What is the CSCA Exam? Complete 2026 Guide for International Students Applying to China
Updated May 2026
What is the CSCA Exam?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a standardized entrance examination for international students applying to undergraduate programs in China. The exam evaluates Chinese language proficiency, mathematics, science subjects, and academic readiness for university study in China.
Undergraduate students must take the exam to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) 2026. By 2028, the exam is expected to become mandatory for all international undergraduate applicants, whether or not they are applying for scholarships.
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 all Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) undergraduate applicants starting from the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Mandatory for all undergraduate applicants from 2028
CSCA Exam Subjects: Full Breakdown
The CSCA covers four main subjects:
| Subject | Language Options | Durasi | Type | Required? |
| Professional Chinese | Chinese only | 90 mins | 80 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) | Mandatory for all Chinese-taught programs. Applicants to fully English-taught programs are exempt. |
| Mathematics | Chinese / English | 60 mins | 48 MCQs | Mandatory |
| Physics | Chinese / English | 60 min | 48 MCQs | Optional. Typically required for science and engineering programs. |
| Chemistry | Chinese / English | 60 min | 48 MCQs | Optional. Typically required for science, medical and agricultural programs |
- Math, physics and Chemistry can be taken in Chinese or English language.
- Professional Chinese has no English version, and it’s compulsory for all Chinese-taught programs.
Professional Chinese: The Core of the CSCA
The Professional Chinese test assesses academic reading and comprehension, not daily conversation like HSK. It has two distinct versions: Humanities Chinese and STEM Chinese. You must choose the one that corresponds with your intended major’s field of study. For example, a future engineering student would take STEM Chinese.
It includes 80 multiple-choice questions covering:
- Character recognition
- Cloze passages
- Word distinction
- Paragraph ordering
- Grammar and sentence completion
- Reading comprehension (main focus)
CSCA Exam Practice Questions (Based on the Syllabus)
Professional Chinese (Science)
Choose the best word to fill in the blank:
(A) 测量(B) 分析(C) 溶解(D) 过滤(E) 计算(F) 搅拌1. 做化学实验时，⽤玻璃棒______ 液体，能让溶质更快溶解。
2. 实验结束后，我们需要对收集到的数据进⾏______，总结规律。
3. ⽤刻度尺______物体的⻓度，要注意视线与刻度线相平。
4. 混合溶液中的不溶性杂质，需要通过 ______的⽅法分离。
5. 根据已知条件______出物体的运动速度，这是物理计算题的基础。
Professional Chinese (Humanities)
Choose the best word to fill in the blank:
(A)注重 (B)构建 (C)鼓励 (D)游览 (E)分享
1. 它精心___了各种美丽景观。
2. 这里___营造欢乐氛围。
3. ___大家。
4.___着各种各样的快乐。
5. 不夜城吸引了无数游客前来___。
Mathematics
Let aß be acute angles. Which of the following is correct?
(A) sin(a – ß) < sin(a + ß)
(B) cos(a -ß) < cos(a + ß)
(C) cosa cosß < cos(a + ß)
(D) sina + sinß < sin(a + ß)
Physics
An object is dropped from rest. What is its velocity after 3 seconds? (Assume g = 10 m/s²)
(A) 15 m/s
(B) 20 m/s
(C) 30 m/s
(D) 45 m/s
Chemistry
The oxidation state of Cr in K2Cr2O7 is
(A) +3
(B) +4
(C) +5
(D) +6
How is the CSCA Graded?
Each subject is scored on a 0-100 scale. There is no universal pass or fail mark, as universities will set their own cutoff scores depending on the program. Typically, competitive universities expect scholarship applicants to achieve a minimum score of 70 for each subject.
CSCA vs HSK test: What’s the Difference?
| HSK | CSCA | |
| Focus | Daily communication | Academic reading and discipline-specific terms |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Language Scope | Everyday vocabulary | Academic and technical vocabulary across humanities/STEM fields |
| Structure | Reading, listening, writing | Reading-only MCQ |
Important: The HSK cannot replace the CSCA. HSK measures language proficiency, while the CSCA measures academic readiness. If you apply for English-taught programs, you are exempt from the Professional Chinese subject and can take the other required subjects in English (i.e. little knowledge of Chinese is needed).
Even students who have passed HSK 5 or 6 often find the CSCA challenging. This is largely due to the demanding academic vocabulary and intense time pressure; there are 80 questions to complete in just 90 minutes.
CSCA Exam Dates & Schedule (2025–2026)First Global Exam
The examination is held five times per year: January, March, April, June, December
Tip: To ensure you have time for a potential retake before the September intake, plan to sit the CSCA no later than April.
Exam Formats
| Format | Description | Pros |
| Online Proctored Exam | The primary format available now for most students globally. Take the exam at home with a human proctor monitoring you in real time. A Windows system is required. | Convenient, flexible |
| Computer-Based Test | Take the exam on a computer at an authorised test centre. | On-site technical support, a reliable testing environment |
| Paper-Based Test | The traditional pen-and-paper format, offered at selected test centres. | Familiar format; typically available in regions where computer-based testing is not yet offered. |
The CSCA will gradually establish more offline (CBT/paper-based) test centers in major source countries, including India, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, with the goal of covering the top 20 source countries within two to three years. Until a test center opens in your region, the home-based online test remains your primary option.
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.”
—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 terminology.
- The exam interface is easy to use and allows you to review and revise your answers before submission.
- Time management and familiarity with the technical terms are essential.
Application Procedures (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prepare Application Documents
- Photo: Passport-style, upload online. Make sure it follows the official photo guide (white background, recent, no glasses)
- ID: a valid, original passport. Scanned copies are not accepted.
- 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. If a physical test center exists in your city or country, you cannot choose the home-based online test.
- Confirm your time zone and format
Step 3 – Create Account & Submit
- Create an account on the official CSCA website (www.csca.cn)
- Fill out your details accurately; errors can delay or cancel your registration
- Upload all required materials
- Pay the exam fee 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 and admission ticket 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?
From 2028, the CSCA exam becomes mandatory for all international undergraduate applicants. However, you are exempt from the Professional Chinese test if you apply to a fully English‑taught undergraduate programme. The Mathematics test remains mandatory for everyone but can be taken in English. - Is CSCA harder than HSK 5 or 6?
Yes, particularly in reading speed and academic vocabulary. The Professional Chinese section requires you to process discipline‑specific terminology under strict time pressure - 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. - Is the CSCA mandatory for all international students?
- The requirement is being phased in:
– From the 2026/2027 academic year, it is mandatory for all Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) undergraduate applicants.
– From 2028, it becomes mandatory for all international undergraduate applicants, including self‑financed students.
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 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!