1. What is CSCA

China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a standardized test designed for international students who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees in China.

Organized by China Scholarship Council (CSC) and jointly developed with experts from Chinese universities, CSCA assesses students’ language proficiency and academic readiness, helping them better prepare for undergraduate studies in China.

CSCA is also an important reference used by Chinese universities in their admission and scholarship evaluation processes.

2. Why CSCA?

CSCA provides a comprehensive evaluation of academic and language abilities, enabling students to better understand their strengths and prepare for successful study in China.

· Recognition: Widely accepted by Chinese universities

· Academic Focus: Enhances students readiness and competitiveness for undergraduate studies

· Application Support: Serves as an academic reference for university admission and scholarship review

· Since 2026, CSCA is required for candidates who apply for Shandong University.

3. Test Subjects and exam fees

MBBS program of Shandong University requires Math and Chemistry exams.

Test Fees:One subject: 450 (CNY):2 or more subjects: 700 (CNY)

4. CSCA Schedule

There will be five (5) CSCA examination sessions in 2026, scheduled for January, March, April, June, and December.
The examination schedule for the CSCA test on January 25, 2026 (Beijing Time) is as follows:

Mathematics: 18:00 – 19:00; Chemistry: 20:30 – 21:30

Candidates are kindly requested to verify the specific examination time corresponding to their registered subjects and make reasonable arrangements for their daily schedules.

5. Test Formats

Initially, CSCA will be conducted primarily in a remote, home-based online format, with onsite test centers (computer-based or paper-based) gradually established in major source countries and regions.

In December 2025, the first onsite test centers will be launched in Vietnam and Thailand, marking the beginning of a hybrid-testing model. Additional test centers in other countries and regions are currently under development.

6. Score and Results

Each CSCA subject is graded on a 100-point scale. Test results will serve as a reference for universities, which will set their own admission criteria based on individual program requirements.

Score release dates vary by test format: results for online and onsite computer-based tests will be announced within 7 working days after the test, while paper-based test results will be released within 14 working days.

7. Regarding exam preparation, what are the suggestions?

Please follow the official website (https://csca.cn), as it is the primary source for obtaining the most authoritative information. On the official website, you can find all necessary information about the exam, registration and you can download the "exam syllabus" and other preparation resources for the exam subjects. The website offers both Chinese and English versions.