HSK Global Test Dates (2025) for Internet & Paper-Based HSK Tests

Setting an HSK Test Schedule

Alright, now that we’ve gone over the basics about HSK dates, let’s figure out how to create a timeline for studying, taking the test, and getting the scores into your universities of choice before deadlines. The schedule I’ve outlined here won’t work for every application, so use it as an example and feel free to tweak it to fit your own applications.

To make any test-taking schedule, it’s a good idea to work backward from your application deadlines. That way, you can see how much studying you need to do and how many times you can (or should) take the HSK.

Step #1: Know Your Application Deadline

Whether you’re planning to take the HSK just once or multiple times, it’s important to know the last possible date you can take the test before deadlines. Of course, you’ll always be able to take an earlier test, but knowing the cutoff date helps you stay flexible if things change.

If, for example, your application deadline is December 31, then subtract about 2.5 months for mailing time and a little cushion so that your scores arrive in time. This means that your final possible test date to take the HSK would be around October 15.

Step #2: Set a Score Goal

As we’ve mentioned, most universities in China want applicants to pass HSK5 for admission to their degree programs (some just need HSK4). So you just need to reach that passing score of 180 out of 300 on the HSK – that’s all that matters. After that, you can be satisfied and turn your attention to other parts of your application.

However, some universities may require their applicants to hit or exceed a certain score on the HSK for admission. The cutoff score varies from school to school.

For instance, Fudan University in Shanghai expects students to score over 210/300 on HSK5 for undergraduate programs and 240/300 for MBA programs, while Peking University needs at least 210/300 on HSK6 for undergrad applications.

Be sure to always look up the HSK requirements for your target schools and keep that cutoff score in your head as you study for the HSK.

Step #3: Take an HSK Practice Test

To get a general idea of how much you’ll need to study for the corresponding HSK test, it’s a good idea to take a practice test. That way, you can see what areas you’re strong in and where you might need some extra work. Plus, it helps you get used to how the test works.

At ImproveMandarin, we have produced quite a few full-length HSK practice tests with authentic listening, reading, and writing questions from past HSK exams, complete with audio files and answer keys. Access them for free here.

If you’re in China, you can also grab HSK prep books that come with practice tests at local bookstores or on Taobao.com. Our top recommendations are the Official Examination Papers of HSK from People’s Education Press (book name in Chinese: 汉语水平考试真题集2018版) and HSK Simulation Tests (2nd Edition) from Beijing Language and Culture University Press (book name in Chinese: 汉语水平考试模拟试题集第2版). They cost between 58.00 to 85.00 RMB, depending on the level. 

Step #4: Calculate the Hours You’ll Need to Study

Now, let’s see how your practice test scores stack up against your HSK goals. How far off are you from the passing score or the cutoff score?

As a rule of thumb, you’ll need 2-3 hours of studying Chinese to earn one point on the HSK tests (level 4-6). To figure out a study plan, subtract your score on your HSK practice test from your score goal. Then calculate the approximate number of study hours you’ll need to put in to hit that target.

For instance, let’s say you’ll take the HSK5 test. Your current score on a practice test is: Listening 60, Reading 57, Writing 66, with a total of 183 points. You know the school you are applying to has a cutoff of 210 points, so there is a 27-point gap to cover. You can aim to improve each category by 9 points (Listening 69, Reading 66, Writing 75), then you have to study for 54-81 hours.

Now trying to improve each section equally may not be very practical, and you may find that you want to aim for higher scores on one or two of the sections.

So, if you still aim for 210 points, you could have goals like: Listening 72, Reading 69, Writing 69. This way, you can spend more time on what you need to improve most. In the end, you’ll spend the same time learning and earn 210 points in total.

Keep in mind that these study hours are just a guideline for the average student – you may find that it takes you more or less time studying per section. Use this as a starting point, but be ready to adjust if you find that you improve at a different rate.

Step #5: Make a Weekly HSK Study Plan

Look at your daily and weekly schedules to see how many hours a week you can realistically set aside studying for the HSK. Even if your HSK test date isn’t for several months, try to budget at least 4-6 hours of studying Mandarin each week. 

Don’t panic if this seems impossible!

Studying Mandarin doesn’t always have to mean slogging through textbooks and grammar drills. Surrounding yourself and paying attention to the Chinese language – Chinese movies, TV shows, books, or conversations – is just as important as sitting down and studying grammar and vocabulary.

Learning and retaining a language happens over time, and you can’t really cram for it or just study for one or two hours a week. A solid rule of thumb is to aim for at least an hour of study each day, five days a week.

If possible, try to schedule a test at least two months in advance. So if you study an average of 6 hours per week for 8.5 weeks, you’ll have studied 50 hours at the end of two months. And with an average improvement of 1 points for every 2.5 hours you study, you could boost your score by around 20 points spread out over the listening, reading and writing sections on the HSK in just two months.

Step #6: Expect to Take the HSK Test More Than Once

Practice tests, however realistic there are, will never completely emulate the experience of taking the real HSK, so it’s a good idea to take the test more than once before your application deadlines if there is a big gap between your practice test results and your HSK goals.

If you can swing it, budget some time and funds to take the HSK two or even three times. (Of course, as soon as you hit the passing or cutoff score, you can shift gears and focus on other parts of your application. No need to stress about getting a super high score like you might with the SAT or ACT.)

If you do decide to take the HSK multiple times, give yourself at least a month between tests. This way, you can review your scores, learn from any mistakes, and adjust your study plan. It’s a good idea to kick off your studying at least two months before your final HSK test date (or about four and a half months before application deadlines).