Pilot test note: The details here summarize verified information from recent CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment, 来华留学本科入学学业水平测试) pilot tests (真实信息). Official rules are still evolving — we update quickly as policies are finalized.
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I. Basic Exam Information
1) Exam Nature & Target Audience
- CSCA evaluates academic readiness for international undergraduate applicants to Chinese universities.
- Full implementation: begins H2 2025; mandatory enforcement in 2026.
- First official global exam date: December 21, 2025.
- Multiple attempts are allowed (similar to SAT).
2) Scope of Application
- Mandatory: All undergraduate applicants to CSC‑scholarship universities (300+ institutions).
- Confirmed requirements at select top universities (e.g., Fudan, Xiamen University, Tianjin University, NJUST).
- Tsinghua University currently states CSCA is optional.
- Some self‑funded students (e.g., Fudan) must also take CSCA.
3) Exam Fee
Approximately 700 RMB.
II. Exam Subject Structure
By major category (Chinese‑taught programs require Chinese; the mapping below is evolving and not 100% confirmed):
- Liberal Arts: Liberal Arts Chinese
- Economics & Management: Chinese + Mathematics
- Science & Engineering: Science Chinese + Mathematics + Physics/Chemistry (choose one)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: Liberal Arts Chinese
- Western Medicine (MBBS): Chinese + Mathematics + Chemistry
- AI/Computer Science: Mathematics + Physics (likely)
Language: English‑taught programs test Math in English; Chinese test is typically not required. Chinese‑taught programs test all subjects in Chinese. HSK 5 (≥180) may exempt the specialized Chinese test (pending official confirmation).
III. Exam Difficulty & Content
- Overall difficulty: Below Gaokao; comparable to graduation‑level high‑school math and science.
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Algebra, Geometry. No calculators allowed; moderate difficulty with an emphasis on fundamentals.
- Physics: Mechanics and core topics; primarily multiple‑choice with possible calculation items.
IV. Preparation Resources
- Materials: Mock tests and weekly papers in our Discord resources channels.
- Syllabi: See the CSCA 2026 Syllabus as a practical reference.
- Video learning: Bilibili/YouTube for Chinese‑taught tracks; standardized‑test materials for English‑taught programs.
- Books: Taobao has drill books (e.g., “Mathematics Intensive Practice”).
V. Exam Format & Registration
- Test delivery: Online home‑based and offline computer‑based sessions.
- Organizer: Typically organized by each university.
- Registration: Official central portal pending (as of Oct 20); follow your target universities’ announcements.
VI. Score Impact
- Scores considered alongside high‑school grades and interviews; higher scores increase competitiveness.
- From 2026: all CSC‑scholarship applicants must provide CSCA scores.
- From 2028: expected expansion to all undergraduate applicants with minimum standards (to be confirmed).
VII. Important Reminders
- Requirements vary — always confirm on the official site of your target university.
- Exam language must match your program language (Chinese/English).
- Pilot tests in October are for current students and do not affect admissions.
- Information is evolving; follow schools requiring CSCA for live updates.
Keep learning: Try Full Test Papers, see the Math Test Guide, or join Training Courses for structured prep.