2027 Graduate Entrance Exam Schedule Released: Pre-registration Begins October 9—How to Choose Between the Exam and Pursuing a Master's Degree Abroad?
Pre-registration for the 2027 Graduate Entrance Exam begins on October 9, followed by formal registration from October 15 to 24, and the preliminary exam on December 19 and 20. This year, online registration and online confirmation are merged, and photos must be taken using the CHSI app. This article outlines the complete timeline, compares the Graduate Entrance Exam with pursuing a master's degree abroad, and provides a schedule for keeping both options open.
The preliminary registration for the 2027 National Master's Entrance Examination begins on October 9, with the initial exam taking place on December 19 and 20. This year, online registration and online confirmation have been merged into a single step. This article first outlines the complete timeline, then discusses how to choose between taking the domestic exam and applying for graduate programs abroad, and whether you can prepare for both.
1. Key Dates
| Stage | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Registration | October 9–12, 2026 | 9:00–22:00 daily, register on the CHSI website |
| Official Registration | October 15–24, 2026 | 9:00–22:00 daily |
| Print Admission Ticket | About 10 days before the exam | Log in to the CHSI website to download it yourself |
| Initial Exam | December 19–20, 2026 | Specific times for each subject are subject to the admission ticket |
2. Three Changes This Year
- Registration and confirmation in one step. Submit verification materials along with your application information, eliminating the need to wait for a separate "online confirmation" stage. Prepare your materials in advance.
- Take your photo with the CHSI app. Take and upload the photo directly in the app; no need to go to a photo studio.
- Only one application choice allowed. Each applicant can only select one major at one admissions institution. Application fees and required materials vary by province; please check with your provincial Education Examinations Authority.
It is recommended to fill in your information during the preliminary registration stage rather than waiting until the last few days of official registration. The system tends to be congested at the end of the registration period.
3. Domestic Exam or Applying Abroad? Consider These Three Points First
| Domestic Exam | Applying Abroad | |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions Process | Initial exam + re-examination; results determined by a single exam | Based on undergraduate GPA, language scores, personal statements, and experience; can apply to multiple universities simultaneously |
| Program Duration | Mostly 2–3 years | 1 year for most programs in the UK and Hong Kong; 1–2 years for most in the US and Canada |
| Preparation Required | Major courses, politics, English, and math | IELTS / TOEFL, and GRE for some majors; personal statements and letters of recommendation |
- Different risks: The domestic exam determines your outcome with a single test; university applications allow you to apply to multiple schools simultaneously but require six months to a year of advance preparation.
- Different time costs: One-year taught master's programs allow you to enter the workforce earlier, though studying abroad is generally more expensive.
- Degree certification: When applying to universities abroad, choose institutions and study modes that can be certified by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). The CSCSE has reiterated that foreign degrees obtained through cross-border remote learning are not within the scope of certification.
4. Can You Prepare for Both?
Yes, many students do this. The key is to stagger the timelines:
- October: Register for the domestic exam as usual; if you plan to apply for Fall 2027, finalize your target countries and universities at the same time.
- November–December: Focus primarily on sprinting for the initial exam, and try to get your language scores before the exam.
- Late December to March of the following year: Submit your university applications in a concentrated manner after the initial exam. Many programs in the UK and Hong Kong use rolling admissions, so the earlier you submit, the better.
- March–April of the following year: Make your final choice after receiving your domestic exam results and university offers.
Need Help?
If you want to evaluate whether you are better suited for the domestic exam or applying for a master's degree abroad, you can book a free consultation with a Forbest admissions counselor; if you need to improve your GRE or IELTS scores, check out our GRE courses and IELTS courses.