China is one of the world’s most populous countries and one of the world’s largest economies. International students considering study in China should review the language requirements for their chosen university and program.
Putonghua, or Mandarin, is China’s standard spoken and official language. However, the language-proficiency test you may need depends on your university, program, and language of instruction. Before making travel plans, check the current admissions requirements for your chosen program.
What language tests are needed in China for international students? The following tests are worth considering before you begin your studies in China.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in China
Meeting the language requirement for your chosen program is an important part of admission eligibility. A Chinese-taught program may ask for proof of Chinese proficiency, while an English-taught program may ask for proof of English proficiency. Requirements vary by institution and program.
Chinese Language Tests for International Students
Not every international applicant needs the same Chinese-language test. The required test depends on the university, program, and language of instruction. HSK is a general Chinese-proficiency test. BCT may be relevant for business and professional contexts. The Youth Chinese Test (YCT) is intended for primary and secondary school students and has separate written and speaking tests.
1. Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)
The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, or Chinese Proficiency Test, is an international standardized test for learners who use Chinese as a second language. It assesses the ability to use Chinese in daily, academic, and professional settings. Universities may use HSK scores to assess Chinese proficiency for admission, graduation, scholarships, course placement, or credit decisions.
The official HSK website describes both the familiar six-level system and a newer three-stage, nine-level framework. Published level pages continue to list score rules for individual tests. For example, HSK Level 1 has a maximum score of 200 and a passing score of 120, while HSK Level 4 has a maximum score of 300 and a passing score of 180. HSK score reports are valid for two years from the test date.
Universities set their own Chinese-language requirements by program and study level. Before applying to institutions such as Fudan University, Peking University, Donghua University, or the University of Science and Technology of China, check the current official admissions page for your chosen program and confirm the required test, level, score, and score-validity rules.
2. The Business Chinese Test (BCT)
The Business Chinese Test (BCT) is an international standardized Chinese-proficiency test for non-native speakers. It focuses on using Chinese in general work environments, business activities, and other professional settings.
The BCT includes written BCT (A) and BCT (B) assessments and a separate BCT Oral assessment. BCT (A) and BCT (B) each include listening, reading, and writing sections and use a total score of 300 points. Review the current test page and the requirements of the institution or employer requesting the result.
Requirements and recognition policies can vary. If you are considering universities such as Peking University or Tsinghua University, check the official admissions page for your chosen program. Use the official Chinese Tests Service Website to find current BCT test dates and available test centers.
English Language Tests for International Students
If you are planning to study in an English-taught program, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency. Depending on the university and program, accepted tests may include TOEFL, IELTS, and the Duolingo English Test.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
Universities in China may accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for applicants to English-taught programs. IELTS reports scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS uses a 0-to-9 band scale. There is no single IELTS minimum for universities in China: the required overall score and any section minimums depend on the institution and program.
For example, Fudan University’s 2026 Undergraduate International Program in Economics lists IELTS 6.5 as one accepted English-proficiency threshold for applicants whose native language is not English, unless the waiver stated on the program page applies. Always check the official page for your chosen program.
2. TOEFL – Test Of English as a Foreign Language
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT is another English-proficiency test accepted by universities. It assesses Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
As of January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports use a 1-to-6 scale in half-point increments. During a two-year transition period after January 2026, score reports also include a comparable overall score on the legacy 0-to-120 scale. University minimums vary by program.
For institutions such as Tsinghua University and Nanjing University, check the official program page to confirm whether TOEFL is accepted and what threshold applies. For a verified example, Fudan University’s 2026 Undergraduate International Program in Economics lists TOEFL 90 as one accepted threshold for applicants whose native language is not English, unless the program’s waiver applies.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English-proficiency exam accepted by some institutions. It reports scores for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Acceptance depends on the university and program, so confirm that your chosen program accepts DET before registering.
DET scores use a 10-to-160 scale, and the certificate is valid for two years from the test date. For example, Fudan University’s 2026 Undergraduate International Program in Economics lists a DET score of at least 110 as one accepted threshold for applicants whose native language is not English, unless the program’s waiver applies.
If you are planning to study in China, check the language requirements for your chosen university and program before applying. Depending on the language of instruction and the purpose of the requirement, you may need to submit a Chinese-language or English-language test score. Reviewing the official admissions page will help you prepare academically and linguistically for your studies in China.
We hope this article on language tests needed in China for international students is informative and helpful. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students and the Asia Scholarships Page!
