For over 700,000 international students yearly, China is the choice for world-class education and vibrant culture. Students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Asia, Africa, and beyond find here a unique platform for academic and personal growth.
To ensure every student is prepared for success, a new standard has been introduced. The Chinese Ministry of Education and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) now require the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) for undergraduate admissions.
Starting with the 2026/2027 intake, the CSCA is your new gateway to a Chinese undergraduate degree. Approach it with the right preparation, and you can step confidently into your future.
What Exactly is the CSCA?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a newly established national academic examination in China for international undergraduate admissions.
Beginning in 2026, all applicants to Chinese Government Scholarship universities must complete the CSCA before submitting their applications.
By 2028, the CSCA is expected to become a compulsory admission requirement for all undergraduate programs across China.
In short, the CSCA is the key that unlocks the door to China’s top universities by providing a transparent and standardized measure of your academic capabilities.
Why Did China Introduce the CSCA?
The introduction of the CSCA is a strategic move, driven by several key factors that benefit both the universities and the student:
- Quality Assurance & Elevating Standards: As the number of international students has soared, Chinese universities needed a unified tool to ensure that incoming students possess the foundational knowledge to thrive.
- Strengthening the “Study in China” Brand: By implementing a robust, international-standard assessment, China is signaling its commitment to becoming a top-tier global education destination. The CSCA brings China’s admissions process in line with other major study destinations, enhancing its credibility and competitiveness on the world stage.
Who Needs to Take the CSCA?
If you are an international student & planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in China, you need to pay close attention to the CSCA. Specifically, the test is crucial for:
- Applicants to universities that require the CSCA, which includes many top-tier institutions.
- Students applying for the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship + Chinese Local Government Scholarship(Provincial Scholarship).
- Those aiming for programs taught in Chinese, as they will likely need to take the full suite of subjects, including the Specialized Chinese component.
Test Structure/ Subjects:
There are Mainly Four (4) subjects:
1. Specialized Chinese (for Chinese taught programs)
2. Mathematics (Compulsory)
3. Physics (Optional)
4. Chemistry (Optional)
N.B: Applicants to English-taught programs are exempt from the Specialized Chinese test, while those applying for Chinese Language majors may also be exempt if they hold a valid HSK Level 4 certificate.
Test Schedule
Starting in 2026, the CSCA will be held five times a year : January, March, April, June, and December.
- Asia-Pacific focus: April, June, and December.
- Europe & Americas focus: January and March.
To enhance accessibility, China plans to establish offline testing centers in major source countries such as India, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, with the goal of achieving full coverage in the top 20 countries within the next 2–3 years.
Admission Policy & Score System:
All Chinese Government Scholarship universities are required to clearly indicate in their 2026/2027 admission guides that the CSCA Score Report is a mandatory document for undergraduate applications.
Each university will:
- Receive applicants’ official scores directly from the CSCA system
- Use the results as a quantitative indicator of academic readiness
- Set its own admission cut-off scores based on internal standards and the quality of the applicant pool
Registration time & Test Fees
Registration Time
- First Registration period start: November 2025 (For exam date December 21, 2025. For January & March 2026 test, Registration time is still pending)
- For Registration Click Here
- Available in Chinese & English
- Visit nearby Center for Offline registration.
Test Fees
- Single subject: RMB 450
- Multiple subjects (Two or More): RMB 700
Payment Supports: Alipay, WeChat, Union Pay, Visa Card & Master Card.
V. Scoring & Result system
- Each subject is evaluated on a 100-point scale, and the scores are used as reference criteria in universities’ admission decisions.
- Results from online and computer-based exams are issued within 7 working days, And paper-based exam results are released within 14 working days.
- Additionally, universities can review global percentile rankings to better gauge applicants’ academic performance in an international context.
Test Preparation Tips:
Build a strong foundation: Review subjects at the Chinese HSK (Level 1-6) level to align with academic standards.
Practice with mock exams: Take the “Study in China” Entrance Exam Mock Test to familiarize yourself with typical Chinese exam formats (Visit official website).
Use study resources: Obtain reference books in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and academic Chinese for targeted practice.
Enroll in foundation programs: Join preparatory or pre-university courses or 1 year Chinese Language programs at Chinese universities to enhance academic readiness.
How “Salient Solutions Can Help You Cross the Finish Line!
Navigating a new admissions landscape can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. With over a decade of experience guiding students from Asia, Africa America & Europe to their dream universities in China, we are your trusted partner in this journey.
Our comprehensive support services are specifically designed to help you conquer the CSCA:
- CSCA Strategic Guidance: We provide clear advice on registration, subject selection, and timeline planning to keep you on track.
- Targeted Preparation Resources: Gain access to exclusive mock tests, specialized study materials for Maths /Physics/Chemistry, and preparatory sessions tailored to the CSCA syllabus.
- Language Support: We offer guidance and resources for both English and Chinese-taught programs, helping you strengthen the required language skills.
- End- to-End Application support: From choosing the right university and program to reviewing your documents, scholarship applications, and visa guidance, we handle the complexities so you can focus on your studies.
Our local presence in China & Africa ensure you have seamless support every step of the way from your home to your campus in China.
Conclusion:
The introduction of the China Scholastic Competency Assessment is a defining moment for international education in China. It signals a move towards greater excellence, fairness, and global integration. For you, the ambitious student, it means that success is no longer just about your past grades; it’s about demonstrating your readiness for the future through the CSCA.
View the CSCA not as a barrier, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to prove your mettle, to stand out in a competitive field, and to build the academic foundation for a successful undergraduate career in China.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let your first step be preparing for the CSCA. With diligent preparation, a clear strategy, and the right guidance, your dream of studying in China is not just a possibility—it is an achievable reality.
Important Link:
- Official website CSCA
- Directly Contact Us
