Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, international students applying for bachelor’s degrees in China will be required to take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) before submitting their university application.
What is the CSCA?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a standardized test designed specifically for international students who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in China.
Organized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), the assessment is used to evaluate a student’s:
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Language Proficiency: Assessed via the Chinese subject tests.
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Academic Readiness: Assessed via the Fundamental Subjects tests (Math, Physics, Chemistry).
It serves as an essential reference for Chinese universities in their admission and scholarship evaluation processes.
Who Needs to Take the CSCA?
| Academic Year | Requirement | Future Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 2026/2027 | Mandatory for applicants for bachelor’s degree studies in China. The results will be a required document for university admissions review. | 2028 and beyond |
| Starting 2028 | The exam will be required for ALL undergraduate applicants to Chinese universities, and minimum admission standards will be established by the government. |
CSCA Test Subjects & Format
The CSCA is divided into Chinese language and Fundamental Subjects. Students should contact their chosen university to confirm the specific subjects required for their intended major.
| Subjects | Test Language | Duration | Questions | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Chinese | Chinese | 90 min | 80 MCQs | 0–100 |
| STEM Chinese | Chinese | 90 min | 80 MCQs | 0–100 |
| Mathematics | Chinese/English | 60 min | 48 MCQs | 0–100 |
| Physics | Chinese/English | 60 min | 48 MCQs | 0–100 |
| Chemistry | Chinese/English | 60 min | 48 MCQs | 0–100 |
- Note: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are offered in both Chinese and English. Test-takers choose the language based on their university’s requirements.
Test Schedule & Dates
CSCA will be held five times a year on a regular basis: in January, March, April, June, and December.
| Key Dates | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration Opening | November 2025 |
| First Global Test | December 21st, 2025 |
| 2026 Intake Requirement | Applicants for September 2026 admission must take the CSCA on December 21, 2025, or January 25, 2026. |
How to Register for the CSCA
All applicants must register online through the official CSCA website: www.csca.cn.
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Create an Account: You must first create a CSCA account before registering or making inquiries.
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Review Requirements: Review the exam date, format, and location details.
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Prepare Documents & Payment: Gather the following:
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Photo: Ensure it meets the specified photo requirements.
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Valid ID: A valid, government-issued identification document.
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Credit Card: For payment of the test fees.
- Complete Registration: Follow the online steps and complete the payment.
Test Fees & Scoring
💰 Test Fees (CNY)
| Number of Subjects | Fees (CNY) |
|---|---|
| 1 Subject | 450 |
| 2 or More Subjects | 700 |
💯 Scoring & Results
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Grading: Each CSCA subject is graded on a 100-point scale.
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Release Dates:
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Online and On-site Computer-Based tests: Results announced within 7 working days.
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Paper-Based tests: Results released within 14 working days.
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Assessment: Universities use the scores and the applicant’s global percentile ranking as a reference to set their own admission criteria.
Need the Syllabus?
Applicants can download the official exam syllabus for each subject from the CSCA website: https://csca.cn/testprep/examsv.
CSCA official website: csca.cn