Students who have completed 12 years of education (高中Gao Zhong) in China must complete a Foundation Programme or GCE A Level (or equivalent) and demonstrate proficiency in English language in order to progress on to an undergraduate degree programme. Please note that students who have taken the Chinese University Entrance Exam (高考Gao Kao) in China are also required to complete a Foundation Pathway programme.
Studying Pathway Programme in China
Xi’an Jiaotong University – University of Liverpool International Undergraduate Foundation Programme 西安交通大学 – 利物浦大学国际本科预科课程
Xi’an Jiaotong University and University of Liverpool successfully launched a new International Undergraduate Foundation Programme in June 2025. Students who successfully complete this one-year programme will be offered guaranteed admissions to the University. Find out more about Xian Jiaotong University - University of Liverpool International Undergraduate Foundation Programme.
Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU) 2+2 articulation
XJTLU is jointly founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool UK as a joint venture University in China. XJTLU offers a range of undergraduate degree programmes and awards both XJTLU degree and a degree from the University of Liverpool. Students at XJTLU can transfer to Liverpool for the final two years through a XJTLU 2+2 articulation route.
Studying Pathway programme in the UK
The University of Liverpool provides Foundation Certificate programmes which prepares students for undergraduate study through our embedded college on campus, the University of Liverpool International College. Students who successfully complete the Foundation Certificate, obtaining the grades required for their chosen degree programme, will be guaranteed admission to the University.
Other recognised pathway programmes/qualifications
Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs)
Students who have taken Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs) are eligible to be considered for direct entry to the first year on some undergraduate programmes. Students will be expected to achieve minimum scores of 200/300 in at least two AST tests in subject areas relevant to the degree course as appropriate. Where specific A level subjects are required for entry to a course an AST in this subject will be compulsory.
Northern Consortium UK (NCUK)
We accept NUCK pathway programmes, which are taught and quality assured by its global network of study centres around the world, with more than 50 study centres in 18 countries. Fore more information about NCUK and its programmes, please visit the NCUK website.
Bellerbys Global Foundation Programme
The Bellerbys Foundation Programme is a one year University pathway course to undergraduate study in the UK. The programmes are taught at study centres around the world. For more information, please visit Bellerbys Global website.
Current Undergraduate students in Chinese universities
Students who have completed the first-year undergraduate programme from a recognised Chinese university may be considered for direct entry to the first year on some undergraduate programmes. If students have studied more than two years on an undergraduate programme from a recognised Chinese university, they may be considered for direct entry to the second year. However, we strongly advise you to check this with the Admissions of the relevant programme before making the application
Don't meet our entry requirements for undergraduate?
If you have good high school grades but don't meet our entry requirements, don't worry. You could apply for a place on a Foundation Certificate. These courses are delivered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College.
Successful completion of a Foundation Certificate, at the required level and with good attendance, will guarantee your place on your chosen University of Liverpool undergraduate degree.
