The CSCA (Academic Proficiency Test for International Freshmen) is set to become a standardized requirement for undergraduate admissions to Chinese universities. Here’s a structured overview of the exam based on the latest information:
1. Implementation Timeline
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October 12, 2025: Pilot test for Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) undergraduates.
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December 21, 2025: First global CSCA exam opens to all applicants.
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From 2026: Mandatory for all CGS undergraduate applicants.
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From 2028: Planned expansion to all international undergraduate applicants, with minimum score requirements.
2. Exam Format & Schedule
2025 Pilot Test
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Format: In-person computer-based testing (multiple-choice questions).
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Subjects: Math (mandatory), Physics/Chemistry (optional). Bilingual (CN/EN) papers available.
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Duration: 1 hour per subject.
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Exemptions: Graduates of 17 designated preparatory programs.
2025 Global Exam & Beyond
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Format: Hybrid (online proctored + limited offline centers in Vietnam/Thailand).
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Subjects:
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Professional Chinese (Arts/Sciences tracks)
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Math (mandatory)
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Physics/Chemistry (optional, bilingual papers)
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Frequency:
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From 2026: 8 annual sessions (Jan, Mar, Apr, Jun, Dec).
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Regional focus: Dec/Apr/Jun (Asia-Pacific); Jan/Mar (Europe/Americas).
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3. Registration & Fees
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Registration: Via CSCA official website (bilingual support). Limited offline assistance for underserved regions.
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Timeline: Opens early-to-mid November 2025.
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Fees:
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Single subject: 450 RMB
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Two+ subjects: 700 RMB
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Payment Methods: Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, VISA/MasterCard.
4. Scoring & Reporting
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Grading: Percentile-based scoring; universities set cutoffs per program.
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Results:
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Online/computer tests: 7 working days
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Paper-based: 14 working days
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Utility: Provides universities with a global percentile ranking to fairly assess applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.
5. Preparation Strategies
Build Academic Foundations
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Review Chinese senior high school curricula (math, physics, chemistry).
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Address knowledge gaps from different education systems.
Simulate Exam Conditions
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Take the CUCAS Mock Test to familiarize with question types and difficulty.
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Access past international student exam papers for reference.
Leverage Official Resources
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Monitor CSCA website for updates.
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Check CGS University List for program-specific requirements.
6. Key Takeaways
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Early Action: 2026 applicants should plan for the Dec 2025 global exam.
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Strategic Prep: Focus on bilingual subject mastery and mock tests.
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Official Guidance: Always refer to CSCA portals and university admissions offices for updates.
Final Tip: As CSCA evolves into a universal benchmark, systematic preparation becomes crucial. For personalized support—from subject selection to mock interviews—DiyApply aligns your strategy with the latest policies.
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