A new standard is transforming the way international students apply for undergraduate programs in China!
Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, the CSCA will become a mandatory requirement for those applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) undergraduate programs.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about CSCA!
CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a standardized admission examination organized by the Ch ina Scholarship Council (CSC), specifically designed for international students planning to pursue undergraduate degrees in China.
Exam Purpose: Evaluates your language proficiency and academic foundation, helping Chinese universities gain a comprehensive understanding of your academic competitiveness.
Why It Matters: ✅ Mandatory requirement for Chinese Government Scholarship undergraduate program applications (from 2026/2027 academic year)
✅ Key criterion for university admission and scholarship evaluation
✅ Strong advantage for applications to any Chinese university, even without scholarship applications
Who Needs to Take the Exam?
☑️Must Participate:
All non-Chinese citizens planning to apply for undergraduate programs at universities in Mainland China from 2026 onwards.
❌Not Eligible:
Individuals holding Chinese passports or residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan
Recommended:
Even if you're not applying for Chinese Government Scholarships, an excellent CSCA score serves as a powerful asset for applications to any Chinese university, comprehensively demonstrating your academic abilities and boosting your competitiveness!
● Important: You must confirm specific subject requirements with your target university. Please visit the university's official admission guide for detailed information.
● Want to know detailed exam content and study guide?
Professional Chinese (Humanities): 
CSCA考试大纲-文科中文-2025版.pdf
Professional Chinese (STEM): CSCA考试大纲-理科中文-2025版.pdf
Mathematics: CSCA Mathematics Examination Syllabus-2025.pdf
Physics: CSCA Physics Examination Syllabus-2025.pdf
Chemistry: CSCA Chemistry Examination Syllabus-2025.pdf
(Source: CSCA official website.)
● Exam Format (Choose One):
1. Computer-Based Testing : taking the exam on a computer at an authorized test center in a standardized testing environment.
2. Paper-based Testing: taking the exam in paper-based format at an authorized test center.
3. Home-based Testing: taking the exam from home, monitored online by a live proctor.
● Exam Schedule
1. The first CSCA exam has already concluded.
2. Regular testing begins from 2026 with five sessions per year;
Test months: January / March / April / June / December
( Don’t miss the next exam date — check it out at the end of this article! )
● Registration Fees
Single subject: ¥450 RMB
Two or more subjects: ¥700 RMB
Step 1: Visit the CSCA official website ➡️ CSCA
Step 2: Register an account using a personal, a valid and long-term accessible email address
Step 3: Prepare the following materials:
✅A digital ID photo; for specific requirements, please visit www.csca.cn.
✅ A valid identification document; for specific requirements, please visit www.csca.cn. (the only acceptable form of identification)
✅ Bank card information; for specific requirements, please visit www.csca.cn.
Step 4: Complete registration and payment
Step 5: Receive confirmation email to complete registration
⚠️Important Reminders
About Passports: Must use original document and valid, if your passport is expiring soon, please renew immediately!
● For in-person tests: Arrive at the test center at least 40 minutes early, with your valid original ID and printed admission ticket.
● For online home tests: Log in to the testing platform 30-60 minutes before the test begins using your admission ticket number and password, complete facial recognition and ID verification with both your computer and monitoring device, and follow the proctor's instructions for environment inspection.
Device & Network
Exam Environment
(Source: CSCA official website.)
● Score Release Time:
Home-based Testing & Computer-Based Testing: Within 7 working days after the exam
Paper-based test: Within 14 working days after the exam
Query Website: Log in to www.csca.cn official website
A: No age limit. However, candidates under the age of 14 must have parental consent and assistance to complete registration.
A: No. Each score is valid for two years.
A: Yes. The CSCA places no restriction on the number of attempts.
When applying to universities, you may submit your best valid score, following the policies of the receiving institution.
A: No. The Remote-proctored Home-based Test (RHT) is available only in countries or regions where centralized computer-based or paper-based testing is not yet accessible.
A: For the 2025 test cycle, only withdrawals are accepted; test transfers are not permitted.
(Candidates must submit a withdrawal request before the Admission Ticket is generated. Requests made after the ticket has been generated will not be accepted.)
As China's higher education internationalization continues to advance, the CSCA exam is becoming a crucial standardized evaluation tool for international students entering Chinese universities. Prepare early and gain a competitive edge!
● Action Checklist:
1. Follow the CSCA official website for latest updates immediately;
2. Confirm your target university's specific CSCA score requirements;
3. Develop a scientific exam preparation plan;
4. Follow our website for timely study abroad information (Home - Study in China);
5. Don't miss registration deadlines!
● Next Exam Registration Now Open!
Exam Date: January 25, 2026
Registration Deadline: January 10, 2026
Best of luck with your CSCA exam！
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