Study in ChinaStart with CSCA

CSCA stands for China Scholastic Competency Assessment. It is a standardized exam for international students planning undergraduate study in China. It assesses academic foundations and relevant Professional Chinese ability; universities use results as one reference for admission and scholarship evaluation.

From the 2026/2027 academic year, international undergraduate applicants to Chinese Government Scholarship host universities must submit CSCA results. This includes scholarship and self-funded applicants. Confirm the requirements for your intended university and programme.

No. PrepPals is an independent preparation provider. Official examination, registration and university admission decisions remain with the relevant official bodies.

Yes. Mathematics is the compulsory academic paper for undergraduate CSCA applicants, including those applying for arts, law, business and other non-STEM degrees.

Yes. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry offer Chinese or English papers; choose the language required by your target university. Professional Chinese papers are conducted in Chinese.

English-taught does not automatically mean exempt. Chinese Government Scholarship undergraduate applicants must take Mathematics and Professional Chinese. For non-CSC-scholarship applications, Chinese-taught programmes require Professional Chinese; fully English-taught applicants should confirm the university’s current requirements before claiming an exemption.

No. Physics and Chemistry requirements depend on the university and programme. Science, engineering, agriculture and medicine applicants generally need at least one; some programmes require both. Check the current programme list before choosing your papers.

The published schedule covers November 2026 to June 2027. The next listed sitting and registration window are shown below in Beijing time (UTC+8). Check the exam-date guide for the full schedule and updates.14-15 November 2026 · 15-21 Oct 2026

Register through the official CSCA platform: create an account, choose a session, enter details, select papers, review and pay.

The published registration fee is RMB 450 for one subject or RMB 700 in total for two or more subjects. Confirm the amount on the official payment page before paying.

Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are each 60 minutes. Each Professional Chinese paper is 90 minutes. Take only the papers you register for. Use the exam-day checklist for login, arrival and equipment checks.

There is no universal passing score. Each subject is scored from 0 to 100. Each university sets admission criteria for its programmes and assesses CSCA results alongside the rest of your application. Check your target programme’s published requirements.

Start with the official syllabus for your required papers. Our syllabus guide organizes all five papers into a clearer study map.

There is no single preparation period that fits everyone. Compare your current knowledge with the syllabus, try questions independently, and plan around the gaps, required subjects and weekly study time. If the basics are difficult, work on them before full timed papers.