CSCA: Everything International Students Need to Know About the China Scholastic Competency Assessment!
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a new official test created for international students who want to apply for undergraduate programs in China. It is organized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and will become an important part of university admission and scholarship evaluations.
If you plan to study in China—especially under CSC or University Scholarship—understanding CSCA is very important.
What Is CSCA?
CSCA is a standardized exam designed to check two main abilities:
- Academic ability
- Language and subject readiness
The test helps Chinese universities understand how prepared you are for undergraduate studies in China.
CSCA scores will be used:
- For admission decisions
- For scholarship evaluation
- As a reference for comparing international applicants
Why CSCA Is Important for Students
- Accepted by many Chinese universities
- CSCA will become a common requirement for international student admissions.
- Helps students understand their strengths
- You will know which subjects you are strong or weak in before starting university.
- Supports scholarship applications
- Good CSCA scores improve your chance of receiving CSC Scholarship and other university scholarships.
CSCA Test Subjects
CSCA has two subject groups:
- Professional Chinese
- Humanities (Chinese test only)
- STEM (Chinese test only)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: 80 multiple-choice
- Score: 0–100
- Fundamental Subjects
All available in Chinese or English:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Questions: 48 multiple-choice
- Score: 0–100
Syllabus Details
The official CSCA syllabus explain what students must study.
Mathematics Syllabus
- Sets and inequalities
- Functions (exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric)
- Geometry and algebra
- Probability and statistics
Physics Syllabus
- Mechanics (motion, Newton’s laws, energy)
- Electromagnetism (electric fields, circuits, magnetic forces)
- Thermodynamics
- Optics
- Modern physics
Chemistry Syllabus
- Basic chemical concepts and calculations
- Properties and reactions of substances
- Chemical laws and theories
- Chemical experiments and applications
How to Choose Your CSCA Subjects
You must choose subjects based on:
- The university you apply to
- The major you want
- Whether you are applying under CSC Scholarship
If you apply through CSC Scholarship:
- Required: Mathematics and Professional Chinese
- Optional: Physics or Chemistry (depends on your major)
If you apply for non-CSC undergraduate programs:
- Required: Mathematics and Professional Chinese (mandatory for Chinese-taught majors)
- Optional: Physics or Chemistry (if your major needs it)
CSCA Exam Formats
Students can choose one of three exam formats, depending on their situation.
- Computer-Based Exam
- Taken at an authorized test center
- Uses a computer in a controlled environment
- Paper-Based Exam
- Written on paper
- Also taken at an authorized test center
- Home-Based Online Exam
- Taken from home
- Live proctors monitor the exam online
These three formats give international students flexibility, making it easier to attend the exam from anywhere.
CSCA Exam Schedule
Starting 2026, CSCA will be conducted five times a year: January, March, April, June, December . Exam times will consider global time zones.
CSCA Scores and Results
- Each subject is marked out of 100 points
- Scores for online & computer tests: released in 7 working days
- Scores for paper-based tests: released in 14 working days
- Universities can check your percentile ranking worldwide
This helps universities compare applicants fairly.
CSCA Test Fees
Number of Subjects Fee (CNY)
- 1 Subject 450 RMB
- 2 or More Subjects 700 RMB
You should take CSCA if:
- You want to apply for CSC Scholarship (full/partial)
- You want to study undergraduate programs in China
- You want a stronger admission profile
- You need an academic readiness test accepted by many universities
If you want an advantage in admissions, CSCA is useful.
How ChinaSchooling Helps You With CSCA and Admission：
ChinaSchooling provides:
- Guidance choosing CSCA subjects
- Support registering for CSCA and payment
- University and major selection
- Scholarship application support
- Full admission assistance