The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a standardized academic test designed for international students applying to undergraduate (bachelor’s) programs at Chinese universities. The exam evaluates students’ proficiency in Chinese language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry to ensure they meet the academic requirements set by higher education institutions in China.
With the steady rise in the number of international applicants, Chinese education authorities began focusing on enhancing the quality of incoming students starting in 2019. To create a fair and consistent evaluation system, preparations for a unified international entrance examination began in 2021.
Between August and September 2025, China officially introduced the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) as a standardized and authoritative admission benchmark for international undergraduate applicants. This initiative aims to:
Starting from 2026, all international students applying to undergraduate programs at universities under the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) are required to take the CSCA exam before submitting their applications.
The official CSCA score report will serve as a mandatory document during the university admission review process.
Starting from 2026, all applicants to undergraduate programs—both scholarship and self-funded—at universities under the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) (see Part VIII for the list) are required to take the CSCA exam prior to submitting their applications. The official CSCA score report will be considered a mandatory document during the admission review process.
From approximately 2028 (planned), the CSCA exam is expected to become compulsory for all international undergraduate applicants to Chinese universities. Additionally, China plans to introduce minimum score requirements as a standardized benchmark for undergraduate admissions.
1. CSCA Humanities Chinese Syllabus | CSCA STEM Chinese Syllabus | CSCA Mathematics Syllabus | CSCA Physics Syllabus | CSCA Chemistry Syllabus
2. Previous Test Papers For Reference
3. Learn CUCAS Mock Test | Take Mock Test Directly
4. Student Feedback from CSCA Test Takers:
4.1 The exam includes a mix of fundamental questions drawn from both junior and senior high school curricula.
— Feedback from a Myanmar student who sat for the CSCA exam on October 12, 2025.
4.2 The exam system is user-friendly, allowing candidates to review and modify their answers before final submission.
In terms of content:
Chemistry: Covers topics such as molecular formulas (e.g., calcium chloride), identification of oxides in reactions, reaction products, and other conceptual questions.
Mathematics: Includes arithmetic and geometric sequences, ellipses, slopes, eccentricity, trigonometric values (e.g., sin 30°, cosine, tangent), inverse functions, and even/odd functions. Questions may also involve identifying standard equations of circles and function types in multiple-choice format.
— Feedback from another Myanmar student who took the CSCA exam on October 12, 2025.
China Scholastic Competency Assessment
Your Gateway to Study in China 🇨🇳
🌟 What is CSCA?
The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a standardized exam for international students applying to undergraduate programs in China.
It evaluates your skills in:
👉 Required for admission to Chinese Government Scholarship universities.
📅 Exam Timeline
🧪 2025 Pilot & First Global Exam
📆 From 2026 Onwards
👉 Flexible scheduling for global time zones
🧾 Subjects Overview
📘 Core Subjects
⚙️ Optional Subjects
👉 Science/Medical students must take at least one
🌐 Test Language Options
👉 Choose based on your university/program requirement
🏫 Who Must Take CSCA?
✅ From 2026:
👉 Required for Chinese Government Scholarship universities
🚫 Exemptions
💻 Test Format
🖥 Modes:
🌍 Test Centers Expansion:
Planned in:
👉 Goal: Top 20 countries coverage
📝 Exam Structure
📖 Chinese Test Includes:
🖱 Registration Process
📊 Score & Admission
👉 Higher score = better university chances
🎯 Why CSCA Matters
✔ Standardized global evaluation
✔ Fair admission process
✔ Better university placement
✔ Required for scholarships
🚀 Start Your Journey Today
Prepare for CSCA & secure your future in China!
👉 Apply Now | Register for CSCA | Get Guidance
Registration Period
Registration is expected to open from early to late November 2026. Exact dates and detailed procedures will be announced on the official CSCA website: www.csca.cn.
Registration Method
Registration is primarily conducted online through the official CSCA website, which supports both Chinese and English.
For candidates in regions with limited internet access or technical constraints, selected overseas test centers may provide offline registration assistance. Details regarding available centers and services will be announced separately.
Required Documents
Helpful Guides
Test Fees
The payment system supports major domestic and international methods, including:
(Refund policy available for reference.)
After Payment – What’s Next?
Step 1: Confirm Your Registration
Carefully review and confirm your registration details.
Step 2: Verify Your Information Again
Double-check all submitted information. If any errors are found, you may request one free correction before the admission ticket is issued.
After the admission ticket is generated, no further changes will be allowed.
To request a correction:
Processing time is approximately 5 days.
For detailed guidance, refer to the instructions on correcting CSCA registration information.
