York launches new route for international students to study in UK

Posted on Friday 14 November 2025

CSCSE is a non-profit organisation working with China’s Ministry of Education, which focuses on international education and student exchanges. The launch of the High Achiever Programme is the first of its kind involving a Russell Group university.

The programme is available for degrees in both Business and Computer Science, and is built around the SQA Advanced Diploma, a qualification equivalent to the first two years of a UK undergraduate degree. 

The diploma, which is taught and assessed in English under the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), has already been completed by more than 60,000 students in China, many of whom go on to finish their degrees at universities abroad.

Students can either spend three years in China completing the SQA Advanced Diploma before transferring to York for their final year, or enter York directly in their second year through CSCSE’s network of partner universities. 

The new programme was agreed at an event in China, attended by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery, and Director-General of the CSCSE, Wang Daquan.

All students who complete the programme will graduate with a University of York degree, with the first cohort expected to start at York in September 2026.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “We are seeing universities across the world broadening their approach to adapt to this kind of degree, moving beyond the traditional three-year degree in one place.

“This new partnership offers more than a qualification, it’s a pathway for students to experience life at a top-ranking UK university. The SQA Advanced Diploma - used widely by UK students and international students - provides a strong foundation, and York offers a high-quality destination to complete their studies. We’re proud to support students in achieving their potential while giving them the chance to study in the UK.”

The programme helps students build international networks and prepare them for careers in a global workplace, while allowing York to welcome top talent from around the world.