If you plan to study in China from 2026 onwards, there’s a major new requirement you must know: the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA).
This is a newly launched standardized entrance exam for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programs in Chinese universities.
Starting from the 2026 intake, the CSCA score report will be mandatory for all international applicants — whether applying for self-funded programs or Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC).
This guide explains everything — what CSCA is, who can apply, eligibility, age limit, registration process, subjects, test format, scoring, and preparation tips.
What is CSCA?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a national-level standardized test designed by China’s education authorities to evaluate the academic readiness and scholastic ability of international students who want to study in China.
Think of it as China’s version of the SAT or ACT, made specifically for foreign applicants.
It helps universities measure students’ performance using a common standard, ensuring fairness and better selection.
Purpose of the CSCA
- To evaluate core academic subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Chinese Language.
- To check whether international students meet the academic level of Chinese undergraduates.
- To create a uniform admission system across Chinese universities.
- To make the selection process transparent, competitive, and merit-based.
Who Can Apply for CSCA?
The CSCA is open to all international students who want to apply for undergraduate programs in China starting in 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
✅ Applicants must hold a valid foreign (non-Chinese) passport.
✅ Must have completed or be completing 12 years of schooling (high school or equivalent).
✅ Must be mentally and physically fit for university study.
✅ Can be applying under:
- Self-financed admissions
- Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)
- Provincial or university scholarships
Who Can’t Apply
❌ Students holding Chinese nationality or dual citizenship (including Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan) are not eligible.
❌ Applicants seeking Master’s or PhD programs do not need CSCA (it’s only for undergraduate admission).
CSCA Age Limit
There is no strict minimum or maximum age limit, but generally:
- Most universities prefer applicants under 25 years old for undergraduate programs.
- Applicants above 25 can still apply if they meet educational eligibility and program requirements.
✅ No upper attempt limit — you can take the CSCA multiple times (best score can be used for admission).
Exam Structure and Subjects
The CSCA follows a Compulsory + Optional subject model.
There are five subjects offered in two language options (Chinese or English).
1️⃣ Specialized Chinese
- Divided into two types:
- Humanities Chinese (文科中文) – for Liberal Arts, Business, and Social Sciences
- STEM Chinese (理科中文) – for Science, Technology, and Engineering majors
- Required only for Chinese-taught programs
- Exempt for students applying to English-taught programs
2️⃣ Mathematics
- Compulsory for all applicants (both Chinese- and English-taught programs)
- Available in Chinese or English
3️⃣ Physics & 4️⃣ Chemistry
- Optional subjects, depending on your program:
- Required for STEM majors like Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, etc.
- Optional for Business or Humanities majors.
- Offered in Chinese or English
Quick Subject Mapping
| Program Type | Required CSCA Subjects |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Business (Chinese-taught) | Humanities Chinese + Math |
| STEM (Chinese-taught) | STEM Chinese + Math (+ Physics and/or Chemistry) |
| Liberal Arts & Business (English-taught) | Math |
| STEM (English-taught) | Math (+ Physics and/or Chemistry) |
Exam Format
- Mode: Online (remote proctored) or Offline (computer/paper-based in test centers)
- Duration: Each subject approx. 90 minutes
- Question Type: Multiple-choice, short answer, and problem-solving
- Medium: Chinese or English (based on program choice)
- Scoring: Each subject scored out of 100 marks
Exam Frequency & Schedule
- Inaugural Test: December 21, 2025
- From 2026 onward: 5 sittings per year — January, March, April, June, December
- Results:
- Online/Computer test → within 7 working days
- Paper test → within 14 working days
Test Fee
- RMB 450 for 1 subject
- RMB 700 total for 2 or more subjects
- Payment Methods: Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, VISA, MasterCard
Registration Details
Registration Period
- For the first exam (Dec 21, 2025) → registration opens November 2025
- For 2026 and beyond → registration windows will be announced before each sitting
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit website
- Create your account – enter full name as per passport
- Verify email & complete your profile
- Select your exam type: Chinese-taught or English-taught program
- Choose subjects (Math compulsory, Physics/Chemistry optional)
- Pick test window (Dec, Jan, Mar, Apr, Jun sittings)
- Select mode: Online (home test) or Offline (center-based)
- Upload documents: passport photo, ID proof, signature
- Pay the fee (RMB 450–700) online
- Check equipment (for online test) – ensure camera, mic, and stable internet
- Take your exam as per schedule
- Receive your score online after 7–14 working days
CSCA Grading & Score Validity
- Each subject scored out of 100
- Passing scores depend on university requirements (usually 60+)
- Score validity: 2 years from the date of the exam
- You can retake to improve your score (no attempt limit)
Preparation Tips
- Decide your program early choose if you’ll apply for Chinese-taught or English-taught courses.
- Check the syllabus on
- Plan your study timeline — aim to take CSCA at least 2–3 months before university deadlines.
- Use past papers & sample tests when available.
- Practice online proctored mock tests to get comfortable with the interface.
- Focus on core topics: Math (algebra, calculus, statistics), Physics, Chemistry fundamentals, and Chinese comprehension (for Chinese-taught).
- Stay updated through official channels and university admission pages.
Why the CSCA Matters
- Mandatory for all international undergraduate programs starting 2026
- Required by top universities including Tianjin University, Nankai University, and South China University of Technology
- Essential for Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) applications
- Ensures fair competition and a transparent admission process
Advantages of CSCA
✅ Simplifies admission for multiple universities
✅ Online testing from your home country
✅ Fair academic comparison for all applicants
✅ Multiple sittings each year
✅ Useful for scholarship evaluation
Future of Admissions
From the 2026 intake onward, every international undergraduate applicant must submit a valid CSCA transcript when applying to public Chinese universities.
This will apply to:
- CSC Scholarship programs
- University & Provincial scholarships
- Self-financed applicants