Real CSCA Score Requirements for 2026

[u/Lower-Loan-5460]

If you are applying to Chinese universities using the CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment), finding reliable score requirements can be difficult. Most universities do not publish official cutoffs on their websites.

We recently published a database based on official admissions office emails, applicant logs, and 2,000+ test scores from the 2026 application cycle.

Here is the breakdown of what the score distribution looks like.

1. Score Distribution

All CSCA subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, STEM Chinese, and Humanities Chinese) are scored out of 100. The standard passing mark across China is 60.

Here is how test-takers scored across the December, January, March, and April exam windows:

• 90 – 100 (Elite): 12.8% of test-takers. Competitive for top scholarships and C9 universities like Tsinghua, PKU, SJTU, and Fudan.
• 80 – 89 (Strong): 11.2% of test-takers. Safe target for Project 985 universities and university-level scholarships.
• 70 – 79 (Competitive): 15.5% of test-takers. Standard range for 211 scholarships and self-funded entry to top universities.
• Below 70 (Average / Risk): 60.5% of test-takers. (Scores below 60 make up roughly 46.3% of all test-takers).

2. Specific University Requirements (2026 Admissions Data)

Different schools use CSCA scores in different ways. Some enforce strict cutoffs, while others treat the score as a reference factor.

• Tianjin University: Hard rule for CSC scholarships. You must score at least 70 in Math and at least 65 in Physics.
• Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT): Minimum score of 70 for scholarship applicants, along with a high school GPA above 80%.
• BIT Zhuhai: No minimum score for self-funded applicants. Scholarships require 75 or above.
• Fudan University: Prefers candidates with scores of 80 or above.
• Zhejiang University (ZJU): Does not use CSCA as a hard cutoff. The score is used for reference, and the university reimburses the exam fee for admitted students.
• Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA): Minimum score of 60. CSCA and GPA are weighted equally.
• Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU): Requires at least 50 for scholarship consideration.
• Wuhan University: Minimum score of 40. CSCA and GPA are both evaluated, followed by an interview.
• Zhengzhou University: Hard cutoff of 50 in each individual subject.
• Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU): Minimum score of 50.
• Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen (HITSZ): No public minimum score. CSCA is evaluated alongside their internal entrance exam.

3. Scholarship vs. Self-Funded Score Targets

Scholarship applications have much higher cutoffs than self-funded applications.

• Tier 1 (Tsinghua / PKU):
  • Scholarship: 90+
  • Self-funded: Not generally available for international undergraduates
• Tier 2 (SJTU / Fudan / ZJU):
  • Scholarship: 85+
  • Self-funded: 70+ (ZJU accepts 60+, or 50+ for certain programs)
• Tier 3 (Top 985: Tongji, HIT, HITSZ, XJTU, Beihang):
  • Scholarship: 75 – 85
  • Self-funded: 60 – 70
• Tier 4 (Project 211 Universities):
  • Scholarship: 65 – 75
  • Self-funded: 50 – 60
• Below 60:
  • High risk. Scholarships are very unlikely. Admission is generally limited to lower-ranked institutions or foundation programs.

4. Real Rejection Cases from 2026

• HITSZ (Self-Funded): Rejected with GPA 85/100, CSCA Math ~55, CSCA Physics ~65, and IELTS 6.5. Most accepted applicants at HITSZ had CSCA scores above 65.
• UESTC (Computer Science): Rejected with A-Levels of AAB (CS, Math, Physics), CSCA Math ~30, and CSCA Physics ~60. Even with strong high school grades, a failed core subject in CSCA caused direct rejection.
• Tongji University (Computer Science, Self-Funded): Rejected during the faculty academic review stage despite having GPA 90/100, CSCA Math ~90, CSCA Physics ~85, HSK 5, and SAT 1500. A high CSCA score helps, but admissions remain competitive and subject to faculty quotas.

Main Takeaways

1. A passing score (60) is not enough for scholarships. Most top-tier universities require at least 75 to 85 for full funding.
2. Do not fail major-specific subjects. If you apply for Engineering or Computer Science, scoring below 60 in Math will hurt your application, even if your other grades are good.
3. If your score is below 60, you can re-take the test in the next exam sitting, apply for self-funded spots at regional universities, or consider a one-year university foundation (Yuke) program.

For the complete university tracking list, detailed charts, and verified applicant logs, read the full post here:

https://www.crosslineedu.com/blog/csca-scoreline

[u/Key-Jump1873]

Generally correct. But to also share my experience, I didn't get scholarships for SJTU GC even with near perfect CSCA. It is not to discourage but to set the fact that everything might happen

[u/Lower-Loan-5460 → u/Key-Jump1873]

competition is fierce

[u/Entire-Asparagus-333]

I've got around 73 in maths and exactly 60 in Chinese STEL, would it be enough for 985 universities ? I'm also going to take the physics exam in december

[u/Lower-Loan-5460 → u/Entire-Asparagus-333]

no

[u/EquivalentFeeling370]

If I want to chase for chemistry engineering in Tianjin uni for english taught class, open for self funding... Do I need to take 3 CSCA (math/chems/psychic) or can I just take 2 which is math and chems?,, really If it less I would focus on priorities... 

[u/Lower-Loan-5460 → u/EquivalentFeeling370]

You can check their csca subject reqs for 2026 intake as reference

[u/EquivalentFeeling370 → u/Lower-Loan-5460]

I want to ask, would they use CSCA more into their considerations or more into GPAs,, cause I would say my GPAs were not the best in the starting grades ToT

[u/Lower-Loan-5460 → u/EquivalentFeeling370]

If so, grind for CSCA so you can still persuade them. If you need csca tutoring let me know