What is the CSCA?
The single exam that now stands between Myanmar students and a Chinese university place.
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is China's centralised, standardised entrance examination for international undergraduate applicants. It was introduced by China's Ministry of Education in 2025 and is administered through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) framework. The first-ever CSCA was held on 21 December 2025 — CSCA Myanmar was present.
From the 2026 academic year onward, most Chinese universities require a valid CSCA result for bachelor's-degree admission. This means Myanmar students applying for undergraduate programs in China — whether self-funded or through the CSC government scholarship — must take and pass the CSCA. It replaced the older, inconsistent, university-by-university admission tests with one transparent, comparable score.
In one line: The CSCA is China's version of a national university entrance exam for foreign students. A higher CSCA score opens better universities and bigger scholarships.
CSCA vs CSC — what's the difference?
Two things students constantly confuse. They are not the same.
CSCA — the exam
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment is the entrance test. It measures your academic knowledge in Mathematics, Sciences, and Chinese. You sit it in Myanmar before applying. Passing the CSCA is mandatory.
CSC — the scholarship
The China Scholarship Council scholarship is the Chinese government's full-funding award — it covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. It is optional but highly competitive. You must pass the CSCA first, then apply for CSC.
Simple order of events: Take CSCA → get your score → apply to universities → apply for the CSC scholarship.
CSCA exam format & structure
Computer-based, multiple-choice, scored 0–100 per subject.
The CSCA is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination. Each subject is scored from 0 to 100, and there is no combined total — universities look at your score in each relevant subject independently. You take only the subjects your intended program requires. The standard structure is:
| Subject | Duration | Questions | Required for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 60 minutes | 48 questions | ALL programs |
| Physics | 60 minutes | 48 questions | Engineering, Computer Science |
| Chemistry | 60 minutes | 48 questions | Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology |
| Chinese Language | 90 minutes | — | Chinese-taught programs |
You may sit the CSCA more than once, and universities use your best score. This makes early preparation and re-sits a genuine strategy — not a last-minute gamble.
Which subjects should you take?
Your program decides your subjects. Choose wrong and you waste an exam fee.
- Mathematics — required for every program and category. There is no CSCA path that skips Maths.
- Chemistry — required for Medicine / MBBS, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Biological Sciences.
- Physics — required for Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and pure-science programs.
- Chinese Language — required for Chinese-taught programs (many Business, Arts, and some Medicine tracks).
For example, a Myanmar student aiming for MBBS in China typically takes Mathematics + Chemistry. An engineering applicant takes Mathematics + Physics. Not sure which combination fits your goal? Use our free CSCA appraisal tool →
CSCA exam fees
The official exam fee is small — the real cost is being unprepared.
💰 450 RMB
For one subject.
💰 700 RMB
For two or more subjects — the usual choice for Medicine and Engineering applicants.
This exam fee is paid on the official CSCA platform when you register. It is completely separate from any university application fees and from CSCA Myanmar's preparation and application service.
How to register for the CSCA
Four steps on the official platform, csca.cn.
- Create your accountSign up on the official CSCA platform at csca.cn using a valid email address.
- Upload passport & detailsEnter your personal and academic information and upload your passport.
- Select subjects & sessionChoose the subjects your program requires and your preferred exam session (December, January, March, April, or June).
- Pay the exam feePay 450 RMB (one subject) or 700 RMB (two or more) to confirm your seat.
Registration usually opens 1–2 months before each exam date. CSCA Myanmar guides Myanmar students through every step so nothing is missed — get free registration help →
CSCA exam dates 2025–2027
The CSCA runs five times per cycle.
| Session | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 First-ever CSCA | December 2025 | Held 21 Dec 2025 — CSCA Myanmar was present |
| Cycle sessions | January, March, April, June | Held each cycle after December |
| Next cycle | Dec 2026 · Jan, Mar, Apr, Jun 2027 | Same five-times-per-cycle pattern |
Because the exam repeats and your best score counts, we recommend Myanmar students begin preparation 3–4 months before their target CSC scholarship deadline (CSC applications typically run December–April).
What score do you need?
There is no official pass mark. Each university sets its own bar.
These are guides based on historical admission patterns, not guarantees — competition, seats, and program demand shift each year. Want a personalised prediction from your own marks? Try the free CSCA marks appraisal →
Applying to universities & the CSC scholarship
The full journey, from exam to admission letter.
- Prepare & sit the CSCAChoose your subjects, register on csca.cn, prepare, and take the exam.
- Get your score & shortlist universitiesMatch your scores to realistic universities and programs (our appraisal tool does this instantly).
- Prepare your documentsTranscripts, diplomas, passport, personal statement / study plan, two recommendation letters, physical examination form, and language certificates (HSK or IELTS/TOEFL where required).
- Apply to universities & CSCSubmit applications to multiple universities and apply for the CSC scholarship through an accredited agency.
- Receive offers & visaAccept your best offer, receive your JW202 form and admission letter, and apply for your X-visa to China.
The CSC scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend (around CNY 2,500 for undergraduates), plus comprehensive medical insurance — effectively reducing the cost of studying in China to near zero for successful applicants.
Best universities for Myanmar students
Ranked by the QS World University Rankings by Subject — Life Sciences & Medicine (2025), the fairest measure for our largely medicine-bound students.
| Tier | Universities | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 QS L&M Top ~150 | Peking, Shanghai Jiao Tong, Fudan, Zhejiang, Tsinghua, Sun Yat-sen, Sichuan (West China) | Top scorers (75+), full scholarships |
| Tier 2 QS L&M ~150–400 | Central South (Xiangya), Huazhong (Tongji), Wuhan, Nanjing, Xi'an Jiaotong, Shandong, Jilin, China Medical | Strong scorers (60–74) |
| Tier 3 Regional medical | Wenzhou, Dalian, Chongqing, Kunming, Guangxi, Guangzhou, Fujian, Guizhou Medical Universities | Accessible MBBS, close to Myanmar, affordable |
CSCA Myanmar works with 393+ Chinese universities. See the full searchable list with tiers, deadlines and application fees on our Universities page →
Why work with CSCA Myanmar
Myanmar's first and only ethical CSCA & CSC preparation service.
- Founded 2018 in Yangon — 670+ documented Myanmar student admissions to Chinese universities.
- 100% scholarship success rate — we only take on cases we genuinely believe we can win, and we are honest about borderline profiles.
- Present at the world's first CSCA exam on 21 December 2025 — we understand the real exam, not rumours.
- No hidden fees, no university kickbacks, no exclusive contracts — transparent, student-first guidance.
- Full service — subject preparation, CSCA registration, university shortlisting, document handling, CSC application, and visa support.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. From the 2026 academic year, most Chinese universities require a valid CSCA result for bachelor's-degree admission. Myanmar students applying for undergraduate programs — self-funded or via the CSC scholarship — must take and pass the CSCA.
It is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam scored 0–100 per subject. Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are each 60 minutes with 48 questions; Chinese Language is 90 minutes. You take only the subjects your program requires.
450 RMB for one subject, or 700 RMB for two or more subjects. This is the official exam fee paid on the CSCA platform, separate from university and service fees.
On the official platform csca.cn: create an account, upload your passport and details, select subjects and an exam session, and pay the fee. CSCA Myanmar can guide you through the whole process.
Yes. The CSCA is offered five times per cycle (December, January, March, April, June) and universities use your best score, so re-sitting to improve is a valid strategy.
Not necessarily. Many programs — including MBBS and many engineering and business degrees — are taught fully in English. Chinese-taught programs require HSK proficiency, and you would then take the CSCA Chinese Language paper.
There is no fixed pass mark, but 75+ per subject is competitive for top 985 universities and full CSC scholarships, 60–74 suits mid-level 211 universities, and 50–59 opens provincial universities. Use our appraisal tool for a personalised prediction.
Ready to start your China journey?
Book a free consultation with CSCA Myanmar. We'll review your goals, recommend your subjects and universities, and map your path to a scholarship — honestly and expertly.