Planning your HSK exam in 2026? You need three things: the right date, a nearby test center, and enough lead time to register before the deadline. This page has all three — updated for both HSK 2.0 (final sessions) and HSK 3.0 (new format).
Complete HSK Exam Schedule 2026
Here are all confirmed HSK exam dates for 2026, including format, registration deadlines, and availability status:
| Date | Day | Format | Registration Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 24 | Saturday | HSK 2.0 | January 14 | Completed |
| January 31 | Saturday | HSK 3.0 Pilot | January 7 | Completed |
| March 22 | Sunday | HSK 2.0 | March 12 | Completed |
| May 16 | Saturday | HSK 2.0 | May 6 | Completed |
| June 28 | Saturday | HSK 2.0 / 3.0 Pilot | June 18 | Completed |
| July 18 | Saturday | HSK 3.0 | July 8 | Register Now |
| September 12 | Saturday | HSK 3.0 | September 2 | Opens Soon |
| October 17 | Saturday | HSK 3.0 | October 7 | Opens Soon |
| November 14 | Saturday | HSK 3.0 | November 4 | Opens Soon |
| December 13 | Saturday | HSK 3.0 | December 3 | Opens Soon |
How to Register for the HSK Exam
All HSK exams worldwide are registered through the official Chinese Testing International platform:
- Create an account at chinesetest.cn
- Select your exam type — HSK (written) and/or HSKK (oral, if taking HSK 2.0)
- Choose your level — Under HSK 3.0, remember the oral section is integrated from level 3+
- Pick your test center — Search by country, then city
- Upload your photo — Passport-style, white background
- Pay the exam fee — Varies by country ($30–$80 USD depending on level and location)
- Print your admission ticket — Available 5 days before the exam
Test Centers by Country
Southeast Asia
Malaysia — Kuala Lumpur (UM Confucius Institute), Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu. Malaysia has some of the most accessible test centers in the region, with sessions running at nearly every exam date.
Singapore — Singapore Confucius Institute at NTU. Limited seats per session; register early.
Vietnam — Hanoi (Confucius Institute at Hanoi University), Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has the highest demand in Southeast Asia — sessions regularly sell out. Consider Hanoi for more availability.
Thailand — Bangkok (multiple centers), Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen. Bangkok centers are well-organized and rarely at full capacity.
Indonesia — Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan. Indonesia's test center network is expanding; new centers expected in 2026.
Philippines — Manila (Confucius Institute at Ateneo). Limited to 2–3 sessions per year.
East Asia
South Korea — Seoul (multiple), Busan, Daegu, Gwangju. South Korea has the densest test center network outside China. Most dates available.
Japan — Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo. Strong network with regular sessions.
Central & Eastern Europe
Poland — Warsaw (Confucius Institute at University of Warsaw), Kraków. Growing demand; limited seats.
Czech Republic — Prague (Charles University). 3–4 sessions per year.
Hungary — Budapest (ELTE University). Increasingly popular for Chinese studies students.
Germany — Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt. Excellent availability across multiple centers.
Exam Fees by Level
Fees vary by country and test center. Here are typical ranges:
| Level | Southeast Asia | East Asia | Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1–2 | $20–35 | $30–45 | €30–50 |
| HSK 3–4 | $35–50 | $45–60 | €50–70 |
| HSK 5–6 | $50–70 | $60–80 | €70–90 |
| HSK 7–9 | $70–90 | $80–100 | €90–120 |
What to Bring on Exam Day
- Valid passport or national ID (must match registration)
- Printed admission ticket
- 2B/HB pencils (for paper-based exams) — some centers provide them
- Eraser
- No phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices in the exam room
Important Deadlines for Scholarship Applicants
If you're applying for the CSC Scholarship 2027, timing your HSK exam is critical:
- CSC applications typically open: December–March
- Results are available: 3–4 weeks after the exam
- You need your certificate BEFORE submitting: Plan accordingly
- Recommended exam date for CSC 2027: October or December 2026
Don't leave it to the last minute. If you need HSK 4 for your application and you're not confident about passing, take the exam in September or October — that gives you a December backup if needed.
Preparing for the Right Version
Make sure your preparation matches the exam format you'll take. If you're sitting for HSK 3.0 (July 2026 onwards), your study materials need to match the new vocabulary lists and format.
HSK Mastery automatically adapts to the version you're preparing for — with the correct word lists, mock exams matching the exact new format, and a predictive scoring engine that tells you when you're ready to pass.