Chinese Language & HSK Requirements
Even in English-taught programmes, daily life in China requires basic Chinese. Thousands of characters make reading a bus stop challenging.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
HSK Requirements by Programme
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is China's official Chinese proficiency test. Requirements vary by the language of your programme.
| Programme type | HSK level required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught degree | None required | IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ instead |
| Chinese-taught Bachelor's | HSK 3 (2026/27 notices) | Universities may ask for more; otherwise a preparatory year |
| Chinese-taught Master's/PhD | HSK 4 (2026/27 notices) | Some universities and humanities programmes ask for HSK 5 |
| Chinese language programme | None required | Language study is exempt from the HSK rule |
Embassy notices set their own minimums, so check yours. The 2026/27 notice from the embassy in Fiji, for example, listed HSK 3 for Chinese-taught general and senior scholar programmes and HSK 4 for master's and doctoral programmes.
The Daily Life Language Barrier
Even if your programme is entirely in English, life outside the classroom is in Chinese. Here's what that actually means.
What you can't do without Chinese
- Read bus stop signs and metro maps (many are Chinese-only outside Tier 1 cities)
- Order food at most local restaurants (menus are in Chinese)
- Communicate with hospital staff during medical visits
- Read bank forms or government documents
- Negotiate with landlords if living off-campus
- Understand university notices and announcements
Survival strategies
- Learn 200–300 basic characters before arrival
- Download the Pleco dictionary app (works offline)
- Use WeChat's built-in translation feature for messages
- Google Translate camera mode (needs a VPN)
- Make Chinese-speaking friends early
- Take the free or mandatory Chinese language course
Mandatory 1-Year Chinese Course
Some CSC programmes require a 1-year Chinese language training before you start your degree. This is common for Chinese-taught programmes where the student doesn't meet the HSK requirement.
The language year is fully funded by CSC (same stipend, accommodation and insurance). You'll attend intensive Chinese classes at a designated language training centre, and after passing the required HSK level you proceed to your degree programme. Your total scholarship duration includes this extra year.
Preparing for life in China? Read about dormitory life and the internet situation next.