Introducing the New CSCA Exam for International Students (2026 Guide)
China is launching the CSCA exam for international undergraduate applicants. Here is what Moroccan and Arab students need to know — dates, subjects, fees, and how to prepare.
Over the past months, many of our partner universities in China have shared updates about admissions for 2026. The main change: most international undergraduate applicants will need to take the new China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA). This is no longer just a rumor — official timelines and subject rules are now public. If China is on your list, read this first.
What is the CSCA?
The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a new standardized test for international students who want to study at a Chinese university. Think of it as an academic readiness test — it checks that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in a Chinese bachelor's program.
Before CSCA, it was hard for universities to compare students from different countries and school systems. Now everyone is measured on the same scale. The goal is to raise standards so international students are ready for study in China — aligned with the country's "Double First Class" plan to build world-class universities.
Latest official details (2025–2026)
China has published clear rules for the CSCA. It is a unified exam that tests Professional Chinese plus Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry — so universities can compare applicants fairly.
Subjects and structure
- Professional Chinese — two types: Humanities Chinese and STEM Chinese. Required for Chinese-taught programs. Not required for fully English-taught programs.
- Mathematics — required for every applicant.
- Physics and Chemistry — optional; depends on your university and major.
- Math, Physics, and Chemistry can be taken in English or Chinese — choose based on your program.
Which subjects do you need?
- Chinese-taught — Liberal arts & business: Humanities Chinese + Math
- Chinese-taught — STEM: STEM Chinese + Math (+ Physics and/or Chemistry if your major requires them)
- English-taught — Liberal arts & business: Math only
- English-taught — STEM: Math (+ Physics and/or Chemistry if required)
- TCSOL applicants are exempt from the Liberal Arts Chinese test
- Always check your target university's latest requirements before you register
Test dates
- First global exam: December 21, 2025
- From 2026: five sessions per year — January, March, April, June, December
- Pick a date that leaves enough time to get your score before your university deadline
Format, fees, and results
- Mostly online at home with remote proctoring; some countries also have test centers
- Each subject scored out of 100
- Fee: RMB 450 for one subject; RMB 700 total for two or more subjects
- Pay via Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, VISA, or MasterCard
- Online results: within 7 working days; paper-based: within 14 working days
How to register
All registration happens on the official website: csca.cn. This is the only place to create an account, choose subjects, pick a test date, and pay.
- Create an account on csca.cn with your full name exactly as in your passport
- Complete your profile and choose your program language and intended major
- Select your subjects (Math is always required)
- Pick a test window (first exam: December 21, 2025)
- Choose online at-home or an offline center if available in your country
- Upload your photo and ID details
- Pay the fee and keep your confirmation
- If testing at home: run the equipment check and prepare a quiet, well-lit room
- Take the exam with your passport ready for verification
- Check results when released and plan your university application around that date
Visit the official CSCA portal for registration and updates. csca.cn — official site
Preparation tips
- Decide early: Chinese-taught or English-taught program? Your choice sets your CSCA subjects.
- Build CSCA prep into your application timeline — do not leave it to the last minute.
- Prepare your university documents in advance so you can apply as soon as scores are released.
- Follow official announcements and check each university's 2026 requirements
Sallam offers CSCA mock exams and a full study guide inside the platform. Start CSCA preparation on Sallam
Which universities require CSCA in 2026?
Some top universities have already published CSCA subject requirements for 2026 — including Tianjin University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Fudan (Chinese-taught), and Zhejiang University. Others are not requiring CSCA yet for 2026 intake, such as Tsinghua, XJTLU, and CUHK Shenzhen. Requirements change — always read the latest admissions guide for your university.
Future of admissions to Chinese universities
From the 2026 intake onward, CSCA score reports will be a standard document for international undergraduate applications. You take the exam (offered five times a year), receive your official results, then submit applications to Chinese universities. This applies especially to public universities and Chinese Government Scholarship programs.
Planning ahead matters more than ever. Choose your program, know your subject combination, and start preparing early — that gives you a real advantage when applications open.
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