Introduction to the HSK Chinese Language Proficiency Course and Test
Welcome to the Confucius Institute at the University of Queensland.
This short introductory page will cover:
Why learn Mandarin?
Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Learning Mandarin is without doubt a highly rewarding experience. Speaking and understanding Mandarin will open up new gateways in relation to:
- Career Development: China is currently Australia’s largest trading partner playing an important role in Australia’s trade strategies and development. With a range of exchange taking place with China, having an understanding of the language will no doubt be advantageous.
- Travel: A number of countries and regions utilise Mandarin as either their primary or supporting language. Language skills will enrich your experience significantly when travelling to Mandarin-speaking regions.
- Culture: Celebrate Chinese culture through your language skills. With thousands of years of culture and history, language learners can immerse themselves in the Arts, music, cuisine, dance and architecture to name a few.
What is the HSK?
The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is China's national standardized test designed and developed by the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers. The standard HSK test (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) assesses the test takers’ ability to in listening and reading comprehension and is an important part of the Chinese testing system. These are standardized exams for Chinese language proficiency and are aimed at non-native Chinese speakers of all levels. The HSK is a highly valued tool used in the assessing those with aspirations for study, research and employment in China.
Reasons to undertake the HSK include:
- Evaluate your Mandarin abilities
- For Queensland school students, gain credit towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (Test levels 2 to 6, conditions apply).
- Receive official recognition for your language skills
- Results may be useful for study and work applications to China
- Expand vocabulary through the Hanban mock testing (available online)
For more information, visit the Hanban website
Test preparation materials database
Materials are available to assist with the preparation for HSK learning, particular in relation to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Materials include text, resources and learning implementation guidelines. Content is available under following 7 categories:
- Business and Commerce
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Science, Technology and Environment
- Social Sciences
- The Arts
- Sample Texts
About the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA)
The QCAA (formerly the Queensland Studies Authority) provides a range of educational services to Queensland schools and the community. Services include Syllabuses, Assessment and moderation, Certification, Information on Tertiary entrance, and research and policy analyses.
The key roles of the QCAA are to assist and support schools to deliver the best curriculum and assessment practices for all young people from Kindergarten to Year 12.In addition to assisting and supporting schools, the QCAA has an important role to play to ensure that schools make correct decisions around standards, and that those decisions around standards are made reliably and with validity.
For further information, visit the QCAA website
About the Confucius Institute at UQ
In partnership with Tianjin University in China, the Confucius Institute at The University of Queensland was established in October 2009 under an agreement between UQ and the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban).
The Confucius Institute seeks to promote the learning of Chinese language and culture at UQ and in the broader community, and to initiate, facilitate and promote student and staff exchange and research collaboration between UQ and China with a particular focus on science, engineering and technology, and Chinese studies.
In providing assistance and advice to faculties, schools, research institutes and the central administration on their engagement with China, the role of the Confucius Institute also complements existing teaching and research programs in Chinese studies at UQ. This involves regularly organising public lectures, seminars, workshops and forums on China-related themes.
Courses in Chinese language and culture, Chinese-English translation and interpreting, and business communication are arranged and offered to UQ and the broader community.
The Confucius Institute organizes research internship study tours to China for UQ students each year. Students participating in this program may gain credit towards their degrees at UQ. The institute also periodically holds Chinese language proficiency tests including the
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) and YCT (Youth Chinese Test). Regional heats are also organised annually for the international ‘Chinese Bridge’ proficiency competition.
The Institute highly values service to the broader community including schools with Chinese programs and corporations and organisations engaging with China. Support offered ranges from courses in Chinese language and culture, China study tours, Confucius Classroom establishment and linkage to Chinese partners.