CSCA 2026-2027 Test Schedule: First Session on 14–15 November
The 2026-2027 schedule for the CSCA, the exam taken by international students applying for bachelor's programmes in China, has been published: six sessions from November 2026 to June 2027. The November, December and January sessions suit students who want to start in September 2027 and apply for scholarships.
The CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment), organised by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is required from international applicants to bachelor's programmes in China from the 2026-2027 cycle. The official website, csca.cn, has published the schedule for the new cycle.
Sessions
- 14–15 November 2026
- 19–20 December 2026
- 23–24 January 2027
- 13–14 March 2027
- 24–25 April 2027
- 26–27 June 2027
Each session takes two days: Professional Chinese and Mathematics on the first day, Physics and Chemistry on the second. The test is taken online from home (with a live proctor) or on a computer at a test centre; there is no paper test. Results are released within 10 working days.
Which subjects do you need?
Mathematics is compulsory for everyone. Physics or chemistry is required depending on your programme. Professional Chinese is compulsory for Chinese-taught programmes and for Chinese Government Scholarship applicants, even for English-taught programmes. If you apply to a fully English-taught programme without the scholarship, you do not need to take it.
When should you take it?
Chinese Government Scholarship and university scholarship deadlines usually fall between December and February, so students who want to start in September 2027 are advised to take the November, December or January session. Registration is only on csca.cn and opens a few weeks before each session.
At TasselWay, we help you work out which subjects you need for your chosen university and programme. Use our eligibility check to see where you stand in two minutes, or contact us for advice.
Source: CSCA (csca.cn) ↗
