A valid bank credit card is required for registration.
ACT® Exam Fees:
ACT® (no writing): HKD 1420ACT®
ACT® (with writing): HKD 1615
IGCSE and GCE AL
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) / GCE AL (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) is suitable for students applying to universities in the UK.
IGCSE and GCE AL Exam Dates:
Summer Exam: May to June
IGCSE: offered by both Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education
GCE AL: offered by both Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education
Autumn Exam: October to November
IGCSE: offered by both Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education
GCE AL: offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education
IGCSE and GCE AL Exam Content:
The exams cover various arts, science, and business subjects, which are similar to Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), as well as other language subjects. About 20 to 40 subjects are offered in each exam session, and students can register as needed.
Registration Dates:
Summer Exam
IGCSE Edexcel and CIE: late November to early December
GCE AL Edexcel and CIE: late November to early December
Autumn Exam
IGCSE Edexcel: Mid Aug; IGCSE CIE: late June to early July
GCE AL CIE: late June to early July
Registration Method:
Hong Kong students can register online through the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority’s online registration system (https://online.hkeaa.edu.hk/Portal/).
IGCSE and GCE AL Exam Fees:
Exam fees depend on subject categories. Students who are interested in taking IGCSE or GCE AL exams should visit the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority’s website or contact the International and Professional Examinations Division.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS Exam Dates:
IELTS can be taken at different official exam centres in Hong Kong, and each exam centre has its own exam dates. Students can refer to relevant websites for more information.
IELTS Exam Content:
The test consists of a written and computer-based test. The written test includes four sections— listening, reading, writing, and speaking—and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The computer-based test includes the same sections as the written test, but the listening, reading, and writing sections are taken on a computer.
Assessment Format:
The listening and reading sections contain multiple-choice questions, while the writing and speaking sections are assessed by examiners.
Registration Dates:
Registration deadlines vary depending on the exam centre and exam date.
Registration Method:
Students can register online through the official IELTS website or in person at a British Council or IDP Education office.
IELTS Exam Fees:
The exam fees vary depending on the exam centre and the type of exam. In Hong Kong, the fee for the IELTS Academic or General Training test is HKD 2,380.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL Exam Dates:
TOEFL is held approximately 50 times a year at various test centres in Hong Kong.
TOEFL Exam Content:
The test consists of four sections—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—and takes about 4 hours.
Assessment Format:
The reading and listening sections contain multiple-choice questions, while the writing and speaking sections are assessed by examiners.
Registration Dates:
Registration deadlines vary depending on the exam centre and exam date.
Registration Method:
Students can register online through the official TOEFL website or in person at an exam centre.
TOEFL Exam Fees:
The exam fees vary depending on the exam centre and the type of exam. In Hong Kong, the fee for the TOEFL iBT test is HKD 1760.
Students who want to take international examinations in Hong Kong should keep themselves informed on all relevant exam dates. Mark your calendar and start early. Good luck!