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A clearer, calmer guide for international students: understand the exam, estimate your likely subject combination, and know what to do next.
This page is structured like a route map: understand the exam, narrow your likely papers, check what each paper looks like, then choose how to prepare.
CSCA revolves around Professional Chinese, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry — but most students will not take all four.
Chinese-taught and English-taught programs often lead to different paper combinations, especially once your major is considered.
Use the subject finder below as a practical planning shortcut before you start collecting materials randomly.
Once your likely combination is clear, decide whether self-study resources are enough or whether you need guided help.
Most common baseline paper
Often the first paper students should understand clearly, no matter the major.
Often needed for engineering or technical majors
Frequently relevant for engineering, computing, physics, and broader technical pathways.
Often needed for medicine or life-science tracks
Common for medicine, pharmacy, biology, biotech, and materials-related routes.
Usually for Chinese-taught applicants
Commonly split into Humanities Chinese and STEM Chinese according to intended major.
During the initial stage, the exam is primarily delivered as an at-home online exam. In-person test centres are also being introduced gradually in key student-source countries and regions, offering centralized computer-based or paper-based exams.
At-home online exams and centralized computer-based exams: results are released within 7 working days after the exam. Paper-based exams: results are released within 14 working days after the exam.
Each CSCA subject is scored on a 100-point scale. The result serves as a reference, while each university sets its own admission standards according to the requirements of its programmes.
| Number of subjects | Fee (RMB) |
|---|---|
| 1 subject | RMB 450 |
| 2 or more subjects | RMB 700 |
Math is usually the academic anchor paper.
Physics is commonly requested for engineering, computing, and technical majors.
Subject requirements can vary by university, scholarship route, and intended major. Always confirm the latest rule with your target school and the official CSCA site.
You still have enough time to enter a more structured preparation rhythm and choose the tutoring format that suits you best.
Explore Preppals tutoring optionsMost students do not need the exact same combination. The final subject set depends on teaching language, major, and university rules.
This often wastes time. Confirm the requirement logic first, then choose resources and mock practice more intelligently.
Because CSCA runs in sessions, knowing the next registration dates matters almost as much as knowing the syllabus.
A student with three months left should revise very differently from someone preparing in the final few weeks.
Some students mainly need clarity and materials. Others need a shorter, more guided path. Pick the route that matches your situation.
Start with the subject pages, sample materials, and a more focused self-study plan once your paper mix is clear.
Explore resourcesBest for students with uneven foundations, limited time, or uncertainty about how to prioritise effectively.
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