Macau Universities Tighten Admissions Policies for Mainland Non-Gaokao Students
In a significant shift for higher education in Macau, several universities have announced that they will no longer admit mainland students who do not take the gaokao, China’s national college entrance examination. This policy change, effective from the 2025/2026 academic year, marks a major departure from previous practices and has sparked widespread discussion about academic integrity and fairness in admissions.
The University of Macau was the first to announce this policy, stating that mainland students applying through international curricula such as A-Level, AP, or IB would no longer be eligible for undergraduate programs. This decision was quickly followed by other institutions, including the Macau University of Science and Technology and Macau Polytechnic University. These universities have clarified that only students with gaokao scores or those already studying in Macau will be considered for admission.
The Shift in Admissions Criteria
Mainland media reports reveal that the Macau University of Science and Technology has removed the “Mainland students (with international grades)” option from its application page. Similarly, the City University of Macau has explicitly stated that students holding mainland ID cards are ineligible to apply unless they have taken the gaokao. Additionally, institutions like Macau Polytechnic University and Macau University of Tourism now require all registered students to take the 2025 national unified examination.
This move has effectively closed the door for mainland students who rely on international qualifications to gain admission to Macau’s universities.
A Response to Academic Fraud
Industry insiders suggest that these policy adjustments are a direct response to recent academic fraud incidents involving mainland students in Hong kong and Macau. In May 2024, the University of Hong Kong uncovered a scandal in which at least 30 mainland students had submitted fake academic qualifications to gain admission. Two of these students were arrested on suspicion of “using false instruments.”
Similarly, the Macau University of Science and Technology discovered that 24 individuals had forged Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) qualifications. Four first-year students were arrested, while the remaining 20 had already left Macau before the investigation concluded.
These incidents have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the admissions process and the growing influence of “black industries” that offer services like “guaranteed admission” and forged academic credentials. One notable case involved a parent in Nanjing who spent 700,000 yuan to secure a spot for their child at the University of Hong Kong, only for the student to be expelled a year later due to fraudulent application materials.
The Role of the Gaokao
The gaokao has long been regarded as a rigorous and standardized measure of academic ability in China. By making it the sole basis for admission, Macau’s universities aim to ensure fairness and transparency in their selection processes. this approach not only reduces the risk of disputes but also helps identify students with genuine academic potential.
As one insider noted, “using gaokao scores as the basis for admission not only reduces disputes but also selects outstanding students with academic abilities.”
Key Changes at a Glance
| University | Policy Change | Effective From |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————–|————————–|
| university of Macau | No longer admits mainland non-gaokao students | 2025/2026 academic year |
| Macau University of Science and Technology | removed “Mainland students (with international grades)” option | immediate |
| City University of macau | Students with mainland ID cards ineligible unless they have taken the gaokao | Immediate |
| Macau Polytechnic University | Requires all registered students to take the 2025 national unified examination | 2025 |
Implications for Students and Institutions
This policy shift has significant implications for mainland students who previously relied on international qualifications to access higher education in Macau. It also underscores the growing emphasis on academic integrity and the need for stricter oversight in admissions processes.for Macau’s universities, these changes represent a step toward aligning their admissions criteria with national standards, ensuring that only the most qualified students are admitted.
As the 2025/2026 academic year approaches, prospective students and their families will need to carefully navigate these new requirements. For those committed to pursuing higher education in Macau, the gaokao will now be the only pathway to success.
For more details on admissions policies, visit the University of Macau’s official website or contact the macau University of Science and Technology directly.
— In a notable shift for higher education in Macau, several universities have announced that they will no longer admit mainland students who do not take teh gaokao, China’s national college entrance examination. This policy change, effective from the 2025/2026 academic year, marks a major departure from previous practices and has sparked widespread discussion about academic integrity and fairness in admissions. To delve deeper into the implications of these changes, we sat down with Dr. Li Wei, a renowned education policy expert and professor at the University of Macau, to discuss the motivations behind the new policies and their potential impact on students and institutions. Senior Editor: Dr. Li, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the recent policy changes.Why have Macau universities decided to restrict admissions for mainland students who don’t take the gaokao? Dr. Li Wei: Thank you for having me.The decision stems from a need to standardize admissions criteria and ensure fairness. The gaokao is a rigorous, nationally recognized examination that provides a consistent benchmark for evaluating academic ability.By requiring all mainland students to take the gaokao, universities can better assess their qualifications and reduce discrepancies caused by varying international curricula. Senior Editor: How do you think this will affect students who have been preparing for international exams like A-Levels or IB? Dr. Li Wei: It’s a significant adjustment for those students. Many families have invested time and resources into international education pathways, believing they offered a viable alternative to the gaokao. Now, they’ll need to reconsider their strategies. Though, this change also underscores the importance of aligning with national standards, which ultimately benefits the integrity of the education system. Senior Editor: There have been reports of academic fraud involving mainland students in Macau and Hong Kong. Do you think these incidents influenced the policy changes? Dr. Li Wei: Absolutely. The recent scandals, such as the fake qualifications uncovered at the University of Hong Kong and the macau University of Science and Technology, have exposed vulnerabilities in the admissions process. These incidents not only damage the reputation of institutions but also undermine the credibility of legitimate students. By tightening admissions criteria, universities are taking a proactive stance against fraud and ensuring that only qualified candidates are admitted. Senior Editor: What role do you think “black industries” play in these issues? Dr. Li Wei: Sadly, these illicit operations exploit the aspirations of students and families, offering fraudulent services like forged documents and guaranteed admissions.They thrive in systems with lax oversight. The new policies aim to close these loopholes and make it harder for such industries to operate. Senior Editor: What are the broader implications of these changes for mainland students and Macau’s universities? Dr. Li Wei: For students, the gaokao will now be the sole pathway to higher education in Macau. This means they’ll need to focus their efforts on excelling in this exam. For universities, the changes represent a step toward aligning with national standards and enhancing academic integrity. It also ensures that admitted students meet a consistent level of academic preparedness. Senior Editor: How do you think this will impact the diversity of the student body in Macau? Dr. Li Wei: While the changes may reduce the number of mainland students who rely on international qualifications, they also open the door for a more standardized and merit-based admissions process. Over time, this could strengthen the academic surroundings and foster a more competitive student body. Senior Editor: As we approach the 2025/2026 academic year, what advice would you give to prospective students and their families? Dr. Li Wei: My advice is to stay informed and plan carefully. The gaokao is a challenging exam, but with proper preparation, it’s a surmountable hurdle. Families should also be cautious of any services promising shortcuts or guaranteed admissions. Ultimately, academic success comes from hard work and dedication. Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Li, for your insights. This has been a fascinating discussion. Dr. Li Wei: Thank you. It’s an significant topic, and I’m glad to contribute to the conversation. This interview is based on the original report published on AM730. For further details,refer to the full article
This article is based on information from the original report published on AM730. For further details, refer to the full article Macau Universities Tighten Admissions Policies for Mainland Non-Gaokao Students
the Shift in Admissions Criteria
A Response to Academic fraud
Implications for Students and institutions
Looking Ahead
