Two fundamental tests for English majors in colleges across China have been postponed, adding to the already long list of examinations delayed due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Tests for English Majors (TEM) which include two levels – TEM4 and TEM8 – have been delayed, the office in charge of the tests announced on Monday. TEM8 was scheduled for March 21 and the lower level TEM4 for April 18. It is not known when the exams will be rescheduled. 

For English majors, passing the TEM4 is a graduation requirement while passing the TEM8 is essential for getting the graduate degree's diploma.

Earlier, universities that have independent recruitment tests for graduate students all announced postponement. Nationwide recruitment tests for graduate students, scheduled in April, remains unchanged so far.

Many art schools also announced delaying entrance exams due to the coronavirus epidemic, including Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama and the Academy of Arts & Design under Tsinghua University.

In late January, China's National Education Examinations Authority announced cancellation of English tests for IELTS, TOEFL and GRE and GMAT graduate entry exams scheduled in February.

Meanwhile, the auditions for national civil servant examinations have also been delayed. These exams comprise two parts: written exam and auditions. The written exam was held on November 24 while the auditions were scheduled for March.