Maths is never exempted
Mathematics is compulsory and no HSK score replaces it. Start maths preparation early, whichever language you take it in.
Free video course · CSCA
Demystifying the CSCA exam
The CSCA is the admission test many Chinese universities now use for international undergraduates. A free video guide to the subjects, how HSK relates to it, and how to plan your preparation.
FreeVideoFor undergraduate applicantsWatch any time
Free on the ChinoEasy student portal. No payment needed.
The essentials
Three things most applicants get wrong
HSK 4 exempts only a narrow group
A valid HSK 4 can exempt the Chinese proficiency paper only for applicants to specific Chinese-language bachelor’s majors, as listed by each university.
CSCA does not replace HSK
They measure different things. Chinese-taught programmes usually still ask for an HSK level as well.
Subjects
The five CSCA papers
Scholarship applicants for bachelor’s programmes take Mathematics and Professional Chinese. Self-funded applicants usually need Professional Chinese only for Chinese-taught programmes.
Physics and Chemistry are required by particular programmes, often STEM majors. Only your target university’s admission page says which papers you need.
| Paper | Length | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Chinese (Humanities track) | 90 min · 80 questions | Chinese only |
| Professional Chinese (STEM track) | 90 min · 80 questions | Chinese only |
| Mathematics | 60 min · 48 questions | Chinese or English |
| Physics | 60 min · 48 questions | Chinese or English |
| Chemistry | 60 min · 48 questions | Chinese or English |
Source: csca.cn. Check csca.cn for current rules, dates and fees.
The free video
What the video covers
- What the CSCA is and who has to take it
- Which papers you need, and how to find out
- How your HSK level relates to the CSCA
- Why maths needs its own preparation plan
- Common myths about exemptions
How to watch
Three steps
- Click the buttonThe free course opens on the ChinoEasy student portal (powered by ELINK).
- Sign up with your emailFree, no payment needed. The video stays in My Courses so you can come back to it.
- Watch at your own paceOn a phone, tablet or computer. Pause and rewatch as often as you like.
Questions
Common questions
Is this an official CSCA course?
No. ChinoEasy is independent and has no affiliation with CSCA or the China Scholarship Council. csca.cn has stated that it has authorised no one to run CSCA courses, so treat any “official” prep offer with caution.
Do master’s or PhD applicants take the CSCA?
No. The CSCA is for undergraduate applicants.
When can I take it?
csca.cn lists five sittings in 2026. Dates and registration are published on csca.cn.
Where are the official rules?
csca.cn is the only official source. For which papers you need, check your target university’s admission page.