What is HSK?
HSK stands for “Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi,” an international Chinese proficiency test organized by the Chinese National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (Hanban). It aims to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers. The new HSK is divided into six levels, from HSK1 (beginner) to HSK6 (advanced), targeting international students, Chinese language learners, and overseas Chinese. It can be understood as China’s own version of the Chinese proficiency test, similar to the CET-4 and CET-6. The HSK exam includes listening, reading, and writing sections, testing candidates’ abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
HSK Level Descriptions:
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Beginner Levels:
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HSK1: Suitable for beginners, testing basic listening and reading abilities, focusing on daily expressions and simple sentences.
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HSK2: Builds upon HSK1, assessing more complex daily communication scenarios, requiring broader vocabulary and grammar.
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Intermediate Levels:
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HSK3: Requires learners to handle everyday and work-related communication, including basic writing.
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HSK4: Demands richer vocabulary and grammar knowledge, enabling more complex oral and written expression, including reading longer texts and listening to extended dialogues.
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Advanced Levels:
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HSK5: Requires high language proficiency for in-depth reading and listening comprehension, as well as complex oral and written expression.
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HSK6: Represents the highest level, enabling advanced comprehension and expression in both spoken and written forms.
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The Importance of HSK for International Students Studying in China
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Study and Immigration Requirements
Chinese universities and immigration authorities often require applicants to submit HSK scores as proof of Chinese language proficiency.-
According to a notice from the Ministry of Education (June 28, 2010), both the old HSK certificate and the new HSK score report are accepted for undergraduate enrollment of international students.
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New HSK Level 4 with a score of 180 is temporarily recognized as equivalent to the old HSK Elementary Level C, meeting the language requirement for Chinese Government Scholarship students in fields like science, engineering, agriculture, economics, law, management, and education after one year of preparatory study.
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Universities may set their own Chinese proficiency requirements for self-funded international students based on these standards.
Examples from Top Universities:
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Peking University: General visiting students must pass a Chinese proficiency test at the start of the semester to take courses in their departments. Those holding HSK Level 7 or above (old HSK) or new HSK Level 6 or above may directly enroll in departmental courses. Undergraduate and postgraduate requirements follow specific program standards, while senior visiting scholars and researchers must demonstrate sufficient language ability to communicate with advisors.
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Tsinghua University: Applicants must have HSK Level 5 or above with each subject scored over 60 points. Those with HSK Level 4 (each subject over 60 points) are also eligible but must improve to Level 5 within the first academic year. Failure to meet this requirement may affect their studies. Native Chinese speakers or students from Chinese-taught high schools may apply for an HSK waiver. Additionally, good English proficiency is required for non-native English speakers (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS scores).
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Tsinghua University has also adjusted its admission policy, canceling the written exam for international undergraduate applicants and emphasizing HSK scores instead.
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Work and Career Development
In certain industries, such as education, translation, and international trade, strong Chinese language skills are a significant competitive advantage. Many companies also require employees to have a certain level of Chinese proficiency. Passing the HSK exam can validate one’s language abilities. -
Personal Development
Learning Chinese not only improves language skills but also helps individuals better understand Chinese culture, history, and society. For those interested in gaining deeper insights into China, the HSK exam serves as an effective way to measure their learning progress.
