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New Requirement for 2026

Comprehensive Guide to CSCA Exam in China

The China Scholastic Competency Assessment is becoming mandatory for international students. As your trusted partner, Study at China provides everything you need to know to prepare and succeed.

Overview

The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a standardized academic testing system designed specifically for international students applying to bachelor's degree programs in Chinese universities. Developed to create a unified and authoritative admission standard, it assesses capabilities in Chinese, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. At Study at China, we strongly advise students aiming for the 141+ Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) universities to prepare early, as this exam is mandatory starting in 2026.
2025
2025: Official Launch
2026
2026: Mandatory for CSC Scholarship Applicants
2028
2028: Full Implementation across all Universities

Exam Structure

The CSCA employs a compulsory plus optional model. All questions are computer-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Exams are available in both Chinese and English (except for the Chinese subjects).

SubjectDurationQuestionsRequirement
Specialized Chinese
90 mins80Humanities/Science
Mathematics
60 mins48Mandatory
Physics
60 mins48Optional / Major-dependent
Chemistry
60 mins48Optional / Major-dependent

Subject Details & Syllabus

Specialized Chinese

Distinct from HSK. Assesses academic reading and comprehension for Humanities or STEM contexts. No English version available.

Character Recognition
Polyphonic characters, homophones (HSK 4-5 level)
Reading Comprehension
Highest weight. Sci/Tech/Social essays.
Word Distinction
Synonyms, academic vocabulary.
Sentence/Paragraph
Ordering sentences, completing logic.

Mathematics

Compulsory for all. Difficulty roughly junior to senior high school levels.

Both Chinese and English versions available.

Topics: Arithmetic and geometric sequences, ellipses (slopes, eccentricity), trigonometric functions, inverse functions, standard circle equations.

Format: 60 minutes, 48 MCQs. Graded out of 100.

Chemistry

Optional/Major-dependent (e.g., Medical, Agriculture). 60 mins, 48 MCQs, Score 0-100.

Topics include molecular formulas (e.g. calcium chloride), oxides, reaction products, conceptual questions.

Physics

Optional/Major-dependent (e.g., STEM). 60 mins, 48 MCQs, Score 0-100.

Mechanics, Motion, Electromagnetism, Conceptual understanding at high school level.

Application Process & Fees

When applying through Study at China, we guide you through this process. Registration is primarily online via csca.cn.

  • Fees: A single subject costs RMB 450. Taking two or more subjects costs RMB 700.
  • Frequency: Held 5 times a year (January, March, April, June, December).
  • Results & Validity: Available 10 working days after the test. Scores are valid for 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Details

Dates
5 times/year (Jan, Mar, Apr, Jun, Dec)
Preparation
Difficulty level: Junior/Senior High
Fees
RMB 450 (1 subject) / RMB 700 (2+)

Scores valid for 2 years! The paper is a required document for admission review.

Official Registration Site

Fast-Track with Study at China

Our team at Study at China provides specialized admission support, guiding you securely through CSCA requirements to your dream university.

Apply With Us