China Scholastic Competency Assessment
CSCA Exams
The CSCA is now the standardized assessment many Chinese universities require for bachelor degree admission. Whether you are applying for Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or Medicine — knowing the right subject combination is critical to your application.
Understanding the exam
What is the CSCA?
The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a standardized examination designed to assess the academic readiness of international students applying to undergraduate (bachelor degree) programs at Chinese universities.
Many top-ranked Chinese institutions now require CSCA scores as part of the application package, especially for English-taught programs where the university needs an objective measure of a candidate's competency in core subjects.
The subjects you will be tested on depend entirely on the field of study you are applying for — Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Medicine each have different requirements.
Exam fees & payment
CSCA Registration Fees
The CSCA registration fee structure is straightforward — the cost depends on how many subjects you register for in a single session.
| Registration Type | Subjects | Fee (CNY) | Fee (USD Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Subject | 1 subject only | ¥450 | ~$62 |
| Two or More Subjects | 2, 3, or 4 subjects | ¥700 | ~$97 |
Accepted Payment Methods
- • Alipay (支付宝)
- • WeChat Pay (微信支付)
- • UnionPay (银联)
- • VISA
- • MasterCard
Important Notes
- • Fees are paid online through the official CSCA website only.
- • The ¥700 fee covers all subjects taken in the same session (up to 4).
- • Registration opens roughly 4–6 weeks before each exam date.
- • Fees are non-refundable once registration is confirmed.
* Fees and payment methods are based on official CSCA announcements and may change. Always confirm on csca.cn before registering.
How to register
CSCA Registration Process
Follow these steps to register for the CSCA on the official website.
Prepare Documents
Have your valid government-issued ID and a compliant 2-inch digital photo ready.
Select Subjects & Pay
Choose your required subjects, pick your test format, and pay the fee online.
Download Admission Ticket
After payment, download your admission ticket with exam date, time, and instructions.
You will be redirected to the official CSCA website (csca.cn).
Subjects by field of study
Which CSCA subjects do you need?
The subjects you will be tested on depend on the program you are applying for. Below is a breakdown of the most common field requirements.
Business & Management
Economics, Finance, Marketing, International Business, Accounting.
Required Subjects
Engineering
Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Aerospace Engineering.
Required Subjects
Computer Science & IT
Software Engineering, AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, IT.
Required Subjects
Medicine & Health Sciences
MBBS, Clinical Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health.
Required Subjects
English-Taught Programs
For English-taught bachelor programs, the CSCA is almost always required — regardless of your field. It provides universities an objective measure of your academic readiness in the language of instruction.
Remember
Subject requirements still apply based on your chosen field.
Quick reference
CSCA Subject Requirements
A quick summary of subjects required for each field of study.
| Field of Study | Mathematics | Physics | Chemistry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | ✓ | — | — |
| Engineering | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Computer Science & IT | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Other Fields (Sciences, Humanities) | ✓ | Varies | Varies |
* Requirements can vary between universities. Always confirm with the specific institution before applying.
How to prepare
Your CSCA preparation roadmap
Confirm Requirements
Check which CSCA subjects your target programs require. This depends on your field.
Register for the Exam
Register through the official CSCA portal or an authorized test center in your country.
Study & Practice
Use CSCA practice materials, past papers, and syllabus guides to prepare effectively.
Submit Your Score
Include your CSCA certificate with your university application before the deadline.
Get CSCA updates & admission guidance
Join our WhatsApp group to receive the latest CSCA announcements, exam dates, syllabus updates, and step-by-step admission guidance from our consultants.
Frequently asked