Starting from 2026, international students applying for scholarships and undergraduate programs in China must take the new China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA). Learn what it is, who needs it, and which universities are involved.
For a while now, speculations about a unified entrance exam International students applying to study in China. It is now becoming a reality especially for those targeting top universities and scholarships such as the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) or the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) will face a new requirement: the China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA).
This standardized entrance exam aims to evaluate students’ academic readiness and ensure a fairer, more transparent admissions process for international undergraduates.If you’re planning to apply to study in China, this is one update you can’t afford to miss.
đź’ˇWhat Is the CSCA?
The China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA) is a new standardized exam introduced by China’s Ministry of Education for international undergraduate applicants.
It serves as a unified entrance test similar to the SAT or A-Levels, that evaluates your academic skills and subject knowledge before admission.
The CSCA ensures that students entering Chinese universities meet consistent academic standards, regardless of their country of origin.
🎯Who Needs to Take It and what to expect?
The CSCA will be mandatory starting with the 2026 intake for:
- Students applying for Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC).
- Applicants to top-ranked universities (985, 211, and Double First-Class institutions).
- Students targeting competitive programs such as Engineering, Sciences, or Medicine.
While not every university has made it compulsory yet, the policy rollout will eventually include all undergraduate institutions across China.
The CSCA evaluates both academic foundation and problem-solving skills, ensuring that international students are well-prepared for the rigors of Chinese university coursework in English, Mathematics as compulsory and Physics, Chemistry,Chinese etc as electives.
Exam Schedule
According to the official notice, the first phase of the China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA) will kick off on October 12, 2025, testing students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Just a week later, on October 19, the second phase will roll out as a computer-based exam.
Leading universities such as Zhejiang University, Peking University, Hohai University, Hangzhou Normal University, China Pharmaceutical University, Wenzhou University, and Nanjing University, among others, have already confirmed that their 2025 undergraduate freshmen will take part in this assessment.
đź§How to Prepare for the CSCA
- Check university-specific requirements – Each school may list different CSCA subject combinations.
- Review English and Math fundamentals – These two are compulsory for everyone.
- Study elective sciences (Physics, Chemistry) – If required for your program.
- Take online practice tests – Once the official question bank or mock papers are available.
- Join a preparation group or coaching program – Early preparation gives you an edge.
Final Thoughts
The China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA) represents a new era in China’s international education policy , one focused on fairness, transparency, and academic excellence.
If you’re planning to apply to Chinese universities in 2026 or beyond, now is the best time to start preparing. Check your target universities’ official websites, confirm whether the China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA) is required for your program, and begin early preparation, especially in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
If you’re not sure where to begin, or you want personalized guidance, reach out to a knowledgeable agency like ours. Our team stays updated on the latest university admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and policy changes. We’ll help you navigate the CSCA process, strengthen your application, and boost your chances of studying at a top Chinese university.