Study in China with the Confucius Institute Scholarship
The Confucius Institute Scholarship helps international students study Chinese and related degree programs at universities in China.
Universities now usually call it the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. However, many applicants still know the program by its former name. Both terms refer to the same scholarship.
The scholarship supports short courses, semester programs, one-year study, and selected degree programs. Most categories cover tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and living costs. The program offers valuable financial support for students planning to study in China.
Quick Answer
The Confucius Institute Scholarship has a new official name: the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.
It supports international students, Chinese language teachers, and learners interested in Chinese language study. Eligible programs include short-term language courses and degrees in International Chinese Language Education.
Most applicants need valid HSK results, academic documents, and a recommendation from an approved institution. Requirements depend on the selected university and program.
- Quick Answer
- What Is the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
- Scholarship Availability and Official Name
- International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Coverage
- Which Confucius Institute Scholarship Program Can You Choose?
- Who Can Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
- Which Chinese Universities Offer the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
- How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship
- Confucius Institute Scholarship Application Documents
- Confucius Institute Scholarship Deadlines for 2026
- Tips for a Strong Application
- Часто задаваемые вопросы
- Related Articles
What Is the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
The Confucius Institute Scholarship supports the development of Chinese language education outside China.
The Center for Language Education and Cooperation, or CLEC, manages the program. It serves Chinese learners, teachers, and students preparing for careers in Chinese language teaching.
Approved recommending institutions may include:
- Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms
- Selected HSK test centers
- Chinese departments at overseas universities
- Chinese language teacher-training programs
- Professional teaching associations
- Chinese embassies and consulates
These organizations recommend applicants to participating universities. Each participating Chinese university is called a host institution.
Scholarship Availability and Official Name
The scholarship remains available.
Current university notices normally use the name International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. The former name, the Confucius Institute Scholarship, also appears in university guides and student searches.
Applicants may therefore see either name while comparing programs, universities, and application rules.
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Coverage
Most standard scholarship categories provide:
| Scholarship benefit | Common coverage |
| Tuition | Full tuition coverage |
| Accommodation | University dormitory or approved housing support |
| Living expenses | Monthly allowance for eligible programs |
| Medical insurance | Comprehensive insurance during study in China |
Four-week programs generally do not include a monthly allowance. Online courses and special programs may also provide fewer benefits.
Applicants should review the latest terms from their selected host institution before starting the application.
Which Confucius Institute Scholarship Program Can You Choose?
Program options differ by university.
| Program | Usual length | Typical language level |
| Four-week study | 4 weeks | Requirements vary |
| One-semester study | 5 months | Often HSK 3 |
| One-year study | 11 months | Often HSK 3 or HSK 4 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4 years | Often HSK 4 and HSKK |
| Master’s degree | 2 years | Often HSK 5 and HSKK |
| Doctoral degree | 4 years | Often HSK 6 and HSKK |
Short programs usually focus on:
- Chinese language study
- Chinese language and culture
- Chinese language and literature
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Taiji and other cultural subjects
Degree programs often focus on International Chinese Language Education and teacher training. Some universities offer bachelor’s degrees, while others focus on a master’s degree or non-degree language study.
Students who plan to study Chinese full time should compare the course length, HSK level, and scholarship benefits.
The Beijing Language and Culture University scholarship guide provides one example of current program requirements.
Who Can Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
General applicants should:
- Be citizens of a country other than China
- Maintain a good academic and behavioral record
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Follow Chinese laws and university rules
- Show an interest in Chinese language education
- Meet the required HSK and HSKK levels
- Meet the age limit for the selected program
Many programs accept applicants between 16 and 35 years old. Working Chinese language teachers may receive an extended age limit of up to 45.
Universities commonly set a lower age limit for bachelor’s applicants. Check the rules for your chosen course before applying.
These programs are generally not open to Chinese citizens. Chinese applicants should explore other university or Chinese government funding options.
Which Chinese Universities Offer the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
More than 200 institutions appear on the scholarship host list. However, every university selects its own programs and study levels.
Popular institutions include:
| Университет | Main strengths |
| Пекинский университет языка и культуры | Chinese language learning and international teacher education |
| Пекинский нормальный университет | Education, teacher training, and academic research |
| Пекинский университет | Comprehensive academic programs in Beijing |
| Центральный Южный Университет | Comprehensive programs and a large international campus |
| Пекинский университет иностранных языков | Languages and international studies |
| Восточно-китайский нормальный университет | Education and Chinese language teaching |
Students should not choose a university based only on its reputation. A high-quality program should also match the applicant’s HSK level, subject interests, career goals, and preferred city.
Use the official host-institution list to review participating universities.
For more choices, see the full list of universities offering CSC and Confucius Scholarships in China.
Applicants should also review current notices from the university, CLEC, and relevant Ministry of Education sources.
How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship
Complete these five steps:
- Select a program. Match it with your academic background and HSK or HSKK results.
- Select a host university. Confirm that the university offers your chosen scholarship category.
- Contact a recommending institution. Options may include an HSK test center, Confucius Institute, university, or Chinese embassy.
- Collect the required documents. Prepare your passport, transcript, diploma, language certificates, and recommendation letter.
- Submit the application. Apply through the official scholarship platform.
Some host universities require a second application through their own admission systems.
The host university and scholarship administrators assess each application. They normally announce the results before the program begins.
For additional guidance, read How to Apply to Chinese Universities.
Confucius Institute Scholarship Application Documents
Most applicants need:
- Passport copy
- Highest diploma and academic transcript
- Valid HSK and HSKK results
- Recommendation from an approved institution
- Study plan, when required
- Host university application documents
Degree applicants may also need:
- Academic recommendation letters
- Research proposal
- CSCA score
- Proof of teaching experience
- Supervisor acceptance letter
Document rules differ by university. Follow the checklist provided by your selected host institution.
Read the HSK level guide and 2026 CSCA exam guide for more information.
Confucius Institute Scholarship Deadlines for 2026
Common central deadlines include:
| Program start | Application deadline |
| July 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| September 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| December 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| March 2027 | October 31, 2026 |
Host universities may set earlier internal deadlines. Start preparing several weeks before the central closing date.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Select a program that matches your HSK level.
- Take HSKK early when the program requires it.
- Contact the recommending institution before the deadline.
- Follow the university’s application procedures carefully.
- Use clear document scans and consistent personal details.
- Connect your study plan with your academic or career goals.
Students already receiving another Chinese government scholarship should confirm whether they can hold both awards.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
In current university guides, the scholarship is usually published as the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, while many readers still search for the older term Confucius Institute Scholarship.
Most standard categories cover tuition, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly allowance. Short and online programs may provide fewer benefits.
It depends on the program. Many one-semester programs require HSK 3 with 180 points, one-year Chinese language study often uses HSK 3 with 210 points, bachelor’s programs often use HSK 4 with 210 points, and many master’s programs use HSK 5 with 210 points plus HSKK requirements.
No. Each host institution chooses which language programs and degree levels it offers.
In principle, applicants who have received a similar scholarship within the past three years are not eligible for the one-semester or one-year study programs.
Most applicants need support from an approved HSK test center, Confucius Institute, university department, or another recognized organization.
Submit the application through the official scholarship platform. The selected university may also require a separate application.
Related Articles
- Learn Chinese in China: Programs and Scholarships
- Chinese Language Programs in China
- What Is HSK? Levels and Requirements
- How to Apply to Chinese Universities
- Study Abroad in China: 2026 Guide
- How to Get a 100% Scholarship in China
- How to Choose the Right Chinese University
For More Information About The Scholarships in China, read our articles on CSC and Confucius Scholarships in China 2026–2027