This is a guide to the normal entry requirements, assuming you’ve followed the Chinese education system. An admissions tutor will study your application, so make sure you include your academic background and personal information when you apply.

Entry requirements vary depending on what sort of course you’re coming to BU to study.

  • BU International College Foundation Certificates
    You can undertake a Foundation Certificate before going on to an undergraduate course if you’ve completed 11 years of schooling or Senior High School Year 2 in China and have a minimum of IELTS (Academic) 5.0.
  • Undergraduate courses
    You can apply to study a Bachelor's degree from Year 1 if you hold a Chinese Senior High School Diploma plus successful completion of a relevant first-year undergraduate programme in a recognised Chinese university, or a Diploma from Specialized College (zhongzhuan). 
  • ​Completed Chinese National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) with specific grades (usually from 61% to 71% depends on subject).
  • Completed Chinese Senior Secondary Academic Proficiency Test (HuiKao or equivalent) with a minimum average of 80%.
    Students who do not meet the above entry criteria will need to undertake a Foundation Course.
  • Top-up courses
    You need to hold a College Graduation Diploma (Dazhuan awarded by a university/college on completion of two to three years of study), or a BTEC Higher National Diploma or Foundation degree in a relevant subject.
  • Postgraduate courses
    ​You need to have a Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised Chinese university, normally from a four-year undergraduate programme, or a Bachelors degree from Higher Education Self-Study Examinations, or a Top-up degree or university-recognised Pre-Master’s Foundation programme.
  • Grade requirements from Chinese Bachelor's degree holders are as below:
    Applicants from 985 or 211 universities
    Media studies and other subjects equivalent to UK 2:1 degree 65% + GPA 2.25 +
    Business and subjects equivalent to UK 2:2 degree 60% + GPA 2.0 +
    Academic Excellence Scholarship (automatic award of £3500) 75% + GPA 2.75 +
    Applicants from other universities
    Media studies and other subjects equivalent to UK 2:1 degree 70% + GPA 2.5 +
    Business and subjects equivalent to UK 2:2 degree 65% + GPA 2.25 +
    Academic Excellence Scholarship (automatic award of £3500) 80% + GPA 3.0 +
  • Research programmes 
    ​You need a good postgraduate degree to be considered for a BU research programme. Please see more detail on the postgraduate research page.

You can find more information about English language requirements for entry to BU on our English language requirements page. Full information about preparatory courses is available on the Bournemouth University International College website.

If you need help with your visa or want more information about the immigration process, you can find it on our immigration information page.