Entry requirements for students from China

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 Science Pathway or New Gaokao (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology) with an overall score of 80% + an average of 80% overall in the completed Senior High School Graduation Certificate. Where a course has a GCSE and/or subject specific requirements at A Level we will ask for an equivalent score from the Gaokao subject papers or from Senior High School study. This will usually be a score of 80% in the required 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
• International Foundation Year in Dentistry

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 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.

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.

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:

• Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
• Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering

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.

Search for a research area

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.