Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, with over one third of our students coming from an international background.
Recognising outstanding international students, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
We understand that it can be challenging knowing where to start when applying to an overseas University. At Durham there is a wide range of support available to students who live in China and are considering applying to Durham. We have a dedicated team who are on hand to answer any questions you have.
The China student recruitment team are there to help with any aspect of the application process.
They would be happy to hear from you to assist with any questions you have.
Meet the team at a recruitment event near you or online and find out more about Durham.
18 November 2025
(Tuesday)
9/F, Junior Ballroom, JW Marriott Hotel Chengdu
13:00-18:00
21 November 2025
(Friday)
Study UK School Counsellors Workshop 2025
6/F, Auditorium, Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel
Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
We currently have no events scheduled. Please check back soon.
1 December 2025 (Monday)
Invest in your Employability: How Durham University prepares you for the future
17:00-18:00
Jingyan Wu
If you have any questions about our events, please contact us at: china.team@durham.ac.uk
"Durham University offers variety of outstanding programmes and a superb study experience, its a warm welcoming environment with helpful students and teaching staff.
You can book one of our personalised Campus Visits to find out more about our academic degree programmes and student life on campus. Visits start with a presentation from a member of staff from the International Office, followed by a guided tour from one of our student ambassadors.
Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination)
Gaokao is accepted for direct entry applications with 76-82% overall average - including 80% in Mathematics if Math is a required subject, plus IELTS at departmental level. Applicants will also need to meet the requirement for any other aptitude test for the applied course.
For applications to English Literature, students are required to achieve a minimum of 80% in both Chinese and English subjects in the Gaokao.
Ambright Aptitude Scholastic Tests (AST)
AST is accepted for direct entry applications of all programmes except those require History or English Literature as a pre-requisite. We will consider applicants who achieve a minimum score of 210 in three AST subjects, plus IELTS at department level. Applicants will also need to meet the requirement for any other aptitude test for the applied course.
Maple Leaf World School Programme (MLWSP)
MLWSP is accepted for direct entry applications with an average 80-90% across 5 grade 12 subjects, excludes Personal and Global Leadership 12, Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving 12 and Moral Education 12, plus IELTS at departmental level. Applicants will also need to meet the requirement for any other aptitude test for the applied course.
Year 1 of a bachelor’s degree
Applicants who pass Year 1 of a bachelor’s degree from a recognised prestigious institution will be considered for direct entry, provided that the grades meet the UK A-level equivalencies as follows.
In cases where students have successfully completed 1st year of a bachelor’s degree from a Chinese university that runs a joint programme with a UK university e.g., Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, a UK 2:1 equivalent will be acceptable for entry into the appropriate undergraduate programmes.
A standard full-time bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum), with a minimum average grade of between 75% - 85% from a recognised prestigious university.
Applicants from non-prestigious institution with a minimum grade of 90% or above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Each programme may have a different requirement to the subject applicants are from, please see our programme pages for specific course requirements.
If you are a prospective student from China who does not meet the admission requirements, you can apply for a pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree-level study.
You can connect with us on Weibo and WeChat or check out our Chinese student community blogs.
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