CSCA exam dates 2026–2027 · Historical reference: Fall 2026 applications
CSCA exam dates 2026–2027
Updated October 14, 2026 · Official CSCA announcement · csca.cn
The next announced session is November 14–15, 2026. Registration runs October 15, 2026, 15:00 – October 21, 2026, 23:59, Beijing Time (UTC+8). Registration has not opened as of this update.
| Exam dates | Registration (Beijing Time) |
|---|---|
| November 14–15, 2026 | October 15, 15:00 – October 21, 23:59, 2026 |
| December 19–20, 2026 | Not yet announced |
| January 23–24, 2027 | Not yet announced |
| March 13–14, 2027 | Not yet announced |
| April 24–25, 2027 | Not yet announced |
| June 26–27, 2027 | Not yet announced |
Registration dates for the other five sessions have not been announced. Admission tickets, system checks, official mock tests, test centers and result dates must be checked in the notice for your chosen session; do not reuse the June arrangements.
The June 27, 2026 exam is a completed historical session. Its registration window and one-day timetable do not apply to the new sessions.
From November 2026, results are released within 10 working days after the end of the exam. Home-based online testing and centralized computer-based testing take place simultaneously, with the same content, duration and scoring standards. Check the official portal for your results.
Historical reference: Fall 2026 applications
The university statistics, deadlines and planning examples below describe the 2026 admission cycle and are retained for historical reference. They are not confirmed 2027 deadlines. The new November 2026–June 2027 sessions cannot be used to meet deadlines that already passed for Fall 2026. Check each university’s new admissions guide, required subjects and score-submission deadline before choosing a session; leave time for results and a possible retake.
Preparing for Fall 2026 Admission? Time Management is Key to Success. Every year, students regret missing deadlines—outstanding applicants denied admission.
This article leverages real data from 317 Chinese universities to help you develop the optimal application strategy.
Core Data Overview
Why Timing Matters
Real-Life Case Studies
Xiaoming, a Thai student, achieved outstanding results on the CSCA exam in March. However, when he received his scores in late March, the application deadline for Peking University Health Science Center's MBBS program had already passed on February 28.
Xiaohong researched target universities' timelines early, began exam prep in November, scored excellently in January, and submitted her application in February.
In-Depth Analysis of University Application Deadlines
We conducted a comprehensive analysis of Chinese universities and international student programs that published admissions brochures (our database now covers 317 institutions and growing).
Distribution of Application Deadlines
| Deadline Month | Number of Programs | Percentage | Representative Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| January–March | 146 | 5.5% | Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University |
| April–May | 646 | 24.5% | Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University |
| June | 1,347 | 51.1% | Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University |
| July and Later | 500 | 18.9% | Selected 211 Project Universities and Provincial Key Universities |
Application Deadline Visualization
Finding 1: Over half of projects have June deadlines
June represents the peak month for application deadlines, with 1,347 programs (51.1%) closing that month. Applicants who sit the March 15 CSCA exam receive their scores around March 25, leaving ample time to prepare application materials.
Finding 2: Top Institutions Generally Adopt Earlier Deadlines
C9 League and top 985 universities typically have earlier application deadlines:
- Peking University Health Science Center: February 28
- Tsinghua University: February 28
- Fudan University: March 6 (Second-phase deadline)
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University: March 10 (regular round deadline; CSCA scores may be submitted by June 30)
Applicants to C9/top 985 universities must take the spring CSCA exam.
Special Note: Some top universities conduct independent admissions examinations.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University uses its own independent admissions exam and does not utilize CSCA scores:
- Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine: Mathematics + Physics + English
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Mathematics + Chinese Language I + English
- Chinese Language Programs: English + Chinese Language II
Language Requirements: For Chinese-taught programs, HSK Level 5 ≥ 200 points (Writing ≥ 60 points) or HSK Level 6 ≥ 180 points (Writing ≥ 60 points)
If Shanghai Jiao Tong University is among your target institutions, prepare for its specialized entrance exam in advance.
Finding 3: MBBS Programs Are Highly Competitive
Undergraduate medical programs typically:
- Have early application deadlines (typically April–May)
- Limited enrollment slots (typically 50-100 students per institution)
- Require higher CSCA scores (total math/science/chemistry scores must exceed 75%)
Select Exam Sessions by Deadline Month
⏰ Safety buffer : Reserve at least 4 weeks from score release to application deadline
Based on the latest data from 317 universities in our database, the following dimensions can help you make smarter school selection decisions.
University Distribution by City Tier
Top 6 Cities by University Count
Living Cost Comparison by City Tier
| City Tier | Avg. Monthly Cost | Representative Cities | Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | ¥2,517/mo | Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen | 84 |
| New Tier 1 | ¥1,510/mo | Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu | 121 |
| Tier 2 | ¥1,354/mo | Kunming, Dalian, Xiamen | 52 |
| Tier 3+ | ¥1,005/mo | Various provincial cities | 60 |
English-Taught Programs
For international students still improving their Chinese, English-taught programs are an important option:
Top 5 Universities by English Program Count:
| University | English Programs |
|---|---|
| Liaoning University of TCM | 14 |
| Chang'an University | 14 |
| Zhejiang University of Technology | 13 |
| Zhejiang University | 9 |
| Beihang University | 8 |
View the complete English-taught program list for more details.
CSCA Subject Requirements Analysis
Customized Timelines for Three Student Groups
Group 1: Targeting C9/Top 985 Universities
Applicable to: Students targeting elite institutions like Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, etc.
> 💡 School Selection Reference: Review the 985 University Guide for International Students to understand each university's ranking, CSCA score requirements, and scholarship opportunities
- Peking University Health Science Center Application Deadline: February 28. Estimated or previous academic year transcripts required.
- Apply to 2-3 institutions across different tiers to mitigate risk
- Faculty of Science / Faculty of Information Science and Technology / Faculty of Engineering: Science Chinese + Mathematics, plus at least one of Physics or Chemistry
- Other Schools: Liberal Arts Chinese + Mathematics
- China Government Scholarship applicants must take the CSCA test.
Applicable to: Students aiming for premier 985/211 institutions like Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Nanjing University
| Timeline | Task | Specific Action |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | Set Targets | Browse City Guides to select target cities and universities |
| January–March 2026 | Exam Preparation | Systematic review, with emphasis on mathematics and subjects relevant to target majors |
| February 5–14, 2026 | Exam Registration | Complete CSCA March (Spring) session registration |
| March 15, 2026 | Take the Exam | CSCA Spring Exam |
| March 25, 2026 | Receive Scores | Identify target institutions based on results |
| April–May 2026 | Prepare Materials | Simultaneously compile application documents |
| May–June 2026 | Submit Applications | Submit applications in batches, prioritizing institutions with earlier deadlines |
Category 3: Time-Constrained Test-Takers
Applicable To: New preparers or retakers who failed the spring exam
| Timeline | Task | Specific Action |
|---|---|---|
| April–May 2026 | Intensive Prep | Focused review |
| June 1–7, 2026 | Exam Registration | Complete CSCA June (Summer) session registration |
| June 2026 | Parallel Preparation | Simultaneously prepare application materials during exam prep |
| June 27, 2026 | Take Exam | CSCA Summer Exam |
| July 11, 2026 | Receive Scores | Quickly lock in target institutions |
| August 2026 | Submit Applications | Select institutions with deadlines after July |
Application Materials Preparation Timeline
Beyond the CSCA exam, application materials also require advance planning:
| Document Type | Time Required | Recommended Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Notarized High School Transcripts | 2-4 weeks | 2 months before exam |
| Notarized Graduation Certificate | 2-4 weeks | 2 months before exam |
| Passport Validity Check | 1-2 months | 3 months before exam |
| Recommendation Letters | 1-2 weeks | Immediately after exam |
| Personal Statement | 1-2 weeks | Can be drafted in advance |
| Medical Examination Report | 1 week | After exam results are released |
| Certificate of Good Conduct | 2-4 weeks | 1 month before exam |
Hidden Costs Alert (Many People Don't Know!)
Applying to Chinese universities involves more than just tuition fees—there are numerous "hidden costs" to prepare for in advance:
💸 Application Fee (Non-refundable!)
- 400-800 RMB per university
- Applying to 5 schools ≈ $400 USD
- Non-refundable regardless of admission outcome
Recommendation: Target specific schools; avoid "spamming applications"
🏦 Admission Deposit (Beware!)
- Some schools require immediate payment of a deposit upon acceptance
- Amounts can range from 10,000 to 30,000 RMB
- Typically due before visa processing
- If enrollment is declined, deposits may be non-refundable or partially refunded
Example: Popular institutions like Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Campus
Ensure at least $5,000–$10,000 in liquid funds available in your account by March–April (peak admission season) to cover application fees, deposits, and visa-related expenses. Many families miss admission opportunities due to delayed fund transfers.
| Fee Item | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CSCA Exam Fee | ~$100 | Per exam |
| Document Notarization | $50-200 | Varies by country |
| Medical Examination Fee | $50–150 | Designated hospitals required in some countries |
| Visa Fee | $30–150 | Varies by country |
| Airfare | $300–1500 | Depends on departure location |
| First Month's Living Expenses | $500–1000 | Security deposit plus three months' rent, daily necessities, etc. |
Key Decision Checklist
Before finalizing your application plan, confirm the following:
CSCA Exam Preparation
- Verify target institutions recognize CSCA scores
- Understand specific subject requirements for target institutions (see Institution List)
- Complete CSCA exam registration
- Develop a study plan using online practice questions
Timeline Confirmation
- Record target institutions' application deadlines
- Confirm CSCA score release date precedes application deadlines
- Allow ample document preparation time (minimum 4-6 weeks)
- Set reminders for critical dates
Document Checklist
- Verify passport validity (must cover at least 6 months beyond enrollment date)
- Complete notarization of academic credentials
- Confirm references are available to write letters of recommendation
- Schedule medical examination
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When are CSCA scores released?
CSCA exam scores are typically released 7 business days after the test date. Scores for the Spring exam (March 15) are expected around March 25. We recommend starting your application materials before results are released to ensure timely submission.
Q2: What if my CSCA score doesn't meet my target school's requirements?
Consider these options:
- Retake the exam: Take the next CSCA test, but note application deadlines
- Adjust your goals: Apply to schools with lower score requirements
- Defer Admission: Wait for the next academic year's application cycle
Most institutions adopt a "highest score" policy, so retaking the exam will only improve your record.
Q3: Can I apply using estimated scores?
Some institutions accept applications with estimated scores, but final scores must be submitted before official admission. This approach is suitable for top-tier institutions with application deadlines earlier than score release dates. Check specific policies in your target institution's admissions brochure.
Q4: How do living costs vary across cities?
Based on data analysis of 317 universities across our database:
- Tier 1 Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen): Avg. ¥2,517/month, 84 universities
- New Tier 1 Cities (Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu, etc.): Avg. ¥1,510/month, 121 universities
- Tier 2 Cities: Avg. ¥1,354/month, 52 universities
- Tier 3 and Below: Avg. ¥1,005/month, 60 universities
Choosing a New Tier 1 city can save ~¥1,000/month while still accessing quality education. See our City Guide for details.
Q5: Do English-taught programs require HSK scores?
Most English-taught programs do not require HSK scores. Currently, 40 universities in our database offer a total of 166 English-taught programs. Additionally, 35 universities provide HSK exemption policies, allowing admitted students to waive Chinese language courses. Only 6 universities require just the CSCA math subject, making it the easiest exam path. Specific policies vary by institution — check the university list for details.
Next Steps
After understanding the timing relationship between the CSCA exam and university applications, you should:
Need more help? If you have questions about the application timeline, feel free to leave a comment below—we'll respond as soon as possible.
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