Study in the mainland

Since 2004, universities in the Chinese mainland started to conduct joint enrollment by recommendation in Macao. Fifteen years on, nearly 6,000 Macao students have been admitted to mainland universities by way of recommendation. The young students who talked with us in this interview are all beneficiaries of the educational policy.

"Every October, Macao will hold a grand college fair for local students to get to know about the mainland universities and their enrollment policies. Once you are recommended by your high school, you may sit a test or receive an interview from the university you apply for the next January. If you are qualified, then you are able to go to university in the Chinese mainland," Wong said, explaining enrollment procedures.

"I chose to major in finance at Renmin University because it has long been a leading institution in humanities and social sciences study, especially in finance and economics. In addition, the mainland colleges are based in the very large mainland market so that they have more development opportunities to offer for their students," Ho said when asked why he wanted to seek education in the Chinese mainland.

"My university offers special scholarships for students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. For students who struggle with everyday classes, there is one-on-one tutoring and lectures on the final exams to help," said Lam Kai Hou, another Macao student now studying at Beijing-based University of International Business and Economics.

"Studying in the mainland is a rewarding challenge. It has broadened my horizons and exposed me to quality educational resources and plenty of opportunities. I'm also happy to make friends with students from all over the county," Lam added.