Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026: Application Guide
The Confucius Institute Scholarship helps international students study Chinese in China. Its official name is now the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, but many applicants still use the old name.
It helps students learn Chinese through Chinese language study, language courses, and degrees in International Chinese Language Education.
Quick Answer
- Official Name: International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (formerly the Confucius Institute Scholarship).
- Programs: Short courses and degree programs
- Requirements: HSK or HSKK results and a recommendation
- Coverage: Tuition, housing, insurance, and living support
- Hosts: Participating Chinese universities
- Quick Answer
- What Is the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
- What Does the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Cover?
- Confucius Institute Scholarship Program Options
- Who Can Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
- Which Chinese Universities Offer the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
- How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship
- What Documents Do You Need?
- Confucius Institute Scholarship Application Deadlines for 2026
- Tips for a Strong Application
- How Do CSC Scholarships Compare to Other China Study Options?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Articles
What Is the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
The Center for Language Education and Cooperation, or CLEC, runs the Confucius Institute Scholarship program. Check CLEC and Ministry of Education notices for current rules.
It supports non-native speakers, future teachers, and researchers interested in chinese language education and chinese language learning.
Participating Chinese universities serve as host institutions. You may also see the shorter name Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, but International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is the current official name.
What Does the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Cover?
Most scholarships cover:
- Tuition fee
- Accommodation or university housing
- Monthly living support
- Medical insurance
Four-week, special, and online programs may cover less. Check the latest university notice before you apply.
Confucius Institute Scholarship Program Options
Language programs and HSK levels vary by university. The image above compares the main options.
- Four-week study: Chinese language and culture, traditional Chinese medicine, Taiji, and similar subjects
- One-semester study: Usually five months; many programs require HSK 3 and HSKK
- One-year study: Usually 11 months; Chinese language study may require HSK 3 with 210 points
- Bachelor’s: Four academic years; usually HSK 4 plus HSKK
- Master’s: Two academic years; usually HSK 5 plus HSKK
- Doctoral: Four academic years; usually HSK 6 plus advanced HSKK
Check the required HSK test level before applying.
Who Can Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
General applicants should:
- Be citizens of a country other than the People’s Republic of China
- Be in good health and have a good academic record
- Follow Chinese laws and regulations and university rules
- Meet the required HSK, HSKK, and age rules
- Be interested in Chinese language education
Most applicants must be 16 to 35 years old. Working Chinese language teachers can apply up to age 45. Bachelor’s applicants are usually 25 or younger.
Chinese citizens cannot apply and should look for other university or Chinese government funding.
Which Chinese Universities Offer the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
More than 200 institutions are on the scholarship host list. Each university chooses which programs and study levels to offer.
Popular host institutions include:
- Beijing Language and Culture University — Chinese language learning and international teacher education
- Beijing Normal University — education and teacher training
- Peking University — broad academic programs in Beijing
- Central South University — comprehensive programs and a large international campus
- Beijing Foreign Studies University — foreign languages and international studies
- East China Normal University — education and teaching Chinese as a foreign language
Compare the available program, HSK level, city, and scholarship category before choosing.
Check the official 2026 host list and the latest notices from CLEC, the university, and the Ministry of Education
How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship
Follow these five steps:
- Choose a program. Check the HSK or HSKK requirements.
- Choose a host university. Make sure it offers your scholarship.
- Contact a recommending institution. This may be an HSK center, Confucius Institute, university, or Chinese embassy.
- Prepare your documents. Follow the university checklist.
- Submit the application. Use the official scholarship platform.
Some universities also ask you to apply through their own system.
The university and scholarship team will then review your application.
For more help, read How to Apply to Chinese Universities.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Passport
- Diploma and academic transcript
- HSK and HSKK results
- Recommendation
- Study plan, if required
- University application documents
Degree applicants may also need recommendation letters, a research proposal, CSCA score, proof of teaching experience, or a supervisor acceptance letter.
Each university has different requirements. Follow the checklist from your chosen university.
Read the HSK level guide and 2026 CSCA exam guide to learn more.
Confucius Institute Scholarship Application Deadlines for 2026
The main 2026 application deadlines are:
- July 2026 intake: April 15, 2026
- September 2026 intake: May 15, 2026
- December 2026 intake: September 15, 2026
- March 2027 intake: October 31, 2026
Some universities may set earlier deadlines, so start preparing several weeks in advance.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Choose a program that matches your HSK level.
- Take HSKK early if required.
- Contact your recommending institution early.
- Follow all application procedures.
- Use clear documents with matching personal details.
Scholarship recipients must follow university rules. Students with another Chinese government scholarship should check if they can receive both awards.
How Do CSC Scholarships Compare to Other China Study Options?
The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship focuses on Chinese language education.
A Chinese Government Scholarship through the China Scholarship Council covers more subjects, including engineering, business, medicine, and science and technology. CSC scholarships may suit students who want to study another subject.
The China Scholarship Council and Chinese Government Scholarships differ from this program in their application rules, universities, subjects, and scholarship categories.
A CSC China Scholarship may be better for a general bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree.
Students comparing scholarships for international students also ask:
- How can I apply for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship?
- What scholarships does the Chinese Scholarship Council offer for master’s studies?
- Which Chinese universities have the most affordable scholarships for international students?
These are separate Chinese scholarships. Check the rules before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is the current name, while many applicants still use the Confucius Institute Scholarship.
Most programs cover tuition, housing, medical insurance, and living support. Some short programs cover less.
The score depends on the program. One-semester study often requires HSK 3 with 180 points. One-year Chinese language study may require HSK 3 with 210 points. Degree programs usually require higher HSK levels and may also require HSKK.
No. Each host institution chooses which degree levels and language programs it offers.
Applicants usually cannot apply if they received a similar scholarship in the past three years. This applies to one-semester and one-year study.
Yes, in most cases. An approved recommending institution may be an HSK center, Confucius Institute, university department, or Chinese embassy.
Submit it through the official International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship platform. Your chosen university may also require a separate application.