Requirements vary by university, programme, citizenship and application location. Check the notice for your exact intake before submitting.
Start with the teaching language
The university name does not determine the test. One institution may offer Chinese- and English-taught tracks with different thresholds. Open the programme record and note the test, overall minimum, component minimums and the date on which the result must remain valid.
How to read an HSK requirement
HSK Levels 3–6 are scored out of 300, but “HSK 4” does not mean any Level 4 result is sufficient. A university may state 180, 210 or another threshold and may also require HSKK.
- For admission and scholarships, HSK/HSKK reports are generally used within two years of the test date.
- The score-release date must fit the programme deadline.
IELTS for an English-taught track
For higher education, use IELTS Academic unless the university says otherwise. IELTS recommends treating scores as current for two years, while the receiving organisation may set its own policy. IELTS is moving its main delivery to computer from mid-2026, so check local format and availability early.
When a certificate may be replaced
Some programmes accept TOEFL, Duolingo, a previous-medium-of-instruction letter or an internal interview. The exception must be written in the notice or confirmed by the university. Do not treat previous English-medium study as an automatic waiver.
What to do now
- 01
Record the teaching language of each selected programme.
- 02
Check the minimum score, not only the level.
- 03
Align the test date, score release and programme deadline.
- 04
Obtain written confirmation of any waiver.