HSK 5 vs HSK 6
Both are intermediate-band levels. The difference is 1,800 more words, longer writing and, for many top universities, the line between eligible and not.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| HSK 5 | HSK 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative words | 3,600 | 5,400 |
| New words at this level | 1,600 | 1,800 |
| Cumulative characters (recognition) | 1,527 | 1,940 |
| Handwriting characters | 150 (550 cumulative) | 150 (700 cumulative) |
| Items / total time | 72 · ~110 min | 82 · ~125 min |
| Writing | a story from four pictures, at least 100 characters; topic essay, at least 200 characters | a practical text of at least 150 characters; topic essay, at least 300 characters |
| Official ability | Can communicate in Chinese accurately and appropriately in work and study situations. | Can communicate in Chinese richly and smoothly in workplace, study and general professional situations. |
Is HSK 5 enough?
| Requirement | Source |
|---|---|
| Peking University (2026 international undergraduates): HSK 6, 210 or above | details |
| Fudan (2027): HSK 5 ≥ 210 or HSK 6 ≥ 180 | details |
| Tsinghua (2027, Chinese-English programmes): HSK 5 with each section above 60 | details |
| Work-permit points: HSK 5 and above score the maximum 5 points | details |
University score lines such as 210 and 180 refer to the current 300-point score reports. CTI has not yet published HSK 3.0 pass marks; check each university's notice for how it treats 3.0 results.
Our advice
- Target a school that asks for HSK 6? Do not stop at 5: the jump is about 1,800 words.
- For work in China, HSK 5 already gives the full language points.
- Level 6 writing is two longer texts in 45 minutes. Time yourself on the official sample before you choose.
Frequently asked
How big is the gap between HSK 5 and HSK 6?
HSK 3.0 Level 5 is 3,600 words cumulative, Level 6 is 5,400; Level 6 writing is a 150-character practical text plus a 300-character essay.
Is HSK 5 enough for a top Chinese university?
It depends: Fudan accepts HSK 5 at 210, Tsinghua's Chinese-English programmes ask HSK 5 with 60+ per section, Peking asks HSK 6 at 210.
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
- Official new HSK syllabus (CLEC, published 2025-11, in force 2026-07), PDF
- Official HSK 3.0 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Official HSK 3.0 ability descriptions, PDF
- Peking University: 2026 score requirements for undergraduate admission without written examination
- Fudan University: 2027 undergraduate admission information for Chinese-taught programmes, PDF
- Tsinghua University: international undergraduate eligibility 2027
- State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs: foreigners' work classification standard and points table, PDF
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.