Applying to the University of Cambridge with Gaokao Scores: College requirements fall into three categories—13 require a top 0.1% provincial ranking, and 8 do not accept standalone Gaokao scores.
Most University of Cambridge colleges accept the Gaokao, but requirements are divided into three categories: 13 colleges typically require a provincial ranking in the top 0.1%; 8 require 90% in three subjects or a provincial ranking in the top 1%-3%; and another 8 require additional qualifications such as A Level, IB, or AP scores. A list of colleges for each category is provided.
The "International Entry Requirements" page on the University of Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions website lists requirements by college for students applying with the Chinese Gaokao: most colleges accept the Gaokao, but the standards fall into three categories with significant differences. Additionally, applicants to programs requiring an admissions test must still take the relevant test.
Three Categories of Gaokao Requirements by College
Most colleges accept the Gaokao as preparation for entry, but specific requirements are divided into three categories:
- Category 1 (Requires top 0.1% in the province): A total of 13 colleges: Churchill, Clare, Downing, Emmanuel, Girton, Homerton, Hughes Hall, Lucy Cavendish, Magdalene, Peterhouse, Queens’, Trinity, and Wolfson. Typically requires a top 0.1% provincial Gaokao ranking, and recommends providing additional academic achievements such as Science Olympiads or College Board Advanced Placement Tests (APs). Taking the Ambright Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs) is not required, but scores will be considered as a reference.
- Category 2 (Requires 90% in three subjects or top 1%-3% in the province): A total of 8 colleges: Fitzwilliam, Murray Edwards, Newnham, Pembroke, Robinson, St Catharine’s, St John’s, and Trinity Hall. The minimum requirement is 90% in 3 core subjects or a top 1%-3% provincial ranking. If applying solely with the Gaokao, it is recommended to provide AST scores in up to 3 relevant subjects.
- Category 3 (Does not accept the Gaokao alone): A total of 8 colleges: Christ’s, Corpus Christi, Gonville & Caius, Jesus, King’s, Selwyn, Sidney Sussex, and St Edmund’s. Applicants must also have A Levels, an IB Diploma, or 5 or more perfect AP scores (5s). Specifically: those with 3 or more A Levels, a full IB Diploma, or APs plus SAT/ACT will be assessed solely on these qualifications; those with fewer than 3 A Levels, an incomplete IB Diploma, or only APs without SAT/ACT will also need a top 0.1% provincial Gaokao ranking (or to have completed the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK).
Specific Implications and Recommendations for Chinese Students and Parents
- Confirm Target College Requirements: Check the category of your target college early on and prepare additional academic credentials or standardized tests accordingly.
- Understand the Application Process: All applications must be submitted through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Due to the time gap between the Gaokao score release and the UCAS deadline, the university will issue conditional offers, which will be confirmed once final scores meet the requirements.
- Prepare for Application Fees and Language Scores: Most international applicants need to pay a £60 application fee; applicants not from a majority English-speaking country must meet Cambridge's English language requirements.
- Admissions Standards Are the Same for Everyone: Cambridge selects students solely based on academic achievement and potential; paying international tuition fees does not provide any advantage.
Source: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-students/international-entry-requirements. For the application process, see the Cambridge International Applications page. Specific requirements are subject to the official website of the chosen college.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cambridge accept the Gaokao?
Most colleges recognize the Gaokao as entry preparation, but the standard falls into three categories that differ a lot. Applicants must also sit any admissions test required for their course. All applications go through UCAS, and because Gaokao results come out after the UCAS deadline, colleges issue conditional offers confirmed once final results are met.
Which colleges require a top 0.1% provincial rank?
Thirteen colleges: Churchill, Clare, Downing, Emmanuel, Girton, Homerton, Hughes Hall, Lucy Cavendish, Magdalene, Peterhouse, Queens', Trinity and Wolfson. They generally expect a Gaokao rank in the top 0.1% of the province and suggest extra academic results such as science olympiads or AP exams. ASTs are not required, but results are taken into account.
What do the other colleges require?
Eight colleges (Fitzwilliam, Murray Edwards, Newnham, Pembroke, Robinson, St Catharine's, St John's, Trinity Hall) require at least 90% in three core subjects or a province-wide ranking in the top 1%-3%. Eight colleges (Christ's, Corpus Christi, Gonville & Caius, Jesus, King's, Selwyn, Sidney Sussex, St Edmund's) do not accept the Gaokao alone and need A Levels, an IB Diploma or five or more AP exams at 5.
What does applying cost and does paying international fees help?
Most international applicants pay a £60 application fee, and applicants from countries where English is not the main language must meet Cambridge's English language requirements. The admission standard is the same for everyone: Cambridge selects on academic achievement and potential alone, and paying international tuition gives no priority.