Entry requirements for students from China
The University of Sheffield accepts a number of different qualifications from China. Some of the most common are listed below. If your qualification is not listed here, please contact us.
English language requirements
All applicants are required to have an internationally recognised English language qualification such as IELTS. The minimum score that is accepted for entry is IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for undergraduate study and 6.5 for postgraduate study. Some departments may require a higher score.
English language entry requirements - find out more
English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC)
For those applicants who do not currently have the necessary English language requirements, the University of Sheffield is able to offer a number of English language courses at our English Language Teaching Centre.
Undergraduate Programmes e.g. BSc, BA, BEng/ MEng
A variety of qualifications can be considered for direct admission to undergraduate bachelor degree programmes. All applications for undergraduate programmes should be made through UCAS.
Visit the UCAS website for more information
Gaokao
We accept the Gaokao for direct entry to our undergraduate programmes.
For courses with A Level grades of AAA or above we require an overall score equivalent to at least 80% of the total marks available. For courses with entry requirements of AAB or below, we require an equivalent score of 75%.
For courses with individual A Level subject requirements, you must achieve the required score in the specified subject (typically Maths and/or a science subject) taken as part of the Gaokao.
A Level grade A – a score equivalent to 80% of the total marks in the Gaokao subject
A Level grade B – a score equivalent to 75% of the total marks in the Gaokao subject
Chinese Senior High School Certificate (高中毕业证)
Applicants who have successfully completed the 3 year Chinese Senior High School Certificate (高中毕业证) will need to complete a recognised Foundation programme (预科) to be considered for entry into the first year of undergraduate programmes. Please contact the China Team to check if the Foundation Programme (预科) that you are considering is acceptable for entry.
Undergraduate pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides International Foundation Year programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an undergraduate degree.
Students can choose to study an International Foundation Year in the following subjects:
- International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
- International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering
Prospective students from China can visit the University of Sheffield International College Chinese website for more information.
Northern Consortium UK (NCUK)
The University is a member of the Northern Consortium (NCUK) which offers an International Foundation Year (IFY) and International Year One (IYOne) across China.
Students who have completed the IFY programme and have obtained the required grades will be considered for admission into the first year of undergraduate programmes. Students who complete the IYOne, upon successful completion, can apply to enter the second year of a wide range of degree courses.
Visit the NCUK website to find out more.
First Year University Degree Students
Applicants who have successfully completed the first year of a Chinese university bachelor degree (standard four-year course) will be considered for entry into the first year of undergraduate programmes.
Chinese Three Year University Diploma (大专)
Applicants holding a three year university diploma will be considered for direct entry into the second year of University of Sheffield undergraduate courses.
A Level
Applicants with a minimum of 3 A levels will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate diploma holders will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
Aptitude Scholastic Test (AST)
Applicants who have taken three ASTs and achieved marks of 200 in each subject, can be considered for first year entry to our BA Economics (L100) course and scores of 210 for first year entry to courses within the Management School. Applicants must also be completing, or have completed the 3 year Chinese Senior High School Certificate with good marks. Entry to other courses (excluding Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine and Dentistry programmes) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Postgraduate Taught Programmes e.g. MA, MSc
Search for a postgraduate course
Chinese University Degree Holders
You will usually need a 4 year bachelors degree* from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Most postgraduate courses require a UK 2:1 (or equivalent) for entry, but some courses may consider 2:2 grades. Please see our course finder for specific course requirements.
The score required will depend on the university you have attended and the course to which you have applied.
*Please note that degrees must be via the regular higher education route and certain programmes such as ‘self-study’ and ‘online-study’ are not permitted for entry.
| Institution Ranking | Grade equivalent UK First Class | Grade equivalent to UK 2:1 | Grade equivalent to UK 2:2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-100 | 80% | 75% | 70% |
| 101-300 | 85% | 80% | 75% |
| 301-600 | 88% | 85% | 80% |
| All other ECCTIS recognised degree awarding institutions(case by case) | 92% | 87.5% | 82.5% |
China Universities Ranking List
Postgraduate Progression Routes
If you complete a single award Bachelor degree consisting of 3 years study in China with a 1 year UK top up(3+1), there is a minimum requirement from the Chinese part of your study along with the final degree classification from your UK institution. The ranking of your institution is not taken into account here, your diploma just needs to be regular higher education.
| Entry Requirement | ||
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | 2:1 | 2:2 |
| SQA HND/AD | BC(+2:1) | CC(+2:2) |
| Other Diplomas | 75%(+2:1) | 70%(+2:2) |
The table above shows the grade you need from China followed by the UK grade in brackets.
If you are studying a 3+2 degree programme, where you complete a junior college diploma(Zhuanke) and then a 2 year(Benke 本科) top-up to a Bachelor, please use table 1 to find your required grade based on the ranking of the top-up institution. The 2 year Benke must be via the regular higher education route.
If your degree is via the 2+2 route, where you study your final 2 years at a UK university, we will assess your application based on your UK attainment.
If your degree is a collaboration but dual award, where you will be awarded a bachelor degree from both institutions, then your qualification will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please provide any relevant documentation detailing the format of the collaboration.
For Entry to MBA
Holders of a good bachelor degree from a recognised Chinese university and at least 3 years post-graduation work experience in a relevant position will be considered for direct admission to the MBA.
For further information on the MBA programme
Postgraduate pathways at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides Pre-Masters programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to a postgraduate degree.
Students can choose to study an Pre-Masters in the following subjects:
Prospective students from China can visit the University of Sheffield International College Chinese website for more information.
International pathways at the Northern Consortium UK (NCUK)
The University is a member of the Northern Consortium (NCUK) which offers pre-masters courses in centres across China.
Visit the NCUK website to find out more.
For Entry to Postgraduate Research Programmes e.g. MPhil, PhD, PhD with Integrated Masters
With around 2,000 postgraduate research students from over 100 different countries, Sheffield is one of the leading centres for research training in the UK.
Chinese Masters Degree Holders
You will usually need a bachelors degree AND a masters degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Some courses may consider a bachelors degree on its own if it is combined with relevant research experience. Please see our departmental web pages for specific course requirements.