Eligibility and how to apply
Details on the application process for 2+2 programmes.
Eligibility
We do not have a list of specific courses and required scores from your 1st and 2nd year courses in China. We look at your overall performance and we are most interested in:
- what you have studied - we need to see that you have studied suitable biology, chemistry and maths or physics. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss your transcript.
- how well your current programme matches to one of ours - have you studied similar things to the students you will be joining in year 3 at Edinburgh
- your English language ability, particularly scientific English - all of our teaching is in English so we need to make sure that you are prepared
Eligible Chinese Universities
We currently have 2+2 agreements with the following universities:
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing
- Dalian University of Technology, Panjin
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou
- South China University of Technology, Guangzhou
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen
- Zhejiang University, Hangzhou
English language requirements
Before we can accept your application, you need to pass an IELTS test with a total score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each section or TOEFL iBT at 92 or above with 20 in each section. This needs to have been achieved after 31st August 2023.
If we offer you a place to study with us, it is usually a requirement that you arrive in Edinburgh in August to attend the intensive English language course provided by English Language Education (ELE) team at the University of Edinburgh. This course, Preparation for Undergraduate Study 1 (PUGS1), focuses on Academic English skills that are essential for university study in the UK, it starts about 4-5 weeks before the start of Semester 1.
Once you begin your Biological Sciences studies, you may also be expected to study an in-sessional English course designed for Biological Sciences students to ensure that your English is to a sufficient standard.
Entry criteria:
- TOEFL: All students, regardless of TOEFL score are required to take both courses. This is because staff at English Language Education can’t gauge proficiency in English from TOEFL scores as they can with IELTS scores. Both tests are very different.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each section: Students must take both English courses.
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 or above: Students are only required to take PUGS1.
- IELTS overall scores of 7.5 or above and 6.5 or above in each section - Students are exempt from taking both English language courses (PUGS1 and PUGS2).
Find out more about the cost of the PUGS course on our Life in Edinburgh page.
Making an application
The application process is different from the normal application to study in the United Kingdom, you do not apply through UCAS.
To apply for our 2+2 programme, please:
- send us a request at bto.recruitment@ed.ac.uk for the online application form and a link to upload the required documentation listed below.
- The closing date for receiving applications for entry in September 2025 is 31st March 2025.
- You should also inform your International Office that you would like to apply.
Required documentation
As well as completing the application form, you need to send electronic copies of the items listed below. You should speak to the advisers in your School and/or International Office who will be able to help you.
- Personal statement*
- Official University transcripts (in Chinese)
- Official University transcripts (in English)
- List of courses currently being studied (if not on your University transcript)
- Copy of the photo page of your passport (with expiry date of 31st September 2025 or later)
- IELTS/TOEFL certificate (achieved after 31 August 2023) - you need to pass an IELTS test with a total score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each section or TOEFL iBT at 92 or above with 20 in each section.
*The personal statement should be written in English and should be no longer than 300 words. You should explain why you want to study your chosen Biological Sciences degree programme at the University of Edinburgh; and you can also include your current knowledge of the subject, any relevant skills or experience and any personal qualities (interests or other skills) that you can demonstrate.
If you can't provide your English language certificate by 31st March 2025, but still wish to apply for this programme, then email bto.recruitment@ed.ac.uk. You may still be selected for interview and can send evidence of your English language qualification at a later date.
Interviews
Once you have sent in all the required documents we will contact you to tell you if you have been successfully selected for an interview. If selected, interviews will be conducted in-person or online and will take place some time in April or May. The interview will be in English, and will test your Biological Sciences knowledge, as well as your language ability. It will be useful to practice speaking about biology in English and reading English-language textbooks to familiarise yourself with scientific English and the subject’s vocabulary.
Rona Lindsay
Recruitment Officer
- School of Biological Sciences
Contact details
- Email: bto.recruitment@ed.ac.uk