CSCA Fees Explained: Complete Cost Breakdown for 2026

How much does the CSCA really cost? Exam fees, additional services, and hidden expenses you should know about.

RR
Dr. Rupesh Regmi
PhD, Tsinghua University
Updated February 2026
Flash-Pass TL;DR
  • CSCA exam fees range from $120-$180 USD depending on your country and test center.
  • Additional costs may include rescheduling ($30), extra score reports ($20 each), and verification ($50).
  • Fee waivers are available for students from low-income countries or those experiencing financial hardship.

How Much Does the CSCA Cost?

The base CSCA exam fee varies by country, primarily based on local economic conditions and test center operational costs. Here's the typical fee structure:

CSCA Exam Fees by Region (2026)
Region/Country TypeExam Fee (USD)
High-income countries (USA, UK, EU, Japan)$160 - $180
Upper-middle income (China, Malaysia, Thailand)$140 - $160
Lower-middle income (Nepal, Kenya, Morocco)$120 - $140
Low-income countries (special rates)$80 - $100

The exam fee includes registration, test administration, scoring, and score reporting to up to 5 universities.

What Additional Fees Should You Expect?

Are there any hidden costs when taking the CSCA?

Beyond the base exam fee, several additional services may incur charges:

Additional CSCA Fees
ServiceFee (USD)When Needed
Rescheduling (15-30 days before)$30Changing test date
Additional score report$20 eachSending scores to more than 5 universities
Score verification$50Requesting manual score review
Duplicate score report$25Replacing lost report
Express score delivery$40Rush delivery to universities

Are Fee Waivers Available?

Yes, the CSCA offers fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. Waiver eligibility is based on:

🔬Scientist's Note

Approximately 15% of CSCA test-takers receive some form of fee assistance. If you're unsure whether you qualify, we recommend applying anyway—the worst outcome is a polite decline.

To apply for a fee waiver, submit the Fee Waiver Request Form at least 6 weeks before your intended test date through your CSCA account.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

CSCA accepts various payment methods depending on your location:

All fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Partial payments are not accepted.

What's the Total Cost of Taking the CSCA?

Here's a realistic breakdown of the total cost for a typical CSCA test-taker:

Typical Total CSCA Costs
ItemCost (USD)
CSCA Exam Fee$120 - $180
Study Materials$50 - $100
Transportation to test center$10 - $50
Additional score reports (3)$60
Total Estimated Cost$240 - $390
🎯
Check Your Knowledge
A student in Nepal wants to send their CSCA scores to 8 universities. How much will they pay in additional score report fees?
$20
$40
$60
$100

Frequently Asked Questions

The exam fee is fully refundable if you cancel more than 30 days before your test date. Cancellations 15-30 days before receive a 50% refund. No refund for cancellations less than 15 days before.
Yes, someone else can pay using their payment method. Just ensure the registration is under your name and credentials.
No, you can pay in your local currency or USD. The system will automatically convert based on current exchange rates.
No, retakes cost the same as the initial exam. However, some test centers offer occasional promotional discounts—check their websites.

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