Introduction

In recent years, China has been gradually strengthening its international student admission system to ensure a homogeneous and high academic level. In this dynamic, a new official exam is now making headlines: the CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment).

Starting from the 2026 academic year, the CSCA becomes a central element of undergraduate (Bachelor) admission procedures in many Chinese universities. In this article, Bridge to China explains in detail what the CSCA is, who it is for and how to prepare effectively.

What is the CSCA?

The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is an official standardized academic exam for international students wishing to pursue university studies in China.

Unlike the HSK, which only assesses Chinese language level, the CSCA measures the candidate's overall academic ability to follow a university program in China.