International Chinese Student Guide to UK Universities

According to student statistics released by UK Higher Education for 2021/22, the UK's highest number of international students belonged to China, with 151,690 students enrolled. Every year, thousands of Chinese students apply to study in the UK, thanks to the country’s reputation as a global educational hub. In addition to providing them with valuable skills and knowledge, UK university degrees give students a competitive edge in the job market.

UK universities are recognised and respected globally, with a huge focus on practice and research-based education. Studying in the UK can be a life-transforming journey for Chinese students, thanks to the wide-ranging career opportunities available in all fields in the UK. The UK government also allows you to apply for a post-study work visa after completing your degree, allowing you to stay in the UK for up to two years.

Learn more about studying in the UK as a Chinese student below, and if you would like to begin your UK university application as a Chinese student, reach out to SI-UK today for a free consultation on your academic future.

Studying in the UK as a Chinese Student

UK Scholarships for Chinese Students

UK universities offer a range of scholarships to international students, including China-specific grants and fellowships. Scholarships alleviate the substantial financial burden of studying in the UK, and these funding opportunities are among the most popular reasons Chinese students choose the UK as their study-abroad destination.

UK Visa for Chinese Students

Chinese students are required to apply for a visa to study in the UK. The first step is to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK university. Now you’re ready to apply for a student visa, during which you will be asked to submit the CAS number, a unique reference number confirming your visa eligibility.

After meeting all the visa requirements and paying the fee, you might need to attend a visa interview at the nearest UK embassy or consulate. SI-UK offers expert visa application services, ensuring your visa application is successful on the first try. Our team of experienced consultants will help you throughout the visa process.

UK University Quality

The UK is one of the world’s most sought-after study-abroad destinations for students worldwide, thanks to the country’s education system’s incredible reputation. The UK is home to four of the top ten universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

UK universities maintain high teaching, research, and student support standards. In addition, the country is among the safest in the world and provides amazing educational and research opportunities.

1. University of Oxford
2. University of St Andrews
3. University of Cambridge
4. London School of Economics and Political Science
5. Imperial College London
6. Durham University
7. University College London
8. University of Bath
9. University of Warwick
10. University of Edinburgh

Which UK universities have the most Chinese students?

According to the data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the UK universities with the most Chinese students are:

1. University College London - 9,840
2. University of Manchester - 8,645
3. University of Edinburgh - 6,375
4. Imperial College London - 6,105
5. University of Warwick - 5,485

UK University Entry Requirements for Chinese Students

UK universities warmly welcome Chinese students, and their applications are assessed solely on their merit, taking into account their qualifications and experiences.

UK university entry requirements for Chinese students may vary depending on the institution and the course of study. However, in general, Chinese students must have completed their high school education and obtained the required academic qualifications for the course they wish to apply for. In some cases, students may also be required to take additional exams such as the SAT or ACT.

Chinese students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency by taking an English language test. Of course, Chinese students also need to meet the UK visa requirements for international students. This includes obtaining a student visa, which requires the student to have a confirmed place at a UK university and sufficient funds to support it.

Career Opportunities in the UK for Chinese Graduates

Chinese students who have finished their studies in the UK can opt for the Graduate Route visa, enabling them to stay there for a maximum of two years after graduation. This visa permits them to work in any sector or at any skill level during the tenure of their stay.

Foundation Courses for Chinese Students

Foundation courses are for those applicants who have completed a non-British curriculum and aspire to pursue an undergraduate degree at a UK university. These programmes serve as a link between your existing qualifications and the undergraduate entry criteria of UK universities. Chinese students can also choose a foundation course if their grades are insufficient to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a bachelor’s degree at UK universities.

There are two main types of foundation courses in the UK: International Foundation Programme and Integrated Foundation Course. More than 25 UK universities and institutes offer foundation programmes, including the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, SOAS University of London, and Bath University.