Do international students need an entrance exam for a Chinese university?
Not always. Many programmes first assess the application documents and academic record. Others add a written test, online interview, portfolio, audition or standardised admissions test.
There is no single entrance exam used by every Chinese university. The requirement is set by the
university and usually by the exact programme. Before preparing for a test, open that programme’s
current international-admissions page and look for application documents, admission requirements and entrance examination.
Do international students need the Gaokao?
Usually not for international admissions. The Gaokao is China’s national entrance exam for domestic university applicants. International applicants are generally assessed on their school or university qualifications, language evidence and the requirements published for the specific programme. A university can still set its own written test, interview or portfolio.
Some undergraduate programmes use the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), while others accept or request qualifications such as SAT, ACT, A-Level or IB. Some do not use an external admissions test at all. Read the separate CSCA guide before registering or paying for a sitting.
Common selection formats
| Format | Used for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Document review | Most programmes | Exact diploma, transcripts, grading scale and translations |
| University or faculty test | Programme-specific | Subject syllabus, language, format, fee and test date |
| CSCA or another standardised test | Some bachelor’s programmes | Whether it is required, accepted as an alternative, and the score expected |
| Online interview | Competitive or language-sensitive programmes | Platform, local time, interview language and assessment topics |
| Portfolio or audition | Art, design, architecture, music and performance | File format, deadlines, number of works and live-test requirement |
Five checks before you prepare
- Open the page for your exact programme, not the university’s general admissions page.
- Confirm whether the test is required, recommended or only one accepted option.
- Identify who administers it: the university, a national testing service or an external board.
- Check the current deadline, score validity and whether a result can arrive after the application.
- Ask admissions in writing if the page is ambiguous, and keep the reply with your application file.
How to prepare
For a programme-specific written test, ask for the syllabus or sample format. Revise the subjects named in the current guide rather than guessing from another university’s exam.
For an interview, prepare a short and honest explanation of:
- Why do you want to study in China, and why this university?
- What are your career plans after graduation?
- How will you manage the language and the course load?
- Can you explain a project or course you have done?
Practise in the language named by the programme. Technical knowledge and the ability to explain your own work matter more than memorised answers.
For a portfolio or audition, follow the exact upload rules and test the file before the deadline. Keep a backup copy and do not assume that a practice submission is the final one.
Logistics
- Interviews are often scheduled in your local time zone — confirm the time carefully.
- Test the platform and your connection in advance.
- Keep a copy of any test instructions the university sends.
- Save payment receipts, registration numbers and confirmation emails.
- If a technical problem occurs, contact the organiser immediately and keep evidence of the attempt.
Related guides
- CSCA test for undergraduate applicants
- English-language requirements
- Application checklist
- Business schools in China
Not all programmes use exams or interviews, and formats change. Check the specific programme’s current admissions page before making a payment or travel plan.