CSCA Exam China: Study in China Entrance Exam
What is the CSCA Exam?
The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a new standardized China undergraduate exam for international students to get into Chinese universities.
Undergraduate students must take the exam to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship 2026. By 2028, it will become mandatory for all undergraduate applicants, regardless of Chinese scholarship status.
- Organizer: China Scholarship Council (CSC)
- Official Contact: cscasupport@cscdf.org
The CSCA aims to assess academic skills and Chinese language ability. This is an important change from the old system, which mainly used high school transcripts and HSK test scores.
Why CSCA Matters for International Students
Students who want to study for a Bachelor’s degree in China after 2026 must take the CSCA exam. Even universities not yet requiring it will soon begin using CSCA scores to screen applicants more fairly and objectively.
In short:
- Mandatory for CGS undergraduate applicants (from 2026)
- Voluntary in 2025 (first trial)
- Mandatory for all students from 2028
CSCA Exam Subjects: Full Breakdown
The CSCA covers four main subjects:
| Subject | Language Options | Duration | Type | Required? |
| Specialized Chinese | Chinese only | 90 min | Reading-focused | Mandatory (except for English-taught programs) |
| Mathematics | Chinese / English | 60 min | MCQ | Mandatory |
| Physics | Chinese / English | 60 min | MCQ | Optional (science/engineering) |
| Chemistry | Chinese / English | 60 min | MCQ | Optional (science/medical) |
- Math, Physics, and Chemistry can be taken in Chinese or English language.
- Specialized Chinese has no English version, and it’s compulsory for all Chinese-taught programs.
Specialized Chinese: The Core of the CSCA
The Specialized Chinese test assesses academic reading and comprehension — not daily conversation like HSK.
It includes 80 multiple-choice questions covering:
- Character recognition
- Cloze passages
- Word distinction
- Paragraph ordering
- Grammar and sentence completion
- Reading comprehension (main focus)
CSCA vs HSK test: What’s the Difference?
| HSK | CSCA | |
| Focus | Daily communication | Academic reading |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Language Scope | Life vocabulary | Academic & technical |
| Structure | Reading, listening, writing | Reading-only MCQ |
| Can replace CSCA? | No | HSK 4 exempts Chinese majors only |
Even HSK level 5–6 students find CSCA hard. This is because of the tough vocabulary and time pressure. There are 80 questions to answer in 90 minutes.
CSCA Exam Dates & Schedule (2025–2026)
First Global Exam
- Date: December 21, 2025
- CSCA registration 2025: November
- Format: Online (at home)
- Pilot Centers: Vietnam, Thailand
Regular Schedule (CSCA test dates 2026 onwards)
Held five times per year: January, March, May, June, December
Tip:
If you’re aiming for September 2026 intake, take your CSCA in March or May 2026 to allow for retakes.
Exam Formats
| Format | Description | Pros |
| Online Proctored Exam | Take the exam at home (Windows system required) | Convenient, flexible |
| Computer-Based Test | At official centers in Asia | Technical support, reliable |
| Paper-Based Test | Limited regional availability | Traditional format |
Planned expansion in 2026–2027 includes India, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
Real Student Feedback
Here’s what students who already took the CSCA exam in October 2025 had to say:
“The questions are mainly junior and senior high school basics, but you need to read everything very quickly. I took Math and Chemistry in Chinese and found there were more technical terms than I expected. I recommend starting preparation months in advance.”
— Student from Myanmar.
“Chemistry tested molecular formulas, oxides, and reaction products. Math tested arithmetic and geometric sequences, trigonometric functions, slopes, and inverse functions. There were also questions on even and odd functions, and multiple-choice logic requiring quick recall of basic formulas.”
— Student from Vietnam.
“The online exam system was very simple to use. You can go back to previous questions and revise your answers before submission, which is convenient. However, the exam content itself is demanding, especially if you’re taking scientific subjects in Chinese.”
— Another student from Vietnam.
Summary of feedback trends:
- The test content covers junior and senior high school basics but requires fast reading speed.
- If you’re taking the exam in Chinese, you need to be familiar with Chinese scientific and mathematical terms.
- The exam interface is easy to use. It lets students review their answers. However, students say that managing time and preparing terminology are very important.
Application Procedures (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prepare Application Documents
- Photo: Passport-style, upload online
- ID: Valid passport (must match info exactly)
- Payment: Visa / MasterCard / UnionPay / Alipay / WeChat Pay
Step 2 – Choose Your Exam
- Select subject combination (Chinese + Math + Physics/Chemistry)
- Pick your test center or online mode
- Confirm time zone and format
Step 3 – Create Account & Submit
- Create an account on the CSCA website
- Fill out your details accurately
- Upload required materials
- Pay to complete registration
CSCA Exam Fees
When registering for the CSCA, exam fees depend on how many subjects you select:
- Single subject: ¥450 RMB
- Two or more subjects: ¥700 RMB total
Payment Methods:
Accepts both domestic and international payment options, including Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, VISA, and MasterCard.
Important Tips:
- Double-check all info before submission
- Keep your confirmation email safe
- Make sure your payment card supports international online transactions before registration to avoid processing delays.
CSCA Exam FAQs
- Do I need CSCA for English-taught programs?
Not yet mandatory, but recommended — some universities give priority to applicants with scores. - Is CSCA harder than HSK 5 or 6?
Yes, in reading speed and academic vocabulary. - How long is the score valid?
Usually two years (subject to official confirmation). - Can I retake the CSCA?
Yes, there is no limit to attempts.
Start Your Journey to Study in China Today
The CSCA exam changes how China evaluates international undergraduate applicants. It encourages fairness and transparency. This aligns China’s education system with global standards like the SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL.
If you plan to apply for Fall 2026 or later, start preparing now! Early planning, consistent study, and having a trusted partner can make all the difference.
At ApplyForChina, we make the process simple and stress-free. From finding the right university to submitting your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Looking to study in China? Contact ApplyForChina for full preparation support!