While China no longer has the largest population in the world, it remains one of the most populous countries and one of the world’s largest economies. China, officially the People’s Republic of China, is also known for highly ranked universities, a stimulating educational environment, and a fascinating multicultural city atmosphere.
Standard Chinese, also called Mandarin or Putonghua, is the official language of China. If you plan to study in a Chinese-taught program, you will usually need to demonstrate Chinese language proficiency. If you apply for an English-taught program, you will usually need to prove English proficiency instead.
What are the language tests needed in China for international students? Check out the following language tests you need to consider before you embark on your study experience in China.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in China
Meeting the language requirements in China is essential to your admission eligibility. Taking the right Chinese or English language test can help you understand classes, complete assignments, and sit exams more confidently. Once you understand these language requirements, you will be one step closer to achieving your educational dreams.
Chinese Language Tests for International Students
As an international student looking to study in China, you may need to take a Chinese language test before admission to your chosen university, especially if your program is taught in Chinese. The most widely used Chinese proficiency test for university admission is the HSK. The BCT may also be useful for students who want to demonstrate business or workplace-related Chinese ability.
1. Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)
The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, or Chinese Proficiency Test, is an international standardized test for non-native Chinese learners. It is not required for every international applicant, but it is widely used by Chinese universities as proof of Chinese proficiency for Chinese-taught programs, scholarships, placement, and graduation requirements.
The HSK assesses how well learners can use Chinese in daily, academic, and professional settings. Current HSK testing includes levels 1 to 6, while the newer framework also includes advanced levels 7 to 9. Lower levels focus on listening and reading, while higher levels include writing. HSK scores are valid for two years from the exam date.
For HSK Levels 1 and 2, a cumulative score of 120 or above out of 200 is a passing mark. For HSK Levels 3 and 4, a cumulative score of 180 or above out of 300 is a passing mark. HSK Levels 5 and 6 are scored out of 300, but universities set their own minimum score requirements, so applicants should always check the latest admission page for their chosen program.
For example, Peking University lists HSK Level 6 with a score of 210 or above, or certain equivalent Chinese qualifications, in its 2026 undergraduate score requirements. Donghua University lists HSK Level 4 with 180 or above at the application stage and HSK Level 5 with 180 or above for undergraduate admission. The University of Science and Technology of China requires new HSK Level 5 or above for most bachelor’s applicants who are not exempt. Requirements may vary by program and year, so students should check current official admission pages before applying. You can also review program information for Fudan University and other universities before confirming the exact requirement.
2. The Business Chinese Test (BCT)
The Business Chinese Test (BCT) is an international standardized Chinese proficiency test that assesses non-native speakers’ ability to use Chinese in general work environments, business activities, and other professional settings. It is not specifically a university admission test for business degrees, but it can be useful for students or professionals who want to show practical Chinese ability in workplace contexts.
The written BCT has two levels, BCT (A) and BCT (B), and there is also a separate BCT Speaking test. BCT (A) and BCT (B) include listening, reading, and writing sections, with a total score of 300 points. BCT score reports record the test taker’s scores rather than setting one universal passing grade. Score reports are generally valid for two years as proof of language proficiency.
Students interested in business-related study at universities such as Peking University and Tsinghua University should still check the official admissions page for their exact program, because universities usually list HSK or English test requirements for admission rather than BCT. Test availability also depends on authorized test centers listed through the Chinese Test service system.
English Language Tests for International Students
If you are planning to study abroad in an English-taught program in China, you will probably need to submit an English language test score unless you qualify for an exemption. Depending on the university and program, the main accepted tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and, in some cases, the Duolingo English Test.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
Many universities in China accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for non-native English speakers. It evaluates your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
IELTS uses a band score scale from 0 to 9, with 9 as the highest score. Required scores vary by university, degree level, and program. Many English-taught programs in China ask for around IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5, while some selective or graduate programs may require higher scores.
Examples of universities in China that accept IELTS for some English-taught programs include Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Tsinghua University, and Nanjing University. Always check the current program page, because each university and department may set its own English language threshold.
2. TOEFL – Test Of English as a Foreign Language
The Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another major English language test accepted by universities in China. The TOEFL iBT test covers reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
For TOEFL iBT tests taken before January 2026, total scores were reported on a 0 to 120 scale. From January 2026, ETS began reporting TOEFL iBT scores on a 1 to 6 scale, with a comparable 0 to 120 score available during a transition period. Because of this scoring update, applicants should confirm whether a university requires the old 0 to 120 scale, the new 1 to 6 scale, or both.
Some universities that accept TOEFL for English-taught programs include Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Peking University, and Nanjing University. Minimum TOEFL requirements vary by program. For example, Fudan University has listed TOEFL iBT 90 for some English-taught postgraduate programs, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Global College lists TOEFL iBT 90 for exams taken before January 2026 and a new TOEFL scale requirement for tests taken from January 2026 onward.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online alternative to TOEFL or IELTS, though it is not accepted as widely as those two tests. It evaluates English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and some universities in China accept it for selected English-taught programs.
Duolingo English Test scores range from 10 to 160, and certified results are valid for two years. Minimum acceptable scores vary by institution and program. For example, Fudan University has listed a Duolingo English Test score of 110 or above for some English-taught postgraduate programs.
If you are looking to study abroad, there may be Chinese or English language tests needed in China for admission to different universities. The most widely used Chinese language test for university admission is the HSK, while IELTS, TOEFL, and sometimes Duolingo are used for English-taught programs. Through these exams, you can prove your language readiness, gain admission to strong universities in China, and prepare yourself academically and linguistically for the invigorating challenge that awaits you during your studies.
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 our Asia Scholarships Page!
