One applicant may need both HSK and CSCA because the tests answer different questions. HSK demonstrates Chinese-language proficiency. CSCA assesses readiness for bachelor’s study through separate language and academic-subject modules.
Each examination in one paragraph
HSK (汉语水平考试) is an international examination of Chinese as a foreign language. The new system has nine levels, but in 2026 the precise format for HSK 1–6 must be checked for the individual session. The combined HSK 7–9 examination is already active.
CSCA (来华留学本科入学学业水平测试) is a standardised examination for international bachelor’s applicants. Professional Chinese, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are offered as separate subjects.
The main differences
| HSK | CSCA | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Demonstrate general Chinese proficiency | Assess language and subject readiness for bachelor’s study |
| Intended candidates | Chinese learners, applicants, students and professionals | International bachelor’s applicants where required by the university or scholarship |
| Structure | Levels 1–9; assessed skills depend on the level and current format | Separate subjects: Professional Chinese, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry |
| Subject-specific Chinese | Not the primary focus | Humanities Chinese and STEM Chinese papers |
| Mathematics and sciences | No | Yes |
| Fee | Depends on level and test centre | CNY 450 for one subject; CNY 700 for two or more |
| Schedule | Depends on level and centre | The 2026 plan lists January, March, April, June and December sessions |
| Pass threshold | Set by the university or organisation | Set by the university or programme |
Describing the whole CSCA as “80 questions in 90 minutes” is incorrect. Those figures apply to Professional Chinese. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry each contain 48 questions and last 60 minutes.
Which tests apply in each scenario?
Chinese-taught programme
A university normally asks for a specified HSK level. If the programme or admission route also uses CSCA, you will need Professional Chinese and Mathematics, with Physics or Chemistry added according to the subject.
English-taught programme outside the Chinese Government Scholarship
HSK is often not a formal admission requirement, although basic Chinese remains valuable for daily life and placements. Under the official CSCA framework, Mathematics remains compulsory at institutions using the test; Professional Chinese is normally not required for a non-CSC English-taught programme. Physics and Chemistry depend on the degree.
Chinese Government Scholarship at bachelor’s level
The official CSCA overview identifies two compulsory subjects:
- Mathematics;
- the appropriate Professional Chinese paper.
The university and degree may add Physics and/or Chemistry. Within this scholarship route, Professional Chinese can therefore be required even for an English-taught programme unless the current notice provides a written exception.
HSK may still be required separately to demonstrate the programme language or satisfy the scholarship application.
Master’s and doctoral study
CSCA is designed for bachelor’s admission. For postgraduate degrees, check the required HSK or English-language test, research plan, references and university-specific assessment.
Can CSCA replace HSK?
Not automatically. The examinations measure different abilities, and the university decides which documents it accepts.
Do not rely on an old exemption claim for every HSK 4 holder or graduates of a particular group of preparatory institutions unless it appears in the current programme notice. Ask the admissions office for written confirmation.
Which HSK level is required?
Requirements can differ even within one university:
| Programme type | Common indication |
|---|---|
| Preparatory or language programme | no HSK or an elementary level |
| Chinese-taught bachelor’s | HSK 4 or HSK 5 with a stated minimum score |
| Chinese-taught master’s | HSK 5 or HSK 6 |
| Programmes with extensive academic reading | may require a higher score or an internal test |
These are not national thresholds. Read the programme page and confirm how the university treats older and newer HSK formats.
How to plan preparation
- Obtain the test list from every university on your shortlist.
- Separate general HSK language development from CSCA subject vocabulary.
- Confirm whether you need Humanities Chinese or STEM Chinese.
- Diagnose Mathematics and any additional science subjects.
- Match result-publication dates to application deadlines.
- Book a backup session where the calendar and budget allow.
HSK knowledge helps with Professional Chinese, but there is no defensible universal claim that a fixed percentage of the material overlaps. It depends on your HSK level and subject area.
Which is harder?
They are difficult in different ways:
- HSK tests language proficiency at the chosen level; advanced levels add writing, speaking and translation;
- CSCA requires fast subject problem-solving and, in Professional Chinese, work with specialist vocabulary;
- your school background, teaching language and familiarity with the format determine the result.
Compare full timed diagnostic scores, not the names of the examinations.
Bottom line
HSK is not the language section of CSCA, and CSCA is not a newer HSK. Build an examination plan from the written requirements of the degree and funding route, because the same applicant may legitimately need both.
Read next: CSCA Professional Chinese format and CSCA Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
