Gaokao
National College Entrance Examination
📋 About the Gaokao
The Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) is China's standardized college entrance examination, often regarded as one of the most challenging and competitive exams globally. It serves as the primary criterion for university admissions in China, determining the educational and career trajectories of millions of students annually.
🧭 Explore This Test
🎯 Why Take the Gaokao?
- ✓Primary pathway to Chinese universities - virtually all domestic university admissions require Gaokao
- ✓Gateway to prestigious institutions like Tsinghua and Peking University
- ✓Determines scholarship eligibility and program placement
- ✓Major factor in career opportunities and social mobility in China
- ✓Some international universities accept Gaokao scores for admission
🔄 Compare with Similar Tests
Deciding between Gaokao and another test? Compare them side by side to make the right choice.
SAT is the American equivalent for college admissions. Much shorter (3 hours vs 9+ hours), covers only English and Math, and can be taken multiple times per year. Some Chinese students take SAT to apply to US universities as an alternative pathway.
Want to compare Gaokao with any test? Use our comparison tool →
⚡ Quick Facts
- Duration
- 9+ hours
- Cost
- $200 CNY
- Validity
- 1 year
- Score Range
- 200-800
- Adaptive
- No
- At Home
- No
📍 Test Centers
10,000+
Worldwide
Top Countries
🏢 Test Organizer
Ministry of Education of the PRC
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
Visit Official Website →📢 Recent Updates
2025-06-07
Gaokao 2025 Administered
2024-01-01
3+1+2 Reform Expanded