For the 2027 intake, the University of Birmingham（伯明翰大学） evaluates Chinese bachelor's degrees against four internal groups. The lowest required average is 73% for most master's programmes at Group 1 institutions, rising to 90% for Business School economics and non-quantitative courses at Group 4 institutions. Undergraduate applicants need a Gaokao score of at least 80% overall (80% in Mathematics where A-level Maths is a prerequisite) or a Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate average of 85% across Years 11 and 12.
Postgraduate taught: group-based average requirements
The university references Chinese university rankings to place institutions into four groups. Each group carries two sets of thresholds: one for Business School economics and non-quantitative programmes, and one for all other master's courses. The figures below are the minimum academic averages (expressed as decimals in the source, shown here as percentages) that a Chinese bachelor's graduate must meet.
| Institutional group | Business School economics & non-quantitative | All other master's programmes |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 75% | 73% |
| Group 2 | 80% | 78% |
| Group 3 | 85% | 83% |
| Group 4 | 90% | 87% |
The list of institutions assigned to each group is for internal partner reference only; the university states that the definitive scope of accepted institutions for each school and programme is the information published on its official website. Applicants with questions about a specific institution should contact the China Office at China@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Programmes classified as Business School economics & non-quantitative
The following master's programmes fall under the higher-threshold column:
- MSc AI in Management
- MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- MSc International Business
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Management
- MSc Strategic Marketing and Consulting
- MSc Supply Chain Management
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Human Resource Management
Programmes that assess 3+1 students on the UK award only
For students on 3+1 arrangements, the following programmes consider only the UK institution and its grades (the Chinese institution must still be ENIC-recognised):
- MSc Public Management
- MA Global Public Policy
- MA International Political Economy
- MPA Finance
- MPA HR
- MPA
- MSc AI and Government
- MSc AI and Sustainable Development
Dubai campus
The Dubai campus accepts applications from graduates of selected institutions appearing in the 2025 ShanghaiRanking Chinese Private Universities Ranking, provided the academic background matches the programme and the average score reaches at least 87%.
Transnational education (TNE) and joint programmes
- 4+0 Sino-foreign cooperative institutions and programmes
- 1+3 and 2+2 joint training programmes
Applicants from these routes may apply if the Chinese partner institution appears on the university's list; the primary academic reference is the foreign degree result. Admission decisions are confirmed by the admissions team. The attached list covers only a subset of 4+0 institutions/projects. If an applicant's cooperative programme is not listed but appears on the Ministry of Education's supervision platform (www.crs.jsj.edu.cn/aproval/orglists/2) and the Chinese partner is on the university's list, an application may still be attempted.
Students who did not enter Chinese university via Gaokao
This category includes: - 3-year SQA or Pearson BTEC + 1-year overseas top-up - 2 years at a Chinese university + 2 years overseas undergraduate
If the Chinese institution is on the university's list, the applicant may apply. If the Chinese institution is not on the list, the applicant may only attempt College of Social Sciences (CoSS) postgraduate programmes (see the CoSS "Study with us" page for details).
Undergraduate entry (2027)
| Route | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Gaokao | 80% overall average (percentage conversion); 80% in Mathematics where the A-level entry requirement includes Mathematics |
| Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate | 85% overall average across Year 11 and Year 12; 85% in relevant subjects where required at A-level |
| English language | Standard international undergraduate English language requirement (see university website for accepted tests and scores) |
| Provincial Gaokao reference | Detailed provincial requirements are published at the university's China Gaokao page |
English language requirements
All applicants must meet the university's standard English language entry requirement for international students on the relevant programme level. The specific accepted tests, scores, and any programme-level variations are published on the university website and should be checked directly before applying.
How to self-check before applying
- Identify which group your Chinese bachelor's institution falls into by consulting the university's official published list for the 2027 cycle.
- Confirm whether your target programme is in the Business School economics/non-quantitative category or the "all other" category.
- Compare your bachelor's average (percentage or GPA converted to percentage) against the corresponding threshold in the table above.
- Verify the English language requirement for your specific programme on the university's website.
- If you studied via a TNE, joint programme, or non-Gaokao route, check whether your Chinese institution is on the university's list and review the applicable rules above.
- For any uncertainty about institutional eligibility, email the China Office at China@contacts.bham.ac.uk.