CSC scholarship without HSK: when you do not need it
The 2027/2028 call opened in late October 2026. These rules come from Chinese embassy notices (Maldives, Sweden) and two universities' guidelines; your embassy's notice is the one that applies to you.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
When you do not need HSK
| Case | What you submit instead | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Programme taught in English or another non-Chinese language | A language certificate the university requires, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL | Sweden notice |
| General scholar studying Chinese language | Nothing: exempt from the HSK 3 requirement | Maldives and Sweden notices |
| Previous degree from a Chinese university, taught in Chinese | Exempt from the language certificate | Maldives notice; NENU accepts the degree instead of HSK |
| Bachelor's degree applicant | A valid CSCA score report (test taken after 1 Mar 2025); the Sweden notice also lists HSK 3 for Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes | Maldives and Sweden notices |
When you do need HSK
- Chinese-taught master's or doctoral programme: HSK Level 4.
- Chinese-taught general or senior scholar programme: HSK Level 3.
- Universities can ask for more. NENU: HSK 5 with at least 180 for Chinese-taught master's and PhD. Hainan Normal: “new HSK” 5 ≥ 180 (liberal arts master's), new HSK 6 ≥ 180 (liberal arts PhD), new HSK 3 > 180 for programmes taught in both Chinese and English.
“New HSK” is what CTI called the 2009 six-level test, so Hainan Normal's wording does not clearly mean HSK 3.0. How HSK 3.0 results will be read against these levels is 尚未确认 / not yet confirmed; ask the university.
English-taught programmes: what universities ask
- NENU: TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.0, or English as native or official language, or a degree taught in English.
- Hainan Normal: TOEFL 78 or IELTS 6.0; native English speakers or graduates of an English-taught degree are exempt.
Deadlines and tests
- Embassy deadlines differ: the Maldives 29 Jan 2027, Sweden 6 Feb 2027 (online, CGSIS). Hainan Normal's programme closes 12 Jan 2027.
- CSCA for September 2027 bachelor's entry: register for a sitting in November or December 2026 or January 2027.
- Need HSK 3 or 4 before your deadline? The next official sittings are 13 Dec 2026 (computer-based deadline 3 Dec) and 9 Jan 2027; computer-based results come out about 15 days after the test.
CSC 2026/2027 requirements → · About the CSCA → · Chinese teachers' scholarship (CIS) →
Frequently asked
Can I get the CSC scholarship without HSK?
Yes if you apply for a programme taught in English or another non-Chinese language (submit IELTS/TOEFL as required), are a general scholar studying Chinese, or already hold a Chinese-taught degree from a Chinese university. Bachelor's applicants submit the CSCA.
What HSK level does the CSC scholarship need for a master's?
The 2027/2028 notices: HSK 4 for Chinese-taught master's and PhD. Universities can ask for more (NENU: HSK 5 ≥ 180).
Do English-taught CSC programmes require HSK?
Not in the notices; you submit the language certificate the university requires, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
Keep reading
Official sources
- Embassy of China in the Maldives: Chinese Government Scholarship 2027/2028 notice (25 Oct 2026)
- Embassy of China in Sweden: 2027/2028 Chinese Government Scholarship applications open (27 Oct 2026)
- Northeast Normal University: CSC Bilateral Program (Type A) admission guidelines 2027–2028
- Hainan Normal University: CSC High-Level Postgraduate Program application guide 2027–2028
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): 2027 test calendar for HSK, HSK speaking, HSK 7–9, YCT and BCT
- Chinese Test Service Website: information for candidates (registration, refunds, results)
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.