Recent WeChat articles by education agents in China have gone viral on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, claiming that some UK universities are no longer accepting Chinese students.

Articles led with the headline that certain UK universities are no longer accepting Chinese students. They went on to list some specific details involving the admissions process of individual universities. The articles made claims about the way UK universities select and reject students, based on factors including what Chinese university they attend.

An example of the articles can be found here (in Chinese – a translation will be made available shortly in an attachment below).

In response to the articles, the British Council has circulated a message on our WeChat platforms, to all Chinese agents and wider general public, emphasising that UK universities welcome Chinese students and stating that each university has its own specific entry requirements.

The British Council is working to ensure messaging continues to position the UK as offering quality education and as an open and welcoming country for Chinese students.

British Council lines in response to these articles are:

  • The UK is one of the most popular study destinations in the world and hosts more than 480,000 international higher education students from more than 200 countries and territories each year.
  • The UK welcomes international students, including from China. International students contribute immeasurably to the intellectual vitality of UK education and the cultural diversity of UK society.
  • The UK has a global reputation for its academic excellence. It has always been a competitive process for students to apply to study at the UK’s world-class institutions. 
  • There is no limit on the number of genuine international students that can study in the UK.
  • UK universities each have their own entry requirements, which vary based on the choice of subject and the level of study. Students can always contact the universities they are interested in to inquire about the latest entry requirements for specific courses.

Should UK institutions have any individual concerns or questions following these articles, please contact us on ies.china@britishcouncil.org.cn