The first Chinese student was admitted into the College in 1887, a year after its establishment.
We are among the most popular institutions in the UK for Chinese students and they study here on a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the Arts, the Sciences and the Humanities.
We have developed strong links with organisations and institutions across China, including the British Council and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA). Our Dual Masters partnership with NUAA has also been awarded funding by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC), under their prestigious "Innovative Talent Cultivation Programme".
The Regional Manager responsible for China is Ashleigh Saunders and she visits China 2 to 3 times a year to meet prospective students. Please do not hesitate to contact Ashleigh via email (Ashleigh.Saunders@rhul.ac.uk) if you would like any further information or require assistance in making an application.
The qualifications we accept
Applicants to Royal Holloway come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications to our courses. Each applicant is considered carefully on their individual merits, but please see below for the standard minimum entry requirements for students from China.
Undergraduate
Senior High School
Achieve a grade of 75% overall in the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) (Gaokao) with 70% in any A-level subject required by the course. For students who do not meet this requirement, you will need to take our one year International Foundation Year, or the equivalent from another institution, before beginning your undergraduate studies. For more information please view - www.rhulisc.com
A levels & International Baccalaureate (IB)
If you have taken A levels or the IB, you will be considered for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes. Specific grade requirements can be found in the course finder entry for your chosen course.
University preparation programmes
The Royal Holloway International Study Centre provides an International Foundation Year programme, which is designed for international students who do not quite meet the requirements for an undergraduate course. This programme will help to develop your academic and English language skills in preparation for university. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Postgraduate
Master's Degree
If you have successfully completed a Bachelor degree in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA and at a reputable university, then you will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway Master's degree programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme you are applying for and the university you have graduated from, but most departments will ask for a minimum of 70% to 80% or a GPA of between 2.8/4.0 to 3.2/4.0.
Research Degree (MPhil/PhD)
If you have successfully completed a Masters degree in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA and at a reputable university, then you will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway MPhil/PhD programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme you are applying for and the university you have graduated from.
English Language requirements
To apply to any of our courses, you need to prove a minimum level of English language proficiency.
Students who do not quite make the English language requirements may be able to take a pre-sessional English language programme.
How to apply
Undergraduate students applications are made online via UCAS. But if you are applying to a University preparation course or a postgraduate course, then apply to Royal Holloway directly. There is more application information in the Studying here section of the Royal Holloway website.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for a scholarship. Find out about our undergraduate scholarships and postgraduate scholarships to see if you are eligible to apply.
If you are considering postgraduate study at Royal Holloway, there may be external funding available to you.
Royal Holloway in China
We make regular trips to China to meet with prospective students, and we have permanent representatives right across the country.
To find out more details get in touch with us at international@royalholloway.ac.uk
Partnerships
Our Dual Masters partnership with NUAA provides PGT Business and Management applicants from NUAA the opportunity to apply for an exclusive scholarship, via the Chinese Scholarship Council. The scholarship from CSC (which will be administered by NUAA) will cover living expenses, visa fees and airfare for 5 students per year to study one of the PGT programmes offered by the School of Business and Management. Find out more about our partnership with NUAA here.
The local Chinese community
There are a wide range of sporting clubs and societies for international students both on campus and in the local area and many Chinese students take an active part in organising and joining events.
Our weekly fresh produce market, at which a variety of items are sold, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and Chinese food, attracts a large number of Chinese students as well as people from local communities.
There is a very active Chinese Society at Royal Holloway that promotes Chinese culture and language through social events, and raises money for charitable causes in the British Chinese community, as well as a Weibo Page.
Alumni Ambassadors
We have two Regional Alumni Ambassadors in Shanghai who organise events for Royal Holloway alumni in China and are also available to answer questions from prospective students and attend local exhibition events. For more information and contact details please see our Alumni page.
Useful Links
The British Council In China provides comprehensive advice on many aspects of studying in Britain
The Chinese Embassy in London
UK Visa Information in China
UKCISA promotes and protects the needs of international students in the UK
