If you’re planning to study in China, apply for a Chinese scholarship, or simply want to improve your Mandarin, chances are you’ll need to take the HSK — the official Chinese language proficiency exam. But in 2021, China began rolling out a new version of the HSK, and it’s important to understand what changed.
🌟 What Is the New HSK?
The new HSK (汉语水平考试) is a complete overhaul of the old system. While the previous version had 6 levels, the updated system expands to 9 levels, giving a more detailed and accurate assessment of Chinese proficiency, especially at advanced levels.
✈️ Why It Matters for Students
- University Admission: Most Chinese universities require HSK 4 or 5 for undergraduate and master’s programs.
- Scholarships: CSC scholarships and most local scholarships require HSK 4+, with some programs preferring HSK 5 or higher.
- Job Market: International companies in China or Chinese companies abroad are increasingly asking for HSK 5+.
📌 Key Changes
- Emphasis on spoken fluency and classical Chinese
- More vocabulary (especially in Levels 5–9)
- Integration of translation and professional communication
- New grammar and structure requirements