What is the CSCA exam?
The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a standardised test for international students who want to study for an undergraduate degree in China. It is organised by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) with experts from Chinese universities, and universities use the scores for admission and for Chinese Government Scholarship decisions.
Want to know where you stand? The free diagnostic is 48 questions based on the December 2025 exam, with your weak topics at the end. It needs no account. Mock 1, a full paper, is free with an account.
CSCA subjects and format
Every CSCA subject is single-answer multiple choice and is scored from 0 to 100. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry can be taken in Chinese or English.
| Subject | Language | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Chinese or English | 48 multiple choice | 60 minutes | 0 to 100 |
| Physics | Chinese or English | 48 multiple choice | 60 minutes | 0 to 100 |
| Chemistry | Chinese or English | 48 multiple choice | 60 minutes | 0 to 100 |
| Professional Chinese (Humanities or STEM) | Chinese | 80 multiple choice | 90 minutes | 0 to 100 |
Which subjects do you need?
- Mathematics is required for every undergraduate applicant.
- Professional Chinese (Humanities or STEM, by your major) is required for Chinese-taught programmes.
- Physics or Chemistry is needed for many science, engineering, agriculture and medicine programmes.
English-taught programmes usually need Mathematics, and sometimes Physics or Chemistry. The admission guide of each university is what decides.
The CSCA Mathematics paper
The maths paper has 48 questions in 60 minutes and is scored out of 100. Its official content modules are sets and inequalities, functions, geometry and algebra, and probability and statistics. That is about 75 seconds per question on average, so pacing matters as much as knowing the topics. Read how the CSCA exam works and how to pace it and the full CSCA syllabus.
When and how is the CSCA held?
The first CSCA sitting was on 21 December 2025. The official site lists sittings in January, March, April, June, November and December, and each sitting runs over two days. Always check csca.cn for the dates and registration deadline of your session.
Where there is no test centre, the CSCA is taken as a remote, home-based test with two devices: a computer for the test and a phone or tablet that films you from behind. Test centres are being opened in more countries.
Results and retakes
Results come out within seven working days. There is no limit on how many times you take the CSCA, and each score is valid for two years.
Frequently asked questions
What does CSCA stand for?
CSCA stands for China Scholastic Competency Assessment. It is the undergraduate entrance test for international students that is organised by the China Scholarship Council (CSC).
Do I have to take the CSCA?
For most undergraduate applicants, yes. Students applying to undergraduate programmes at Chinese Government Scholarship universities must take the CSCA and send their scores, starting with the 2026 and 2027 intakes. Check the admission guide of each university you apply to.
Which CSCA subjects do I need?
Mathematics is required for every undergraduate applicant. Professional Chinese is required for Chinese-taught programmes, and Physics or Chemistry is needed for many science, engineering, agriculture and medicine programmes. Your university and programme decide.
Can I take the CSCA in English?
Yes. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry can each be taken in Chinese or in English. Professional Chinese is in Chinese only.
How many questions are on the CSCA maths paper?
The CSCA Mathematics paper has 48 single-answer multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, and it is scored out of 100.
How many times can I take the CSCA, and how long is a score valid?
There is no limit on attempts, and a score is valid for two years. Universities decide how they use your best score.
When do CSCA results come out?
Results are released within seven working days after the test, and you download the score report from your account on csca.cn.
Is ACE CSCA the official CSCA website?
No. ACE CSCA is an independent CSCA prep site and is not affiliated with the China Scholarship Council. The official site is csca.cn.
Sources: csca.cn and the CSCA introduction published by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. ACE CSCA is not affiliated with the China Scholarship Council.
Start with the diagnostic. The free diagnostic is 48 questions based on the December 2025 exam, with your weak topics at the end. It needs no account. Mock 1, a full paper, is free with an account.