Your To-do List After Gaokao

China’s National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) is one of the most competitive exams in the world, millions of Year 12 students, one high-stakes test, your entire university future on the line. No pressure, right?

If you’re reading this, the Gaokao is either right around the corner, or you know someone who’s been living off instant noodles and revision notes for the past six months.

First things first: breathe. You’ve got this.

Now, here’s something most students don’t realise until it’s too late. May and June aren’t just the end of Gaokao season. They’re actually the best time to start locking in your life in Australia. And we mean that literally.

Why now? Because the best rooms go first.

Australian universities typically open admissions for the following year mid-year, which means right now, there’s a window where Scape properties across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide still have availability across room types and price points. By the time most international students receive their visa and official offer letter, that window has closed. The rooms they wanted? Gone.

No visa? No worries. You don’t need one to secure your room at Scape, and you don’t need a confirmed offer yet either. Booking early means you get the first pick before the rest of the market catches up, and trust us, it catches up fast.

What to focus on right now:

• Sort your English proficiency test. Most Australian universities require an IELTS or PTE score. If you haven’t sat one yet, book it now, results take a few weeks, and you’ll need them for your application.
• Research your course and university. Australia has eight world-ranked Group of Eight universities, plus strong institutions across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and beyond. Know what you’re applying for before you apply.
• Get your documents together. Gaokao results, transcripts, passport, organise these early. Some universities also ask for a personal statement, so give yourself time to write one that actually sounds like you.
• Sort your accommodation before your visa sorts itself. This is the one students consistently leave too late. By the time your offer letter arrives, the room you wanted is already someone else’s. Booking now, even before your visa comes through, means you’re not scrambling when it matters most.

Why Scape?

Purpose-built for students. Close to campus. Surrounded by people going through exactly the same thing you are; new city, new country, figuring it all out. Scape properties are designed to make that transition easier, with everything from study spaces to social events built into the experience.

Moving to a new country is a big call. But if you’ve just made it through Gaokao, we’re pretty confident you’ve got what it takes.

The rooms are here. The timing is right. Don’t wait for your visa to start planning your future.

Find your room at Scape →