What is the CSCA Test for China? (2026 Guide for Moroccans)

What is the CSCA Test for Chinese Universities?

The CSCA Test is a standardized academic test and assessment designed to ensure international students can handle the rigor of university-level study in China.

While the HSK measures how well you speak Chinese, the CSCA measures how well you think in an academic environment. It evaluates:

1. Academic Chinese Proficiency: Discipline-specific vocabulary.
2. Logical Reasoning: Critical thinking and problem-solving.
3. Core Science Foundations: High-school level Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

Why Was the CSCA Test Introduced?

Starting with the 2026/2027 academic year, China has raised the bar for undergraduate admissions to:

• Standardize Global Evaluation: Creating a fair benchmark for students from different education systems (like the Moroccan Baccalaureate).
• Increase Scholarship ROI: Ensuring CSC Scholarship recipients are academically prepared for STEM challenges.
• Reduce Drop-out Rates: Aligning student skills with demanding Chinese curricula.

Who Must Take the CSCA? (Check Your Requirements)

The CSCA is generally mandatory for:

• CSC Scholarship Applicants: Most undergraduate categories now require a CSCA score.
• STEM & Medical Majors: If you are pursuing Engineering or Medicine, your scores in Math and Science are non-negotiable.
• Chinese-Taught Bachelor Programs: Even with an HSK 5, you must prove academic competency.

Pro Tip for Moroccan Students: The Math and Physics levels are comparable to the Moroccan National Baccalaureate (Sciences Maths/Physiques). Early revision of these core concepts is your biggest advantage.

Some English-taught programs may not require Professional Chinese, but Mathematics is often still mandatory.

Always verify your target university’s official requirements before registration.

CSCA Test Subjects & Structure: A Detailed Breakdown

CSCA Test Topics and Scope (Syllabus 2026)

To succeed, you must align your revision with the official content modules. Before you begin, check the List of 306 Chinese Universities Requiring the CSCA Test for 2026 to see if your target school is on the list.

1. Mathematics (Mandatory for All)

Test Purpose

This test is designed to evaluate international students’ understanding of mathematics, with special emphasis on core mathematical concepts, logical reasoning skills, and analytical problem-solving abilities.

Its purpose is to ensure that candidates have the necessary academic preparation for undergraduate studies at Chinese universities, while also establishing a strong foundation for advanced learning in mathematics, science, and engineering fields.

Test Format and Structure

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Total Score: 100 point
• Language: Chinese or English
• Question Type: Multiple Choice (Single Answer)
• Number of Questions: 48
• Content Modules: Sets and Inequalities, Functions, Geometry and Algebra, Probability and Statistics

Test Content

• Sets and Inequalities: Set operations (union, intersection); solving quadratic and rational inequalities.
• Functions: Power, Exponential, Logarithmic, and Trigonometric functions.
• Calculus & Sequences: Arithmetic and geometric sequences; basics of derivatives.
• Geometry and Algebra: Plane analytic geometry (lines, circles, ellipses); Vectors and Complex numbers.
• Probability and Statistics: Classical probability models; Normal distribution concepts.

2. Physics (Required for STEM)

Test Purpose

This test is aims to evaluate the essential physics competencies required for international students intending to pursue undergraduate studies in science and engineering programs in China.

It focuses on students’ understanding of fundamental physics principles, their grasp of scientific reasoning, and their ability to apply knowledge across interdisciplinary contexts.

These competencies serve as the basis for university-level physics courses, underpin key fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials science, and establish a strong foundation for future research, innovation, and professional engineering practice.

Test Format and Structure

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Total Score: 100 points
• Language: Chinese or English
• Question Type: Multiple Choice (Single Answer)
• Number of Questions: 48
• Content Modules: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Optics, Modern Physics

Test Content

• Mechanics: Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, and Conservation Laws.
• Electromagnetism: Coulomb’s Law, DC circuits, and Faraday’s Laws.
• Thermodynamics: Ideal gas equations and the First Law of Thermodynamics.
• Optics & Modern Physics: Reflection/refraction, Photoelectric effect, and Atomic structure

Targeting Elite Schools? Check our guide to the Top 10 Engineering Universities in China to see where these subjects matter most.

3. Chemistry (Required for Medicine/Science)

Test Purpose

This examination is intended to evaluate the fundamental chemistry competencies required for international students seeking admission to undergraduate science and engineering programs in China.

It assesses students’ command of core chemical principles, their understanding of scientific reasoning, and their capacity to carry out experimental investigations.

These competencies underpin university-level chemistry coursework, support related disciplines such as chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental engineering, and provide a strong basis for future research, innovation, and professional engineering practice.

Test Format and Structure

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Total Score: 100 points
• Language: Chinese or English
• Question Type: Multiple Choice (Single Answer)
• Number of Questions: 48
• Content Modules: Basic Chemical Concepts and Calculations, Properties and Reactions of Substances, Chemical Theories and Laws. Chemical Experiments and Applications.

Test Content

• Basic Concepts: State changes, Chemical equations, and pH calculations.
• Properties and Reactions: Inorganic/Organic compounds and Redox reactions.
• Chemical Theory: Atomic structure, Periodic Law, and Chemical equilibrium.
• Chemical Experiments and Applications: Laboratory safety and use of apparatus
• Medical Aspirants: Review the specific Dentistry and Pharmacy Equivalence Requirements to ensure your CSCA subjects align with Moroccan standards.

4. STEM Chinese (Academic Chinese for Science & Engineering)

Please note that the STEM Chinese examination is conducted entirely in Chinese; therefore, an official English version of the syllabus is not available.

Test Purpose

This test evaluates students’ ability to use Chinese as the language of instruction in science and engineering programs. Its purpose is to ensure that candidates possess the academic Chinese proficiency required to successfully participate in first-year undergraduate STEM courses at Chinese universities.

Students are expected to clearly distinguish between technical academic language and everyday conversational Chinese. They should understand the core grammatical structures, terminology, stylistic conventions, and pragmatic features commonly used in scientific and engineering contexts. A solid command of specialized vocabulary in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science is required.

Candidates must be capable of independently reading university-level foundational textbooks and using reference materials to interpret academic research papers within related disciplines. Additionally, they should demonstrate the ability to engage in subject-related discussions with professors and classmates and express key theories and concepts using appropriate academic language.

Test Format and Structure

• Test Duration: 90 minutes
• Maximum Score: 100 points
• Question Format: Multiple-choice questions

Sections include:

• Recognition and comprehension of Chinese characters
• Vocabulary completion
• Word usage discrimination
• Paragraph completion
• Sentence completion
• Reading comprehension

Test Content

1. Foundational Scientific Concepts

• Mathematical symbols and formula expressions
• Physical laws and chemical equations
• Standard laboratory terminology

2. Core Undergraduate Coursework

• Introductory advanced mathematics concepts
• Fundamental principles of university physics
• Basic chemistry knowledge
• Computer programming terminology

3. Academic Application Contexts

• Describing experimental procedures
• Interpreting charts, tables, and data
• Reading scholarly articles
• Participating in academic classroom discussions

5. Humanities Chinese (Academic Chinese for Liberal Arts)

The Humanities Chinese examination is administered entirely in Chinese; therefore, no English-language syllabus is officially provided.

Test Purpose

This examination assesses students’ ability to use Chinese effectively in humanities-related academic programs. It ensures that candidates have the necessary language proficiency to successfully engage in first-year undergraduate humanities courses at Chinese universities.

Students should be able to follow classroom lectures delivered in Chinese, extract essential information, and take organized notes. They are expected to understand formal written expressions commonly used in academic texts within humanities disciplines.

Candidates should also apply reading strategies such as skimming and scanning to efficiently identify key terms and central ideas. They must demonstrate effective academic study skills, use reference tools to read introductory-level scholarly books, and accurately comprehend essential professional concepts and main arguments.

Test Format and Structure

• Test Duration: 90 minutes
• Maximum Score: 100 points
• Question Format: Multiple-choice questions

Sections include:

• Chinese character recognition and comprehension
• Vocabulary completion
• Word differentiation
• Paragraph completion
• Sentence completion
• Reading comprehension

Test Content

The exam content draws from academic language used across major humanities disciplines, including literature, philosophy, law, education, history, and the arts.

Subject areas covered include:

CSCA Test Dates 2026: The “5-Chance” Strategy

The CSCA is administered five times per year:

1. January | 2. March (Critical: Last chance for scholarship deadlines!) | 3. April | 4. June | 5. December

If you miss the March session, you may miss the main window for the Full CSC Scholarship 2026. Moroccan students should aim for the January or March sessions.

Technical Checklist for Success

The CSCA uses a Strict Remote Proctoring system. To ensure a smooth exam day, prepare your setup:

• ✅ PC: Windows 10 or 11 (Note: Mac is NOT supported).
• ✅ RAM: Minimum 4GB with a stable Webcam.
• ✅ Dual Monitoring: A smartphone/tablet must be placed behind you during the test.
• ✅ Software: Only use the official CSCA testing browser.

Secondary Device Required:

• Smartphone or tablet placed behind you to monitor your workspace

Cameras and microphones must remain active throughout the exam. The testing environment must be private and quiet.

CSCA Exam Fees

• 1 subject: 450 CNY
• 2 or more subjects: 700 CNY total

Registration Information

1. Registration Method

All applicants are required to complete their registration through the official CSCA website (www.csca.cn).

Registration must be done using a valid, long-term personal email address. The entire process, including form submission and payment, is completed online.

2. Registration Deadline

Candidates should consult the official CSCA test website or log into the registration system to confirm the exact deadline for their chosen test session, as dates may vary.

3. Information Accuracy

Applicants must carefully verify that all personal details provided during registration—such as full name and identification number, are correct, authentic, and identical to the information shown on the valid identification document presented on test day.

Any mismatch or incorrect information will lead to disqualification from the examination.

4. Fee Payment

The test fee must be paid online at the time of registration. Updated fee details and accepted payment methods (including VISA, MasterCard, and UnionPay) are available on the official registration page.

5. Admission Ticket

Admission tickets will be made available for download within a specified period prior to the examination date. A notification will be sent to the registered email address once the ticket is ready.

Candidates must log into the official website to download the ticket and carefully verify that all information matches their valid identification document. The admission ticket is mandatory for entry to the examination venue. Any inconsistencies between the ticket and the ID document will result in denial of access to the test.

How to Pass the CSCA: Practice with the Mock System

Preparation requires more than just reading; you need to master the interface. Take the Official CSCA Mock Test by Great Wall Education

Using this simulation allows you to:

• Experience real-time exam pressure.
• Identify whether you should take the test in English or Chinese.
• Master the multiple-choice format before the real stakes are high.

CSCA vs HSK: Do I Need Both?

How Great Wall Education Supports Students?

With the new CSCA requirement, structured guidance is more important than ever.

Great Wall Education assists students with:

• CSCA preparation strategy
• Mock exam training
• University selection consulting
• CSC scholarship application support
• Visa and pre-departure assistance

Their academic advisors help students align subject choices with university requirements, especially for competitive majors such as medicine, engineering, and aerospace.

Early preparation significantly increases admission and scholarship success rates.

Final Verdict:

The CSCA Test represents a major shift in Chinese undergraduate admissions.

It is no longer sufficient to demonstrate language ability alone. Academic readiness in mathematics and sciences is now central to admission and scholarship decisions.

Students who prepare early, take mock exams, and align their subject choices with university requirements significantly improve their chances of acceptance and scholarship success.

If your goal is to study in China in 2026, preparing for the CSCA is not optional;  it is strategic.

Before you submit your application, ensure you have followed the Definitive China Application Checklist to avoid common mistakes like incorrect notarization.

FAQs

References

• Official CSCA Website:
  https://www.csca.cn
• China Scholarship Council:
  https://www.campuschina.org
• Great Wall Education CSCA Mock Test
  https://csca.greatwall.ma/
• Guangzhou University of Foreign Studies – CSCA Introduction:
  https://iie-en.gdufs.edu.cn/info/1167/2621.htm
• List of Chinese Universities Requiring the CSCA Test for 2026:
  https://greatwall.ma/en/blog/list-of-chinese-universities-requiring-csca-test-for-2026/