Applying to Top Australian Universities with Gaokao Scores: University of Sydney and UNSW Accept Gaokao, University of Melbourne Requires Foundation Program

2026-10-04 · Guides

The University of Sydney and UNSW accept Gaokao scores for undergraduate admissions, calculated as a percentage of the provincial maximum score; for example, the University of Sydney Business School requires 85%. The University of Melbourne currently does not accept direct Gaokao admissions and generally requires the Trinity College Foundation Program. The deadline for international student applications for the University of Sydney's first semester of 2027 is December 1. This article summarizes the requirements, timelines, and QS 2027 rankings for these three universities.

After the Gaokao, many families consider using their Gaokao scores to directly apply for undergraduate programs at Australian universities. Taking three popular Australian universities as examples, the situations vary: the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) accept Gaokao scores, while the University of Melbourne currently does not accept Gaokao scores for direct undergraduate admission. In terms of timing, the application deadline for international students for the first semester of 2027 at the University of Sydney is December 1, 2026, and the preparation phase has already begun.

1. University of Sydney: Percentage of the Provincial Maximum Score

In the University of Sydney's 2027 Admissions Guide, the Gaokao requirement is expressed as a percentage. The calculation method is: multiply this percentage by the maximum Gaokao score of your province.

The maximum score is 750 for most provinces, 660 for Shanghai, and 940 for Hainan.
Example given in the guide: For a Beijing student, 70% means 525 out of 750.

Here are two common majors as examples (reference data from the 2027 guide):

Major	Gaokao Requirement	IELTS Requirement (Overall/Band)	Reference Tuition for Year 1
Bachelor of Commerce	85%	7.0 (6.0)	AUD 59,100
Bachelor of Science	75%	6.5 (6.0)	AUD 63,600

Based on a maximum score of 750, 85% for Commerce is approximately 638, and 75% for Science is approximately 563 (rounded, for reference only).

Please note:

The guide specifies that all scores are reference scores; admission also depends on meeting all basic requirements and available quotas.
The tuition fee is a reference for the first year and will be adjusted annually.
English proficiency is a strict requirement. Commerce requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with no band below 6.0.

2. University of New South Wales: Average Percentage of All Subjects

UNSW's 2027 International Undergraduate Entry Requirements Table also accepts Gaokao scores. The calculation method is based on the average percentage of all registered Gaokao subjects, with the maximum score for each province determined by the Gaokao score table published by UNSW.

For specific major requirements, you need to check the UNSW 2027 Entry Requirements Table (PDF) and convert it based on the maximum score of your province. Requirements vary significantly across majors, so it is recommended to verify each major individually.

3. University of Melbourne: Currently Does Not Accept Gaokao for Direct Admission

The University of Melbourne states on its page for Chinese students: Gaokao scores are currently not accepted for direct undergraduate admission. Students from regular high schools generally take the Trinity College Foundation Studies program at the University of Melbourne before progressing to undergraduate studies. Students holding recognized qualifications such as A-Levels or IB may be eligible for direct application.

Other information about the University of Melbourne:

Accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and other scores. Specific score requirements vary by program; please refer to the program page.
Application results for coursework programs are usually released within 4 to 8 weeks.
Master's application information sessions will be held in China in October: Shanghai on October 17 (Saturday), Beijing on October 18 (Sunday), and Guangzhou on October 24 (Saturday).
Offers the Melbourne Excellence Scholarship for international students, which provides a 20% tuition fee reduction. Specific conditions are subject to the official website.

4. Application Timeline: University of Sydney Deadline on December 1

Application deadlines for international students at the University of Sydney:

Semester	Application Deadline
Semester 1, 2027 (February)	December 1, 2026
Semester 2, 2027 (August)	May 29, 2027

The University of Sydney's page also mentions that applications generally open two years before the start of the semester. Start dates for programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and Veterinary Science vary; please refer to your offer letter.

For undergraduate application dates at the University of Melbourne, please visit the application dates page on their official website; deadlines for coursework master's programs are listed in the "How to apply" section of each program page. For specific deadlines at UNSW, please refer to the official UNSW website.

5. QS 2027: UNSW Becomes Australia's Top University for the First Time

In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UNSW is ranked 19th globally, becoming Australia's highest-ranked university for the first time and the only Australian university in the global top 20. A total of 1,504 universities were included in this year's rankings. UNSW states that this marks its fourth consecutive year in the global top 20.

Rankings can serve as a reference for university selection, but it is not recommended to rely solely on overall rankings. Major requirements, tuition fees, city, and graduate outcomes are equally important.

Advice for Gaokao Students and Their Families

First, confirm if the university accepts Gaokao scores. For universities that accept them, convert the scores based on your province's maximum score to see if you meet the requirement; for those that do not, compare foundation pathways.
Prepare for English proficiency concurrently. Even if your Gaokao score is sufficient, you will not receive an unconditional offer without meeting the IELTS requirement. The University of Sydney's Commerce program requires an IELTS overall score of 7.0, with no band below 6.0.
Plan your timeline carefully. The deadline for the University of Sydney's first semester of 2027 is December 1, and you must also allow time for visa processing. New student visa regulations take effect on October 2, 2026, which restricts course changes onshore, so it is best to plan your pathway thoroughly from the start.
Refer to the official website. The scores in the admissions guide are for reference only and are updated annually. Double-check them before submitting your application.

Need Help?

If you want to know which Australian universities and programs your child's Gaokao score can apply to, or if you need to improve your IELTS score, check out our Australian University Admissions Services and IELTS Preparation Courses. You can also Book a consultation with an admissions counselor.