Chinese Proficiency Tests

CISU is an official test centre for internationally recognized Chinese proficiency tests HSK, HSKK and YCT.

What are these tests?

 

  • The HSK (汉语水平考试 – Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is a globally recognized Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers. It assesses your ability to listen, read, and write in Chinese.
  • The HSKK (汉语水平口语考试 – Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǒuyǔ Kǎoshì) is the oral version of the test and evaluates your spoken Chinese.
  • The YCT （中小学生汉语考试）is an international standardized test for Chinese language proficiency, assessing primary and secondary school students. 

Upcoming Test Dates

 

  • Next Test Date: 22 March 2026
  • Times: HSK 1 , 2: 9h00, HSK 3, 4, 5 13h30, HSKK 16h30
  • Registration Opens: 21 January 2026
  • Deadline to Register and Pay: 20 February 2026
  • Results Release: About 40 days after the test.
  • Venue: SU campus (details to be confirmed)
  • You’ll be notified via WhatsApp when your certificate is ready for collection. 

Apply Now

Register on Chinese Testing International (CTI) website

https://www.chinesetest.cn/

  • This is your formal registration
  • Do not make a payment to CTI website
  • Please note:
  1. Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your ID or passport.
  2. Upload a passport-style photo (head and shoulders, clear background).
  3. Registration opens 2 months before test date
  4. Scan this QR code to visit CTI site

Notify CISU (your test centre) of your CTI registration

  • Join our HSK/ HSKK WhatsApp group
  • Provide us with your contact information so we can coordinate the rest of the process with you
  • CTI closes registration 30 days before the test – notify CISU in time
  • Please note that CISU will:
  1. Confirm venue bookings
  2. Receive your couriered papers from Beijing
  3. Confirm payment with CTI
  4. Invigilate your test
  5. Courier your papers to Beijing for marking

Make payment to Stellenbosch University

CTI closes the system 30 days before the test. Ensure payment is made on time.

  • Pay SU directly before the deadline.
  • You must use the reference R5533-5597-HSK-[Your Surname] for this payment
Payment details

Account Holder: University of Stellenbosch
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 073006955
Branch Code: 050610
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ
Payment Reference: 5533-COUR-5597 + YOUR SURNAME

(If your surname is too long, use the first few letters.)

  1. We cannot finalise your CTI registration
  2. CTI will cancel your test registration

Write your test

  • Download your admission ticket from CTI
  • Bring 2B pencil & eraser, as well as relevant Identification (ID card or passport)
  • Arrive 30 minutes early
  • Please note that arriving late may result in forfeiting your chance to write the test.

Wait for your results

  • Your results/ certificates will be couriered to SA about 40 days after test ​
  • Results may appear earlier on CTI website
  • CISU will notify you on the WhatsApp group when certificates are ready for collection
  • Please make sure you remember your login details, so you do not lose access to the CTI website.