Using Gaokao Scores to Apply to UK Universities

Gaokao Acceptance at UK Universities

Since 2018 a growing number of UK universities accept the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao / 高考) for direct entry into Year 1 undergraduate degrees. This means Chinese students no longer need a Foundation Year if scores meet the threshold.

Universities Accepting Gaokao for Direct Entry

University	Typical Threshold

|------------|-------------------|

University of Birmingham80% of total scoreUniversity of CambridgeTop 0.1% in province + interviewUniversity of Leicester75% of total scoreUniversity of Kent75% of total scoreUniversity of Dundee75% of total scoreQueen's University Belfast75-80%University of Strathclyde75% + subject scoresCardiff University80% of total scoreUniversity of Southampton75% of total scoreUniversity of EdinburghTop 5% in province (selective)

Additional Requirements

Even with a strong Gaokao score, you will usually need:

English language test — IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on course

Strong individual subject scores — Maths and English from your Gaokao

Personal statement through UCAS

Predicted or actual provincial ranking (some universities request this)

When Foundation Year Is Better

Choose a Foundation Year if:

Your Gaokao score is below the threshold

You changed direction after senior high school

You want extra English language preparation

You are aiming for a Russell Group university that does not accept Gaokao

Top Foundation Pathways for Chinese Students

NCUK International Foundation Year — guaranteed progression to 16+ universities

INTO partnerships with Manchester, Newcastle, Exeter

Kaplan International College London — UCL pathway

Study Group — Durham, Cardiff, Royal Holloway

A-Level / IB / BTEC Alternatives

Many Chinese international school students take A-Levels or IB instead of Gaokao. These remain the most universally accepted qualifications across all UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Source: Official UK university Gaokao policy pages, UCAS international qualifications database, NCUK and Kaplan 2026.