CSCA – China Scholastic Competency Assessment
Complete Guide for 2026 Undergraduate Admissions
The official standardized examination for international students applying to 306 Chinese universities. Your gateway to undergraduate studies in China’s top-ranked institutions.
CSCA Exam at a Glance
First Exam Date
December 21, 2025
Exam Frequency
5 Times/Year (from 2026)
Universities
306 Chinese Universities
Exam Fee
700 RMB (2+ subjects)
Exam Duration
90-210 minutes
Result Time
7-14 working days
Table of Contents
What is CSCA Exam?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is an official standardized examination introduced by the Chinese Ministry of Education specifically for international students applying to undergraduate programs at Chinese universities. This revolutionary assessment system creates a unified, scientific, and authoritative admission standard to evaluate international students’ academic proficiency and learning capabilities.
As China continues to attract growing numbers of international students (over 500,000 annually), the need for a standardized assessment became crucial. The CSCA addresses the challenge of comparing academic qualifications from different national education systems by focusing on scholastic competency rather than mere content knowledge.
Key Objectives of CSCA
- Establish uniform admission criteria across 306 Chinese universities
- Provide fair evaluation for students from diverse educational backgrounds
- Assess true academic competency beyond rote memorization
- Streamline international admission processes for universities
- Ensure students possess necessary foundations for Chinese university studies
CSCA Exam Structure & Format
The CSCA examination follows a “compulsory + optional” model with carefully designed components to assess students’ readiness for undergraduate studies in China.
Professional Chinese (Mandatory)
- Options: Liberal Arts Chinese or Science Chinese
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: 100 multiple-choice
- Language: Chinese only
- Selection: Based on target major requirements
Foundation Subjects
- Mathematics: Mandatory for all students
- Physics/Chemistry: Optional based on major
- Duration: 60 minutes each
- Questions: 48 multiple-choice each
- Language: Chinese or English available
Examination Modes Available
Home-Based Online
AI-proctored remote exam with camera monitoring
Computer-Based Centers
Designated testing centers worldwide
Paper-Based (Limited)
Traditional paper format in selected locations
Eligibility & Requirements
✅ Who Must Take CSCA?
- International students applying for undergraduate programs at 306 participating Chinese universities
- Applicants to Chinese-taught bachelor’s degree programs
- Students seeking scholarships requiring academic assessment
- Early admission applicants for 2026 intake
❌ Not Required For
- Master’s or doctoral program applicants
- Non-degree or exchange program students
- Chinese language program only applicants
- Domestic Chinese students
- Applicants to non-participating universities
Academic Prerequisites
- Completion of secondary education equivalent to Chinese high school graduation
- Minimum academic performance varies by target university (typically 60-70% in relevant subjects)
- Basic Chinese proficiency for Chinese-medium exams (HSK 3-4 recommended)
- Mathematics background appropriate for intended major
- Good physical and mental health condition
- Valid passport with minimum 2 years validity
Registration Process & Timeline
The CSCA registration process is conducted entirely online through the official website. Here’s a step-by-step guide for prospective test-takers:
Account Creation
Visit www.csca.cn and create your personal account using valid identification details (passport).Select Exam Session
Choose from available exam dates:- December 2025 (Inaugural Exam)
- January 2026
- March 2026
- April 2026
- June 2026
- December 2026
Choose Subjects & Language
Select required subjects based on target university requirements and preferred exam language (Chinese/English for foundation subjects).Fee Payment
Pay examination fees using:- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
- UnionPay
- VISA/MasterCard
Confirmation & Preparation
Receive registration confirmation and access to official mock tests and preparation materials.Important Registration Deadlines
- December 2025 Exam: Registration opens November 2025
- 2026 Regular Exams: Registration closes 3 weeks before each exam date
- Language Selection: Can be changed until 3 days before exam
- Late Registration: Available with additional fee (100-200 RMB)
CSCA Fee Structure 2025-2026
Examination Fees (in RMB)
| Subject Package | Amount (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Single Subject Only | 450 RMB |
| Two or More Subjects | 700 RMB |
| Late Registration | +100-200 RMB |
| International Centers | +50-100 USD |
| Standard Package (Most Students) | 700 RMB |
≈ 98 USD (Exchange rate: 1 USD = 7.1 RMB)
Payment Methods
Alipay
Most popular in China
WeChat Pay
Widely used payment method
UnionPay
Chinese bank card network
VISA/MasterCard
International credit cards
Important Fee Information
- Refund Policy: 90% refund if visa denied, 70% refund before registration closes, 50% refund up to 7 days before exam
- Fee Waivers: May be available for exceptional circumstances; contact CSCA directly
- Rescheduling: Possible with fee adjustment (contact support at least 2 weeks before exam)
- Score Reporting: First 5 universities included in fee; additional reports may incur charges
Preparation Strategy & Resources
Effective preparation for the CSCA requires a strategic approach combining subject knowledge, test-taking skills, and technical readiness.
3-Month Preparation Timeline
Month 1: Foundation
- Understand exam structure
- Assess current knowledge
- Gather study materials
- Create study schedule
Month 2: Intensive Study
- Focus on weak areas
- Practice questions
- Take practice tests
- Time management
Month 3: Final Prep
- Official mock test
- Review all topics
- Technical preparation
- Exam day simulation
Essential Preparation Resources
Official Materials
- CSCA Syllabus Documents
- Official Mock Tests
- Sample Questions
- Examiner’s Guides
Third-Party Resources
- Preparation Books
- Online Courses
- Study Groups
- Tutoring Services
Technical Preparation
- System Compatibility
- Internet Speed Test
- Exam Software
- Backup Equipment
Complete CSCA Syllabus
The CSCA syllabus is designed to assess core academic competencies required for successful undergraduate studies in Chinese universities.
Professional Chinese Syllabus
Liberal Arts Chinese
- Reading Comprehension (humanities texts)
- Analytical Writing & Essays
- Academic Vocabulary (social sciences)
- Grammar & Sentence Structure
- Critical Analysis of Texts
- Cultural Context Understanding
Science Chinese
- Technical Reading Comprehension
- Scientific Vocabulary & Terminology
- Data Interpretation (charts, graphs)
- Procedure & Process Description
- Research Abstract Understanding
- Technical Report Writing
Foundation Subjects Syllabus
Mathematics
- Algebra & Functions
- Geometry & Trigonometry
- Calculus (limits, derivatives)
- Probability & Statistics
- Vectors & Matrices
- Mathematical Modeling
Physics
- Mechanics & Motion
- Thermodynamics
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Waves & Optics
- Modern Physics Basics
- Experimental Methods
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure & Periodicity
- Chemical Bonding
- Stoichiometry & Reactions
- Organic Chemistry Basics
- Thermochemistry
- Laboratory Safety & Procedures
Scores, Results & Validity
The CSCA scoring system provides comprehensive evaluation of students’ academic competencies with results delivered promptly after examination.
Score Scale
0-100
Points per subject
Passing Score
60+
Varies by university
Distinction
85+
Exceptional performance
Result Time
7-14
Working days
How Universities Use CSCA Scores
Primary Screening
Minimum scores as application filters
Scholarship Decisions
Higher scores improve scholarship chances
Admission Decisions
Combined with academic records
Placement Purposes
May influence course placement
Participating Universities (306 Institutions)
The CSCA examination is required by 306 Chinese universities for the 2026 undergraduate admission cycle. These include prestigious institutions across all major academic categories.
Top-Tier Research Universities
- Tsinghua University
- Peking University
- Fudan University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Zhejiang University
- Nanjing University
- University of Science and Technology of China
Specialized Medical Universities
- Peking Union Medical College
- West China School of Medicine (Sichuan University)
- Zhongshan School of Medicine (Sun Yat-sen University)
- Xiangya School of Medicine (Central South University)
- Shanghai Medical College (Fudan University)
Engineering & Technology
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Beihang University
- Tongji University
- Tianjin University
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Complete University List
The complete and updated list of 306 universities requiring CSCA for 2026 undergraduate admission is available on the official announcement. For the most current information, visit: Official 2026 CSCA University Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Start Your CSCA Preparation Today!
Register for the CSCA exam and secure your admission to China’s top 306 universities. Get expert guidance and preparation support.
Contact Information & Support
Official CSCA Contact
Official Website: www.csca.cn
Registration Portal: register.csca.cn
Technical Support: [email protected]
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Phone (China): +86-10—–
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 (Beijing Time)
