What Can You Do with an HSK Certificate? (Complete Guide)

University Admission in China

The single most common reason people take the HSK is to gain admission to a Chinese university. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree, a master's program, or a PhD, nearly every Chinese-taught program at a Chinese university requires an HSK certificate as part of the application. The specific level required depends on the program type, the university's prestige, and the field of study.

Understanding the HSK scoring system is essential here, because universities do not just look at whether you passed — they often require a minimum score above the passing threshold. A score of 180 out of 300 (the passing mark for HSK 4 through HSK 6) is the baseline, but competitive programs often prefer scores of 210 or higher.

Undergraduate Programs

Most Chinese universities require HSK 4 with a score of 180 or above for undergraduate admission. This level demonstrates that you can discuss a broad range of topics in Chinese and communicate fluently with native speakers, which is the minimum needed to follow university lectures and complete coursework in Mandarin.

Science and engineering programs at some universities may accept HSK 3, since the technical content relies more on formulas and universal notation than on Chinese language. However, this is the exception rather than the rule, and even these programs strongly recommend HSK 4.

Top-tier universities like Peking University (北京大学) and Tsinghua University (清华大学) often require HSK 5 even for undergraduate programs. These institutions receive far more applications than they have spots, so a higher HSK requirement helps them filter candidates. If you are aiming for a top-20 Chinese university, plan for HSK 5 as your target.

Graduate Programs (Master's & PhD)

Graduate programs generally require HSK 5 with a score of 180 or above. At the graduate level, you are expected to read Chinese academic papers, participate in seminars, write research reports, and potentially teach undergraduate students. HSK 5 certifies that you can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films, and write essays — skills that translate directly to academic work.

Some research-focused programs where the primary language of instruction is English may waive the HSK requirement entirely. This is common in STEM programs at universities that have international research collaborations. However, even in these cases, having an HSK certificate strengthens your application and demonstrates your commitment to integrating into the Chinese academic community.

Medical Programs

Medical programs in China often require HSK 6 — the highest level in the HSK 2.0 system. The reasoning is straightforward: medical students need to understand precise terminology, communicate clearly with patients about symptoms and treatment, and read dense Chinese-language medical textbooks. Even a small misunderstanding in a medical context can have serious consequences, so universities set the bar high.

Some medical programs offer their first 1-2 years in English before transitioning to Chinese-language clinical rotations. In these cases, you may be admitted with HSK 4-5 but will be required to reach HSK 6 before beginning clinical work. Check the specific program's requirements carefully, as they vary significantly between universities.

MBA and Business Programs

MBA and business programs at Chinese universities typically require HSK 4 to HSK 5, depending on whether the program is taught in Chinese or offers a bilingual track. Many top business schools in China (such as those at Fudan University, CEIBS, and Peking University) offer English-track MBA programs that do not require HSK at all. However, having HSK certification — even for English-track programs — demonstrates cultural competence and is viewed favorably during the admissions process.

Language Programs & Foundation Year

Language programs and foundation year courses are specifically designed to bring you up to an HSK level, so they do not require an HSK certificate for admission. These programs typically last one year and are offered at most major Chinese universities. They are an excellent option if you want to study in China but don't yet have the HSK level needed for a degree program. Many students use the foundation year to reach HSK 4 or HSK 5 before applying to their target degree program.

HSK Level Requirements by Use Case

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of HSK level requirements across all major use cases. Use this as a quick reference to determine what level you need for your specific goal:

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Individual institutions and employers may have higher or lower requirements. Always verify the specific HSK requirement for your target university, scholarship, or employer directly. When in doubt, aim one level higher than the stated minimum — this gives you a safety margin and makes your application more competitive.

Scholarships That Require HSK

One of the most valuable uses of an HSK certificate is unlocking scholarship opportunities. Several major scholarship programs specifically require HSK certification as part of the application process. If you are planning to study in China, these scholarships can cover everything from tuition to living expenses.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

The Chinese Government Scholarship, administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is the most prestigious scholarship for international students in China. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance. Thousands of awards are given annually to students from countries around the world.

The minimum HSK requirement for most CSC programs is HSK 4. However, since the scholarship is extremely competitive, applicants with HSK 5 or higher have a significantly better chance of being selected. Liberal arts and Chinese language programs typically require HSK 5, while science and engineering programs may accept HSK 4. Some CSC host universities set their own higher minimums, so check with your target university directly.

Confucius Institute Scholarship

The Confucius Institute Scholarship supports international students pursuing Chinese language and culture studies at designated Chinese universities. The HSK requirements vary by program type: HSK 3 or above is required for language study programs, while degree programs (bachelor's, master's) typically require HSK 4 to HSK 5. The scholarship covers tuition and some living expenses, making it an excellent option for students who want to study Chinese in China.

Provincial & University-Specific Scholarships

Beyond the national-level scholarships, many Chinese provinces and individual universities offer their own scholarship programs for international students. These typically require HSK 4 to HSK 6, depending on the program. A common pattern is that higher HSK scores result in larger scholarship awards. For example, a university might offer a partial tuition waiver for HSK 4 holders and a full tuition waiver plus stipend for HSK 5-6 holders. Provinces like Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Shanghai have particularly generous scholarship programs for international students.

Corporate Scholarships

Some major Chinese companies, including Huawei, Alibaba, and ByteDance, offer scholarship programs for international students studying in China. These typically require HSK proficiency as part of the application criteria and often come with post-graduation employment opportunities. While these scholarships are fewer in number, they can be highly valuable for students interested in working in China's technology and business sectors after graduation.

Employment and Career Uses

Beyond education, an HSK certificate has significant value in the professional world. As China continues to be a major player in the global economy, the ability to speak Mandarin — and prove it with a recognized certification — opens doors in multiple industries and career paths.

Working in China

Most work visas in China do not legally require HSK certification, but employers strongly prefer candidates who have it. For office jobs in Chinese companies, HSK 4 to HSK 5 is the standard expectation. You need to be able to participate in meetings, read internal documents, and communicate with colleagues who may not speak English. For translation, media, and communications roles, HSK 6 is typically the minimum, as these roles require near-native comprehension and production.

The practical reality is that even if a job listing does not explicitly mention HSK, having it on your resume immediately signals that you have made a serious investment in learning Chinese. It sets you apart from candidates who claim to "speak some Chinese" but have no formal verification. In a competitive job market, this distinction matters.

International Companies with China Operations

Major consulting firms, investment banks, technology companies, and multinational corporations with operations in China increasingly value HSK on resumes. Even HSK 3 demonstrates a meaningful commitment to understanding Chinese language and culture, which is valuable for client-facing roles, business development, and supply chain management positions. For roles that involve regular interaction with Chinese partners or customers, HSK 4-5 is often listed as a preferred qualification.

Companies in the "Big Four" accounting firms, major law firms with China practices, and technology companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google all have positions where Mandarin proficiency — verified by HSK — is a significant advantage. In industries like international trade, logistics, and manufacturing, HSK can be the differentiator that gets you the interview.

Translation and Interpretation

Professional translation and interpretation roles require the highest level of Chinese proficiency. HSK 6 with a high score is the baseline expectation, and many agencies and organizations conduct their own additional language tests on top of HSK. However, HSK 6 is universally accepted as proof that you have the foundational proficiency needed for professional language work. Conference interpretation, simultaneous translation, and literary translation typically require proficiency beyond what even HSK 6 tests, but the certificate serves as an essential first credential.

Teaching

Teaching English in China does not require HSK certification — your native English proficiency, TEFL/TESOL certification, and degree are what matter for those roles. However, having HSK significantly helps with daily life, classroom management (especially with younger students who speak little English), and building relationships with Chinese colleagues and parents. If you plan to teach subjects other than English at a Chinese school, HSK will likely be required, typically at the HSK 5-6 level.

Industries That Value HSK

While almost any industry can benefit from Mandarin-speaking employees, some sectors place particularly high value on HSK certification:

• International trade — Communicating with Chinese manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics partners
• Tourism and hospitality — Serving the massive Chinese tourist market
• Education — Teaching in China or managing programs with Chinese partner institutions
• Diplomacy and government — Foreign service, international organizations, and NGOs
• Media and journalism — Reporting on China, Chinese-language media production
• Technology — Working with Chinese tech companies or managing Chinese development teams
• Finance and banking — Chinese capital markets, cross-border transactions, and investment management

Visa and Immigration Uses

While most visa categories do not strictly require HSK certification, language proficiency can play a role in certain immigration and residency applications. Understanding where HSK fits into visa processes can help you plan your certification strategy.

China's own work permit system uses a points-based classification that categorizes foreign workers into tiers (A, B, C). While HSK is not a formal scoring category, demonstrating Chinese language proficiency can support your overall application profile, particularly when applying for long-term work permits or residency. Some employers report that HSK certification helps smooth the work permit process by demonstrating integration potential.

For China's permanent residency ("green card") applications, Chinese language proficiency is one of many factors considered. While there is no specific HSK level required, having HSK 4 or above demonstrates your connection to Chinese society and can strengthen your application. Other countries with skilled worker visa programs may also give bonus points for additional language proficiencies, making HSK a potential asset even outside the China context.

HSK vs Other Chinese Credentials

HSK is not the only Chinese language certification available. Understanding how it compares to other credentials helps you decide which test (or tests) to take for your situation.

HSK vs TOCFL (Taiwan)

The TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) is Taiwan's equivalent of the HSK. While both test Mandarin Chinese proficiency, they use different level systems and are recognized by different institutions. HSK is more widely recognized globally and is the standard for mainland China, while TOCFL is required for university admission in Taiwan. If you are focused on mainland China, HSK is the clear choice. For a detailed breakdown, see our HSK vs TOCFL comparison.

HSK vs HSKK (Speaking)

The HSKK (HSK Speaking Test) is a separate exam that specifically tests your spoken Chinese ability. The standard HSK exam tests listening, reading, and writing, but does not include a speaking component. If your goal requires demonstrating speaking ability — such as certain employment roles or specific university programs — you may need both HSK and HSKK. Many students take both tests on the same day, as test centers often schedule them back-to-back.

HSK vs University Placement Tests

Some Chinese universities administer their own Chinese proficiency placement tests in addition to (or instead of) accepting HSK scores. These university-specific tests may include an interview or speaking component that HSK does not cover. However, HSK remains the universally accepted standard, and virtually every university accepts it. Having HSK certification means you do not need to worry about institution-specific tests at most universities.

Which HSK Level Do You Actually Need?

With six levels (and nine in the upcoming HSK 3.0 system), it can be confusing to know which level to aim for. Here is a practical framework based on your goals:

• Tourism and travel: HSK 1-HSK 2 — Basic survival Chinese: ordering food, asking for directions, handling simple transactions
• Daily life in China: HSK 3-HSK 4 — Comfortable daily communication, handling errands, socializing with Chinese friends
• University study: HSK 4-HSK 5 — Following lectures, reading textbooks, writing academic papers in Chinese
• Professional work: HSK 4-HSK 6 — Depends heavily on the industry and whether Chinese is the primary working language
• Translation and media: HSK 6 — Near-native comprehension required for professional language work

General advice: Always aim one level above the stated minimum requirement. If a university requires HSK 4, aim for HSK 5. If a job listing says HSK 5, prepare for HSK 6. This buffer ensures you comfortably meet the requirement rather than scraping by at the minimum, and it makes your application significantly more competitive. Using spaced repetition for vocabulary study is one of the most efficient ways to progress between HSK levels, as it optimizes your review schedule to maximize retention with minimal time investment.

If you are unsure where to start, check out our guide on the best HSK apps in 2026 to find the right tools for reaching your target level. And if you are ready to register for the exam, our HSK registration guide walks you through the entire process step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions