HSK for admission to a Chinese university: where the levels are actually written
The HSK level you need depends on which document you read. Three kinds of source are involved: the HSK test's own website, which describes what HSK scores are used for; the Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship, which sets HSK levels for some Chinese-taught programmes under that scholarship; and the Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial), which set an entry level in terms of the International Chinese Proficiency Standards and name no HSK level. For a self-funded application, the university's own admissions brochure states the certificate it accepts.
Everything taken from the Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship is a condition of that scholarship, not a general admission rule for self-funded students. The English used here is this site's own translation of the Chinese text of the Quality Standards.
What the HSK website says about its scores
The HSK website describes HSK as an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency, organized by CTI Co., Ltd. Under "Why choose HSK?", the page states that HSK scores have become a requirement for international students to apply for admission, graduation and scholarship in China. The same section lists the uses of HSK scores, including college enrollment, level learning, course exemption and course credits.
The sections "What is HSK?" and "Why choose HSK?" name no HSK level required by any university or scholarship. The page tells you what scores are used for. It does not tell you which score to reach.
HSK levels in the Chinese Government Scholarship
The Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship sets HSK levels in section IV, items 8 to 10:
- have passed the HSK (Level 3) when applying for a Chinese-taught general scholar program (excluding Chinese language majors);
- have passed the HSK (Level 3) when applying for a Chinese-taught senior scholar program;
- have passed the HSK (Level 4) when applying for a Chinese-taught master's or doctoral program;
Item 8 excludes Chinese language majors. Items 8 to 10 name no HSK level for bachelor's programmes. For bachelor's programmes, item 7 of the same section refers to the "China Scholastic Competency Assessment (short as CSCA)" and does not refer to HSK.
Section VI, item 5 of the same guide says that applicants for master's, doctoral, general scholar and senior scholar programmes taught in Chinese must submit a valid HSK score report that meets the corresponding Chinese language proficiency requirements. Item 5 names no HSK level itself. The levels for these programmes are the ones in section IV, items 8 to 10.
For programmes taught in other languages, section IV, item 11 says the applicant must meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of language proficiency and academic ability, among others. Section VI, item 5 says that applicants for these programmes provide language certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL score reports, "in accordance with the requirements of each university".
The Quality Standards: a level that is not an HSK level
Section 1.2 of the Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial), issued by Ministry of Education notice 教外〔2018〕50号, is addressed to higher education institutions. For disciplines and programmes taught in Chinese, it says that the Chinese-language ability required in the entry standards for international students shall reach at least level 4 of the International Chinese Proficiency Standards. For programmes taught in a foreign language, it says the university shall state the foreign-language ability required in its entry standards.
Section 1.2 names no HSK level. It does not state how level 4 of the International Chinese Proficiency Standards relates to any HSK level. The standards leave the entry standards to each university.
Comparing the sources
| Source | Who it addresses | What it states about levels |
|---|---|---|
| HSK website, "What is HSK?" and "Why choose HSK?" | HSK in general | Uses of HSK scores; no level |
| Scholarship guide, section IV, items 8 to 10 | Applicants for the Chinese Government Scholarship | HSK Level 3 or Level 4, depending on programme type |
| Scholarship guide, section VI, item 5 | Same applicants | A valid HSK score report meeting the corresponding requirements; no level named |
| Quality Standards, section 1.2 | Universities setting entry standards | Level 4 of the International Chinese Proficiency Standards for Chinese-taught programmes; no HSK level |
| University admissions brochure | Self-funded applicants, and the university's own decision | The certificate the university accepts |
What a self-funded applicant should check
The levels in section IV, items 8 to 10 are conditions of the scholarship. For a self-funded application, the certificate and score are the ones the university's admissions brochure states.
Planning suggestion, not a requirement: read the language section of the brochure before you book a test, and note the certificate and score it names.
Sources
- Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship, China Scholarship Council (Campus China)
- Quality Standards for the Higher Education of International Students in China (Trial), Ministry of Education of the PRC
- HSK (About HSK), Chinese Tests Service Website, CTI
Checked 11 October 2026
This page is an unofficial summary. It is not published by or affiliated with the Ministry of Education, the China Scholarship Council or any university, and it is not legal advice. If the official text and the current notice of the university or authority handling your case differ, the official text and that notice prevail.