Up to 1,000 universities in 14 popular overseas destinations for Chinese applicants now accept gaokao test scores as admission criteria, according to a report released on June 22 by an online portal for students.

The findings reflect increasing overseas recognition for China’s national college entrance examination, though it still lags behind other exams.

London-based MyOffer, which helps international students with university placement, overseas internships and career development, released the study as this year’s gaokao scores were announced in some parts of China.

Earlier reports claimed that gaokao results were accepted in 20 countries and regions, but MyOffer’s study contains by far the most detailed findings available.

Italy and France, according to MyOffer, are the most welcoming destinations. All of France’s more than 180 universities and colleges accept gaokao scores.

[Photo/China Daily]

Chinese applicants may apply for 206 Italian institutions through bilateral education arrangements operated by the Marco Polo Project and Turandot Program if their scores meet admission requirements.

Australia, where more than 30 universities accept gaokao scores for admission, and Spain, with more than 50, are both considered favorable destinations.

Chinese applicants must submit their scores to Singapore’s 10 public-fund universities and polytechnics.

In Germany, which has more than 380 officially recognized universities, “most schools require gaokao scores”, according to MyOffer.

However, Chinese students whose gaokao scores meet the admission requirements still need to study in a university at home for one to three semesters before enrolling for bachelor’s degree courses in Germany.

Nine Canadian universities, including the top-rated University of British Columbia, accept gaokao test scores, although those who score below 75 percent of the maximum mark of 750 are unlikely to be considered.

Recognition of gaokao scores is still quite low in the United States, where they are accepted by only four universities; in South Korea, by just three; and New Zealand, by two.

East London University is currently one of the few UK institutions to accept the scores, though dozens of university foundation courses require them for admission.

Applicants from the Chinese mainland will find that their test scores are more welcome in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.

Up to 135 universities in Taiwan admitted mainland students with gaokao scores last year, while all eight universities in Hong Kong and six in Macao accept the scores.

A total of 9.42 million Chinese students took this year’s gaokao this month.

Nearly 460,000 Chinese students went abroad last year, up by 11.09 percent compared with 2013, according to the Ministry of Education.