CSCA 2026 China Bachelor Admission: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Views：706 Time:2025/10/21 0:00:00
Following the previous release of content regarding the CSCA exam, SICAS has received a large volume of inquiries from global users via its backend system. We have compiled these questions and are providing centralized responses in this article.1. What is CSCA?
CSCA, short for China Scholastic Competency Assessment, serves as a core evaluation tool for international students applying to undergraduate programs in China. Its primary objective is to establish a unified, scientific, and authoritative admission standard. It focuses on assessing students’ academic proficiency and learning capabilities through two key components: Professional Chinese, and knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry—laying a solid groundwork for their future specialized studies.
2. What is the structure of the CSCA exam?
The CSCA comprises 5 subjects, adopting a “compulsory + optional” model:
• Professional Chinese: Includes Liberal Arts Chinese and Science Chinese, with selection based on the requirements of Chinese-taught majors. Both are administered in Chinese, last 90 minutes, and consist of 100 objective multiple-choice questions.
• Foundation Subjects: Mathematics is mandatory for all test-takers; Physics and Chemistry are optional (determined by major requirements). All three subjects offer Chinese or English as the exam language, each lasting 60 minutes and containing 48 objective multiple-choice questions.
Note: Specific subject requirements are subject to the latest admission brochure of the target university.
3. Is the CSCA exam mandatory for all applications to Chinese universities? Which Chinese universities require CSCA for 2026 undergraduate admission?
A total of 306 Chinese universities will require international applicants to take the CSCA exam for 2026 undergraduate admission. For detailed information about these universities, please refer to https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/YGD1JwgBYopHO9bC1LzyjQ
4. Do applicants for master’s or doctoral programs need to take the CSCA exam?
No. Currently, the CSCA exam is exclusively designed for international students applying to undergraduate programs in China. Master’s and doctoral applicants are not required to take the exam; their admission assessments will adhere to the specific requirements set by their target universities.
5. What is the main process of the CSCA exam?
The CSCA exam process consists of 5 core stages, from preparation to score retrieval:
• Registration: Check the official CSCA website (www.csca.cn) for the registration period of your intended exam session (e.g., November 2025 for the inaugural December 2025 exam). Complete online registration via the website, including selecting exam subjects, confirming the exam language, and paying fees.
• Pre-Exam Preparation: One week before the exam, take the official mock test on the CSCA website to familiarize yourself with the exam interface. Three days before the exam, recheck your registered exam language (no changes permitted afterward). Prepare your valid ID (passport or national ID) and exam equipment (for home-based online exams: a computer with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection of ≥10 Mbps).
• Exam Taking: On the exam day, follow official guidelines to log in (for home-based exams) or check in (for offline exams, with physical ID). Complete the exam within the specified time (90 minutes for Professional Chinese, 60 minutes per Foundation Subject) and submit answers before the deadline.
• Score Release: Scores will be available via your CSCA registration account within 7 working days (for home-based online or offline computer-based exams) or 14 working days (for paper-based exams).
• Score Usage: Submit your valid CSCA score report as part of your undergraduate application materials to your target university.
6. Is there a fee for the CSCA exam, and if so, how much is it?
Yes, the CSCA exam has a fee, which varies based on the number of subjects taken:
• Single subject: 450 RMB
• Two or more subjects: 700 RMB
Accepted payment methods include Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, VISA, and MasterCard.
7. How many times is the CSCA exam held each year?
• The inaugural global CSCA exam (scheduled for December 21, 2025) is a one-time session for early applicants.
• Starting from 2026, the exam will be held 5 times annually (in January, March, April, June, and December). You may take the exam in any of these sessions to meet your university application needs.
8. What tips are there for pre-exam preparation?
Follow these key steps to prepare effectively:
• Document Verification: Prepare a valid passport or national ID (used during registration) in advance. Online exams require real-time ID verification, while offline exams require physical documents for check-in.
• Equipment & Environment Check: For home-based online exams, ensure your computer (with a functional camera and microphone) meets official system requirements. Test your internet speed (stable 10+ Mbps) and clear the exam area of prohibited items (such as books and notes).
• Exam Language Confirmation: Recheck the selected exam language (Chinese/English) in your registration account 3 days before the exam—no adjustments are allowed after this deadline.
• Mock Test Participation: Complete the official mock test (released on www.csca.cn one week before the exam) to familiarize yourself with the interface, question types, and submission process.
9. Where can I get more help with CSCA-related questions?
You can contact SICAS through its official website or the following contact details, and SICAS will provide comprehensive answers to your inquiries:
• Email: service@sicas.cn
• Tel/WeChat/WhatsApp: +86-15318861816 / +86-18561616618
