List of Chinese Universities Requiring the CSCA Test for 2026
Author :
Iyad Rouijel
Date :
وقت القراءة :
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Quick overview
The CSCA test has become a mandatory requirement for international students applying to Bachelor’s degree programs in Chinese universities starting from 2026.
It is required by 306 Chinese universities across multiple provinces.
Unlike language-only tests, CSCA is designed to assess a student’s academic readiness, not just Chinese proficiency. The exam typically covers academic Chinese, mathematics, and either physics or chemistry, depending on the chosen major.
Key takeaways (Read in 30s)
The CSCA exam is organized 5 times per year, giving students multiple chances to apply or improve their score.
CSCA results are used for university admission and Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC).
HSK does not replace CSCA: HSK tests language skills only, while CSCA evaluates academic preparedness.
Exam subjects vary by major but usually include Chinese, mathematics, and physics or chemistry.
CSCA is now a core admission requirement for 306 Chinese universities starting in 2026.
Some universities offer a foundation (preparatory) year that may exempt students from CSCA.
Early preparation significantly increases admission chances and reduces academic failure risks.
Introduction
As the 2026 admission season approaches, studying in China has become a strategic choice for Moroccan students, combining high-quality education, a wide range of majors, and internationally recognized degrees.
However, recent changes in admission policies—most notably the introduction of the CSCA exam—make it essential to clearly understand the academic requirements before starting the application process.
From the 2026 intake onward, admission to Chinese universities is no longer based solely on language certificates or previous grades. Academic readiness is now a key evaluation criterion to ensure students can successfully adapt to the Chinese university system.
What Does the CSCA Test Really Measure?
To understand this major shift in admissions, it’s important to clarify what CSCA actually is.
The CSCA Test is a compulsory test for international students applying to Bachelor’s programs in China starting in 2026, required by 306 universities nationwide.
Its purpose is to evaluate whether a student is academically prepared for university studies in China—not just linguistically. The exam usually includes:
Specialized academic Chinese
Mathematics
Physics or Chemistry (depending on the major)
Unlike the HSK, which focuses solely on language proficiency, CSCA serves as a direct indicator of a student’s ability to follow real university-level courses in China.
Important Note for New Students
Even if you hold HSK 4 or HSK 5, this does not automatically exempt you from CSCA. Chinese universities treat HSK and CSCA as two completely different evaluation standards.
Full List of Universities Requiring the CSCA Test for 2026
Anhui Province
Anhui University
Anhui Agricultural University
Anhui Normal University
Anhui Medical University
Hefei University of Technology
Hefei University
University of Science and Technology of China
Huangshan University
Chongqing (Municipality)
Chongqing University
Southwest University
Chongqing Jiaotong University
Chongqing Normal University
Chongqing Medical University
Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Southwest University of Political Science and Law
Fujian Province
Xiamen University
Fujian Police College
Fujian University of Technology
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Fujian Normal University
Fujian Medical University
Fuzhou University
Huaqiao University
Xiamen University of Technology
Wuyi University
Gansu Province
Lanzhou University
Gansu University of Chinese Medicine
Lanzhou Jiaotong University
Lanzhou University of Technology
Northwest Normal University
Guangdong Province
Sun Yat-sen University
South China University of Technology
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
Guangzhou Medical University
Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Jinan University
Southern University of Science and Technology
Southern Medical University
Shantou University
South China Agricultural University
South China Normal University
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Guangxi University
Guangxi University for Nationalities
Guangxi Normal University
Guangxi Medical University
Guilin University of Electronic Technology
Nanning Normal University
Guizhou Province
Guizhou University
Guizhou Minzu University
Guizhou Normal University
Hainan Province
Hainan University
Hainan Normal University
Hebei Province
North China Electric Power University
Hebei University
Hebei University of Technology
Hebei University of Economics and Business
Hebei Normal University
Hebei Medical University
Yanshan University
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Inner Mongolia University
Inner Mongolia University of Technology
Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities
Inner Mongolia Agricultural University
Inner Mongolia Normal University
Jiangsu Province
Nanjing University
Southeast University
China University of Mining and Technology
Hohai University
Jiangnan University
Nanjing Agricultural University
China Pharmaceutical University
East China University of Political Science and Law
Jiangsu University
Jiangsu Police Institute
Jiangsu Normal University
Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Nanjing Forestry University
Nanjing Audit University
Nanjing Normal University
Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Nanjing Medical University
Nanjing University of the Arts
Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
Nantong University
Soochow University
Yangzhou University
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
Ningxia University
Ningxia Medical University
Qinghai Province
Qinghai University
Qinghai Nationalities University
Shaanxi Province
Xi’an Jiaotong University
Northwest A&F University
Shaanxi Normal University
Xidian University
Chang’an University
Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine
Xi’an Shiyou University
Xi’an International Studies University
Northwest University
Northwestern Polytechnical University
Shandong Province
Shandong University
Ocean University of China
China University of Petroleum (East China)
University of Jinan
Ludong University
Qingdao University
Qingdao University of Science and Technology
Shandong University of Science and Technology
Shandong University of Technology
Shandong Normal University
Yantai University
Shanghai (Municipality)
Fudan University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Tongji University
East China University of Science and Technology
Donghua University
East China Normal University
Shanghai International Studies University
Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
East China University of Political Science and Law
Shanghai University
Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
Shanghai Maritime University
Shanghai Ocean University
ShanghaiTech University
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Shanghai Normal University
Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai Conservatory of Music
Shanghai University of Political Science and Law
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yunnan Province
Dali University
Kunming University of Science and Technology
Kunming Medical University
Yunnan University of Finance and Economics
Yunnan University
Yunnan Minzu University
Yunnan Agricultural University
Yunnan Normal University
Zhejiang Province
Zhejiang University
Hangzhou Normal University
Ningbo University
Ningbo University of Technology
The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Westlake University
Wenzhou University
Wenzhou Medical University
China Academy of Art
Zhejiang Gongshang University
Zhejiang University of Technology
Zhejiang Ocean University
Zhejiang Police College
Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
Zhejiang Sci-Tech University
Zhejiang Normal University
Beijing (Municipality)
Peking University
Tsinghua University
Renmin University of China
Beijing Normal University
China Agricultural University
Beijing Foreign Studies University
Beijing Language and Culture University
University of Science and Technology Beijing
Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Beijing Jiaotong University
Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
China University of Geosciences, Beijing
China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing
China University of Petroleum, Beijing
Beijing Forestry University
Communication University of China
Central University of Finance and Economics
China University of Political Science and Law
Central Conservatory of Music
The Central Academy of Drama
Central Academy of Fine Arts
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
University of International Business and Economics
North China Electric Power University
North China University of Technology
Beijing International Studies University
Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Technology and Business University
Beijing University of Technology
Beihang University
Beijing Institute of Technology
Beijing Sport University
Peking Union Medical College
Capital University of Economics and Business
Capital Normal University
Capital University of Physical Education and Sports
Capital Medical University
China Foreign Affairs University
Minzu University of China
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
China Youth University of Political Studies
People’s Public Security University of China
National Police University of China (formerly Criminal Investigation Police University of China)
China Conservatory of Music
Heilongjiang Province
Northeast Forestry University
Heihe University
Heilongjiang University
Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
Harbin Engineering University
Harbin Institute of Technology
Harbin University of Science and Technology
Harbin Normal University
Harbin Medical University
Mudanjiang Normal University
Jiamusi University
Northeast Agricultural University
Qiqihar University
Henan Province
Henan University
Henan University of Technology
Henan University of Chinese Medicine
Zhengzhou University
Hubei Province
Wuhan University
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
China University of Geosciences, Wuhan
Wuhan University of Technology
Central China Normal University
Huazhong Agricultural University
Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
China Three Gorges University
Hubei University
Hubei University of Chinese Medicine
Yangtze University
Wuhan Textile University
Wuhan Sports University
Hunan Province
Central South University
Hunan University
Changsha University of Science & Technology
Hunan Normal University
Xiangtan University
Jiangxi Province
Gannan Normal University
Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics
Jiangxi Agricultural University
Jiangxi Normal University
Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine
Nanchang University
Nanchang Hangkong University
Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute
Jilin Province
Jilin University
Northeast Normal University
Changchun University
Changchun University of Science and Technology
Changchun University of Chinese Medicine
Beihua University
Jilin Agricultural University
Jilin Normal University
Jilin International Studies University
Yanbian University
Liaoning Province
Dalian University of Technology
Northeastern University
Anshan Normal University
Bohai University
Dalian Polytechnic University
Dalian Maritime University
Dalian Jiaotong University
Dalian University of Foreign Languages
Dalian Medical University
Dongbei University of Finance and Economics
Jinzhou Medical University
Liaoning University
Liaoning Technical University
Liaoning University of Technology
University of Science and Technology Liaoning
Liaoning Normal University
Liaoning Petrochemical University
Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
China Medical University
Shenyang University of Technology
Shenyang Aerospace University
Shenyang Jianzhu University
Shenyang Ligong University
Shenyang Normal University
Shanxi Province
Shanxi University
Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
Taiyuan University of Technology
Sichuan Province
Sichuan University
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
Southwest Jiaotong University
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
Chengdu University of Technology
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Sichuan Agricultural University
Sichuan International Studies University
Southwest Petroleum University
Tianjin (Municipality)
Nankai University
Tianjin University
Tianjin University of Finance and Economics
Tiangong University
Tiangong University (formerly Tianjin University of Science & Technology)
Tianjin University of Technology
Tianjin Normal University
Tianjin Foreign Studies University
Tianjin Medical University
Tianjin University of Technology and Education
Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tibet Autonomous Region
Tibet University
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
Shihezi University
Xinjiang University
Xinjiang Normal University
Xinjiang Medical University
There are several Universities offering Preparetory Course which can exempt you from taking CSCA. These Universities are as follows
Tianjin University
Nanjing Normal University
Shandong University
Central China Normal University
Tongji University
Beijing Language Culture University
Northeast Normal University
Beijing International Studies University
Capital Normal University
Important Notice
After reviewing the list of universities that require the CSCA test, most students ask the same crucial question: Which university and which major should I choose?
For example, students interested in technical and future-oriented fields can consult a guide to the best computer science universities in China to better understand differences in academic level, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Choosing your major and university wisely, while taking the CSCA test requirements into account, significantly increases acceptance chances and helps avoid changing paths later.
Start Your Journey to Study in China
We guide you step by step to choose the right university and build a strong application.
The Role of Great Wall Education in the CSCA Test Journey
Great Wall Educationplays a key role in supporting Moroccan students throughout the CSCA test process by providing:
Personalized guidance to select the right university based on the student’s level and major
Clear explanations of CSCA requirements for each university
Assistance with timely exam registration
Customized academic preparation plans based on the student’s weaknesses
Avoidance of common mistakes that may lead to application rejection despite meeting conditions
Thanks to its hands-on experience with Moroccan students, Great Wall Education acts as a real bridge between students and the Chinese higher education system.
Why the CSCA Test Matters for 2026 Applicants
CSCA is more than an administrative requirement; it is a real academic evaluation tool that helps universities select students capable of succeeding academically. It also helps students assess their true level before starting university.
For some students, especially those who need to strengthen their language or scientific foundations, enrolling in a foundation year in China can be a smart choice. In certain cases, it may even replace CSCA, depending on university policy.
Key Advantages of CSCA
Official admission requirement: Most ranked Chinese universities require CSCA for Bachelor’s programs.
Decisive factor for CSC scholarships: CSCA results assess academic ability, not just language skills.
Fair and standardized exam: All international students are evaluated under the same criteria.
Real preparation for university studies: CSCA subjects closely match first-year coursework, reducing dropout and failure rates.
Not required for postgraduate studies: CSCA applies mainly to Bachelor’s programs, not Master’s or PhD degrees.
In short: Passing CSCA increases admission chances and reduces academic risks after arriving in China.
Conclusion
With the new admission policies taking effect in 2026, applying to Chinese universities is no longer just about language certificates or previous diplomas. CSCA has become a key requirement that cannot be ignored.
Understanding the exam, preparing properly, and choosing the right university are decisive factors in the success of your study project in China.
If you plan to study in China, early CSCA preparation with proper academic guidance is the smartest investment you can make today for your future.
Beyond academics, Moroccan students are also concerned about daily life costs in China. Reviewing the cost of living for students in China—including housing, food, and transportation—helps build a realistic monthly budget.
Good preparation in both academic and practical aspects, combined with CSCA success, leads to a more stable and surprise-free study experience in China.
FAQs
The following FAQ section answers the most common concerns raised by Moroccan and international students, based on official admission policies and real application experience.
What is the CSCA Test?
The CSCA is a standardized test that evaluates the academic readiness of international students applying for bachelor’s programs in China. It measures key skills such as specialized Chinese, math, physics, and chemistry, and serves as a main reference for university admissions and scholarship decisions.
Is the CSCA required for all international students?
Yes — starting in 2026, the CSCA will be mandatory for international students applying to bachelor’s programs at Chinese universities listed as requiring the test.
Is the CSCA required for all majors?
Yes, nearly all academic majors at the covered universities require it. Students must pass the test to be eligible for admission, though the specific subjects tested may vary depending on the chosen field of study.
Can the CSCA be replaced by the HSK?
No. The HSK measures Chinese language proficiency, while the CSCA assesses overall academic readiness for university studies in China. HSK cannot substitute for CSCA.
Can I retake CSCA if I fail?
Yes. Students can retake CSCA in later sessions, and most universities accept the best score obtained within the same application year.
Can one CSCA result be used for multiple universities?
Yes, the same CSCA result can usually be used for multiple universities in the same application year.
Can I prepare for CSCA in Morocco?
Yes. Students can prepare in Morocco through specialized academic programs covering math, sciences, and past exam practice. Support from Great Wall Education provides structured preparation plans and guidance. Early preparation is the key factor for success.
References & Sources
About CSCA – China Scholastic Competency Assessment
Iyad Rouijel is a neuroscience graduate and seasoned content strategist with over five years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, and web content development. He excels at turning complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives rooted in data, neuromarketing, and behavioral science. His work bridges strategy and storytelling, helping brands communicate with precision, influence user behavior, and create content that performs as well as it reads.
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