What is the passing score for HSK?
Unofficial answer · Sources checked
For HSK Levels 3 and 4, the chinesetest.cn level pages set the passing mark at 180 out of 300 on the cumulative total. For HSK Speaking (HSKK), the intermediate and advanced levels use 60 out of 100. The Level 5 and Level 6 pages give 300 as the full score but state no passing mark.
What the rules say
The chinesetest.cn level pages for each test give the full score, the passing mark, and the validity period. The table below lists them.
| Test | Full score | Passing mark | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK Level 3 | 300 | 180 (cumulative total) | HSK level pages, Level 3 score report |
| HSK Level 4 | 300 | 180 (cumulative total) | HSK level pages, Level 4 score report |
| HSK Level 5 | 300 | Not given | HSK level pages, Level 5 score report |
| HSK Level 6 | 300 | Not given | HSK level pages, Level 6 score report |
| HSK Speaking intermediate | 100 | 60 (cumulative total) | HSKK level pages, intermediate |
| HSK Speaking advanced | 100 | 60 (cumulative total) | HSKK level pages, advanced |
The Level 5 and Level 6 score report entries list Listening, Reading, Writing and Total, and give 300 as the full score. They do not give a passing mark. Levels 1 and 2 are outside the scope of this answer.
The validity periods are also set on these pages. HSK scores are valid for two years from the exam date. HSK Speaking scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Scholarship minimums can be higher
A scholarship can ask for more than a pass. The Application Guidelines for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2025, published by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), set minimum scores by category. These minimums are conditions of that scholarship only. They are not conditions of studying in China in general.
- Category 1, doctoral: HSK Level 6 at a minimum of 200, and HSK Speaking advanced at 60.
- Category 2, master's: HSK Level 5 at a minimum of 210, and HSK Speaking intermediate at 60.
- Category 3, bachelor's: HSK Level 4 at a minimum of 210, and HSK Speaking intermediate at 60.
- Category 4, one-year programme:
- International Chinese language education: HSK Level 3 at a minimum of 270, and an HSK Speaking score.
- Chinese language and literature, Chinese history, or Chinese philosophy: HSK Level 4 at a minimum of 180, and HSK Speaking intermediate at 60.
- Chinese language study: HSK Level 3 at a minimum of 210.
The guidelines also say that decisions are based on HSK and HSKK levels and scores, geographical distribution, and other factors (Section III). Appendix 2 asks scholarship applicants for scanned copies of their HSK and HSKK score reports, within the two-year validity.
The application deadlines in Section III belong to 2025 and March 2026 intakes. For example, applicants for September 2025 programmes had to complete their applications by May 15, 2025. Those deadlines have passed.
Where to check the rest
For the HSK and HSKK passing marks and validity, check the chinesetest.cn level pages, which are published by the Chinese Tests Service Website, Chinese Testing International.
For the scholarship, check the guidelines' contact section and the scholarship website named in them, http://www.chinese.cn. The guidelines also say that applicants shall be familiar with the admission criteria and application deadlines of the Host Institutions and submit the necessary documents accordingly (Section VI, item 3). For admission criteria beyond the scholarship's minimums, ask the university's international student office.
Related questions
How long is an HSK score valid?
The chinesetest.cn level pages state that HSK scores are valid for two years from the exam date, and HSK Speaking scores for two years from the test date. The scholarship guidelines (Appendix 2) require score reports to be within that two-year validity.
Is the passing mark the same as the scholarship minimum?
No. The passing mark for HSK Levels 3 and 4 is 180. Several scholarship categories set higher minimums, such as 210 for a master's programme on HSK Level 5 or 270 for an international Chinese language education one-year programme on HSK Level 3.
Which documents must a scholarship applicant send with their scores?
Appendix 2 lists, for all applicants, a scanned copy of the passport photo page, a scanned copy of the HSK and HSKK score reports within their validity, and a reference letter from the head of the Recommending Institution. Degree applicants must also send their highest diploma or proof of expected graduation and an official transcript.
Sources
- HSK Level 3 page — Chinese Tests Service Website (chinesetest.cn), Chinese Testing International
- HSK Level 4 page — Chinese Tests Service Website (chinesetest.cn), Chinese Testing International
- HSK Level 5 page — Chinese Tests Service Website (chinesetest.cn), Chinese Testing International
- HSK Level 6 page — Chinese Tests Service Website (chinesetest.cn), Chinese Testing International
- HSKK intermediate level page — Chinese Tests Service Website (chinesetest.cn), Chinese Testing International
- HSKK advanced level page — Chinese Tests Service Website (chinesetest.cn), Chinese Testing International
- Application Guidelines for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2025 — Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC, chinese.cn)
Checked 11 October 2026
This page is an unofficial summary. It is not legal or immigration advice, it is not published by or affiliated with the bodies named, and the official text and the instructions of the university, embassy or exit-entry office handling your case prevail if they differ.