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Do You Need HSK to Study in China?
Oct,12 2026
No, you usually do not need HSK to study in China if you choose an English-taught bachelor's programme, because most English-taught programmes have admitted international students without any Chinese certificate at entry. You have generally needed HSK only when you apply for a Chinese-taught programme, which has usually required HSK Level 4 or 5, or when you want to prove your Chinese level for a scholarship. This article has explained when HSK has been required and how to plan your language certificates.
When you do NOT need HSK
Many international students have studied in China without HSK. This has been the normal case when:
You apply for an English-taught bachelor's or master's programme. Universities have admitted students based on their high school or university results, and in some cases IELTS or TOEFL scores.
You enrol in a foundation program, where the goal has been to build your Chinese from zero.
You join a short-term language course or a summer school, which has usually had no language requirement at all.
In these cases, HSK has not blocked your admission. However, a basic level of Chinese has still made daily life in China much easier, and some universities have offered free Chinese classes alongside English-taught degrees.
When you DO need HSK
HSK has become necessary in these situations:
Chinese-taught degree programmes. Universities have usually asked for HSK Level 4 or 5 for bachelor's programmes taught in Chinese. Some programmes, such as language-related majors, have asked for Level 5 or 6, while a few have accepted Level 3 together with a foundation year.
Some scholarships. Scholarship committees have sometimes used HSK results to judge how well a student can adapt to studying in China, even for English-taught programmes.
Admission to a Chinese-taught year after an English-taught start. Some MBBS and engineering programmes have switched to Chinese-taught classes in the later years, and universities have then required HSK Level 4 or above before the clinical years have begun.
Which HSK level do you need?
The level that you need has depended on the programme:
Programme type | Typical HSK requirement |
|---|---|
Foundation program | None at entry |
English-taught bachelor's | Usually none at entry |
Chinese-taught bachelor's | Usually HSK 4–5 |
Chinese-taught master's | Usually HSK 5 |
MBBS clinical years | Usually HSK 4 before clinical practice |
These have been common patterns rather than fixed rules. You should always check the language requirement on the official admission page of your target university.
HSK or CSCA: which test do you need?
Since the 2026/2027 academic year, international students have faced two different tests, and they have served different purposes:
The HSK, organised by Chinese Testing International, has measured Chinese language ability only.
[The CSCA exam, organised by the China Scholarship Council](/news/what-is-the-csca-exam-the-2027-guide-for-international-students-1536.shtml), has measured both language ability and academic foundations in mathematics, physics and chemistry.
You may have needed one of them, or both. For example, an applicant for a Chinese Government Scholarship at undergraduate level has been required to take the CSCA first, and a Chinese-taught programme may still have asked for HSK on top of that.
HSK 3.0: what has changed from December 2026?
According to Chinese Testing International, the organiser of the HSK, a new version of the test has been scheduled to launch on 13 December 2026. The new HSK has introduced nine levels (levels 1–9) instead of the current six, with a stronger focus on academic Chinese. During the transition period, old and new certificates have both remained valid for admission. If you plan to study in China in 2027, you should check which version your target university accepts before you register.
How do you register for the HSK?
Registration for the HSK has been completed online on the official website of Chinese Testing International, chinesetest.cn. You have created an account, chosen a test centre and date, uploaded a photo and paid the fee, which has varied by country and level. Test centres have existed in most major cities, and an online, home-based version (HSK Online) has also been offered in many regions.
Official sources
This article has been based on information published by Chinese Testing International (the organiser of the HSK), the China Scholarship Council (CampusChina), and the admission pages of Chinese universities. Test versions, levels and university requirements have changed over time. The content has been last updated in October 2026 — please confirm the current requirements with your target university.
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About SICAS
SICAS (Study In China Admission System) is a platform for international students who are interested in studying in China. It provides information on Chinese universities, degree programmes, scholarships and admission requirements, helping students explore study opportunities across China.
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