University Options in Beijing for IGCSE, A Levels & IBDP Students – International & Local Campuses

Beijing offers diverse university options for students with IGCSE, International A Levels, or IBDP. This guide covers international branch campuses and local universities that accept these qualifications, helping expat and local families make informed choices.

International branch campuses in Beijing

British universities:

• University of Nottingham Ningbo China (near Beijing) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; British-style education, strong in Engineering, Business, Sciences
• Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (near Beijing) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; British-Chinese joint venture, strong in Engineering, Business, Sciences

American universities:

• Duke Kunshan University (near Beijing) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; US-style education, strong in Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business
• New York University Shanghai (near Beijing) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; US-style programmes, strong in Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business

Other international programmes:

• Peking University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes (Yenching Academy, various departments), strong in all disciplines
• Tsinghua University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes (various departments), strong in Engineering, Sciences, Business
• Beijing Normal University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Education, Psychology, Sciences

Size and establishment of international branch campuses

Well-established campuses:

• Peking University – established 1898 (over 127 years); 40,000+ students; China’s top university, English-medium programmes available
• Tsinghua University – established 1911 (over 114 years); 50,000+ students; China’s top technical university, English-medium programmes available
• University of Nottingham Ningbo – established 2004 (over 21 years); 8,000+ students; well-established British branch campus
• Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University – established 2006 (over 19 years); 18,000+ students; large British-Chinese joint venture

Recent additions:

• Duke Kunshan University – established 2013 (over 12 years); 2,000+ students; growing US-style branch campus
• NYU Shanghai – established 2012 (over 13 years); 1,500+ students; US-style branch campus

Note: Beijing’s international branch campuses and English-medium programmes are well-established with proven track records. Most have been operating for 12–127+ years and have 1,500–50,000+ students, providing a stable, international learning environment in China’s capital.

Local universities accepting IGCSE/A Levels/IBDP

Top-tier universities:

• Peking University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; China’s top comprehensive university, highly competitive, strong in all disciplines
• Tsinghua University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; China’s top technical university, highly competitive, strong in Engineering, Sciences, Business
• Beijing Normal University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; top education university, strong in Education, Psychology, Sciences

Other universities:

• Beijing Foreign Studies University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Languages, International Relations, Business
• Renmin University of China – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Social Sciences, Business, Law
• Beijing Institute of Technology – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Engineering, Sciences

Admission requirements

IGCSE: Typically need 5 subjects at grade C or above, including English and Maths. For competitive programmes, A/A* grades may be required.

A Levels: Usually 3 A Levels with grades AAB-AAA for competitive programmes. Peking and Tsinghua are highly selective and may require AAA or higher.

IBDP: Typically 32-38 points minimum, with higher points (38+) for competitive programmes. Peking and Tsinghua often require 38+ points with specific Higher Level requirements.

English language: IELTS 6.0-7.0 or equivalent (varies by university and programme). Some universities require Chinese language proficiency (HSK Level 4-6) for programmes taught in Chinese.

Additional requirements: Many universities require entrance exams (Gaokao equivalent or university-specific), interviews, or essays. Some require SAT/ACT scores for US-style programmes.

Tuition fees for expat/international students

International branch campuses:

• University of Nottingham Ningbo: CNY 80,000–100,000 per year (approximately USD 11,000–14,000). Significantly lower than UK home campus fees.
• Duke Kunshan University: CNY 170,000–200,000 per year (approximately USD 24,000–28,000). Similar to US home campus fees.
• NYU Shanghai: CNY 180,000–220,000 per year (approximately USD 25,000–31,000).

Local universities (English-medium programmes):

• Peking, Tsinghua: CNY 26,000–40,000 per year (approximately USD 3,700–5,700). National universities have standardised fees, significantly lower than international branch campuses.
• Beijing Normal University: CNY 20,000–35,000 per year (approximately USD 2,900–5,000).

Note: Fees vary by programme and university type (national vs private vs international branch). Many universities offer merit-based scholarships (Chinese Government Scholarships, university-specific scholarships) that can cover 50–100% of tuition. Always check current fees directly with universities as they change annually.

Why choose Beijing?

• World-class education – home to China’s top universities (Peking, Tsinghua)
• Cultural experience – immerse in Chinese culture while studying
• Career opportunities – strong job market in Technology, Finance, Engineering, Government
• International environment – diverse student body, many English-medium programmes
• Strategic location – China’s capital, gateway to Chinese markets

Tips for expat families

• Language considerations – many programmes are English-medium, but learning Chinese enhances opportunities significantly
• Entrance exams – prepare for university-specific entrance exams or Gaokao equivalent
• Scholarships – explore Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) and university-specific scholarships
• Accreditation – ensure the university is recognised by Chinese Ministry of Education
• Cost of living – Beijing is moderately expensive; factor in accommodation and living costs
• Visa requirements – ensure proper student visa (X1/X2) documentation

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This guide is based on publicly available information. Always check the latest admission requirements directly with universities.