I. Undergraduate Study in the UK & Australia

Application pathways for undergraduate programmes in the United Kingdom and Australia are relatively similar, mainly falling into the following three categories:

1. Direct Application with Gaokao Scores

More than 50 universities in the UK now recognise China’s Gaokao results. Students may apply directly for UK undergraduate degrees using their Gaokao scores together with language proficiency test results.

Among Australia’s Group of Eight universities, most institutions accept Gaokao scores for direct undergraduate applications, with the exception of the University of Melbourne and certain programmes at selected universities. Candidates can submit applications for undergraduate majors using their Gaokao and language test results.

2. Undergraduate Foundation Programme

A foundation programme is preparatory education for international students prior to university entry, normally lasting six months to one year. Foundation programmes have relatively lower academic and language entry requirements and suit students who do not meet the criteria for direct undergraduate admission. Intake dates are flexible. Upon successful completion of the foundation course, students can progress to Year 1 of the undergraduate degree.

3. International Year One Programme

Selected universities in the UK and Australia offer Diploma programmes, also known as International Year One. Students who complete this programme and pass internal assessments may progress directly to Year 2 of the relevant undergraduate major. Some universities accept applications without Gaokao results, so applicants do not need to take a foundation course.

II. Undergraduate Study in the United States

1. Direct Application with Gaokao Scores

Applicants need to complete standardised and language tests required by US universities, mainly including SAT or ACT, TOEFL or IELTS, and SAT Subject Tests. All US universities accept this route of application. Some universities accept direct undergraduate applications based on Gaokao results; you may consult education consultants for further details.

2. Dual Admission / Conditional Admission

Some US universities offer conditional admission pairing language centre study with degree programmes for applicants with no language scores or scores below the minimum requirement. After finishing the language programme and achieving satisfactory grades, students can proceed directly to undergraduate courses.

3. International Year One Programme

Students may apply for International Year One programmes at selected US universities using high school transcripts or Gaokao results. Successful completion allows direct progression to the second year of undergraduate study.

4. Community College Transfer to Prestigious Universities

Community colleges in the US have comparatively low entry requirements. Students can complete first- and second-year undergraduate courses at a community college, then transfer to a top US university to continue Years 3 and 4 until graduation and obtain a bachelor’s degree. Community college tuition is cheaper than direct entry to US universities, and the full undergraduate degree can still be finished within four years, offering high cost-effectiveness.

III. Undergraduate Study in Canada

1. Direct Application with Gaokao Scores

Students can apply directly for Canadian undergraduate programmes with IELTS scores, high school average grades and Gaokao results. Examples include the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), Queen’s University, Western University, McGill University and the University of Waterloo, all of which accept Gaokao-based direct applications.

2. Dual Admission: Language + Undergraduate Programme

Canadian universities issue combined offers of undergraduate admission and language study for students who meet academic admission criteria but fail to satisfy language requirements. Students first attend language courses at the university for a period determined by their English proficiency. After completing language training and passing institutional assessments, they can join undergraduate degree programmes.

3. Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Students typically study for one year at a pre-university college authorised to grant Canadian high school diplomas and designed for international learners. After graduation, they may apply to Canadian universities using Pre-U results.

4. Credit Transfer at Public Colleges

Canada has many public colleges located near universities. Most of these colleges have signed credit transfer agreements with one or multiple local universities. Students complete first- and second-year courses at the college. If assessments are passed, earned credits can be transferred to the partner university for Years 3 and 4 of study. Graduates receive a degree awarded by the university.

IV. Recommended Overseas Universities

1. 1.Harvard University, USA
   Harvard University is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Its long-standing influence makes it a landmark within global academia. It is a private research university based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Harvard boasts a sprawling campus, comprehensive facilities, and numerous world-renowned professors and researchers.
   
2. 2.University of Oxford, UK
   The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the United Kingdom and among the most influential higher education institutions in the UK and worldwide. It maintains leading academic standards and hosts many globally distinguished academics and researchers. With abundant high-quality educational resources, Oxford is a world-class university.
   
3. 3.École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
   EPFL is one of Europe’s oldest institutes of technology and a leading European research hub. Home to many world-famous scholars, it ranks among the most innovative universities globally.
   
4. 4.The University of Tokyo, Japan
   As Japan’s top university and one of Asia’s most authoritative research-focused institutions, the University of Tokyo has achieved outstanding academic research outcomes. It possesses abundant educational resources and a large cohort of globally recognised academics, making it one of Asia’s premier study-abroad destinations.
   
5. 5.Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Germany
   LMU Munich is one of Germany’s most distinguished universities and a core academic centre in Europe. It holds leading academic standing with many world-renowned professors and researchers. Committed to international education, it is a highly trusted choice for international students.
   
6. 6.McGill University, Canada
   McGill University is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities and a major academic centre in North America. It delivers top-tier academic and research quality with many globally celebrated scholars. Excelling in research and teaching, McGill is a top choice for overseas students.
   
7. 7.The University of Sydney, Australia
   The University of Sydney is Australia’s most renowned university with leading academic quality and many world-class academics. It provides a strong academic environment and complete facilities, standing as a flagship Australian university.
   
8. 8.National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
   NUS is Singapore’s flagship university with leading academic standards and numerous globally distinguished professors and researchers. It offers premium educational resources and ranks as Singapore’s top higher education institution.
   
9. 9.Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
   Seoul National University is South Korea’s most prestigious university with outstanding academic performance and many world-famous academics. It provides high-quality educational resources and is South Korea’s leading university.