Study in China: How to Apply for The Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025

The Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered to study Chinese language and culture in more than 150 Chinese Universities. The CIS scholarship includes tuition and lodging fees, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance for personal expenses.

When is the Application Deadline:

• Start in September: Apply by May 1, 2025.
• Start in March: Apply by November 1, 2025.

Tell Me About The Confucius Institute Scholarship:

The Confucius Institute Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students to study Chinese language and culture at more than 150 Chinese universities. It includes tuition, lodging fees, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance for personal expenses.

Read Also: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in China for International Students

Which Fields are Eligible?

• Chinese Language and Culture Studies
• Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (BTCSOL, MTCSOL)
• Other specific doctoral studies, research stays, and participation in international conferences related to Chinese language and culture.

Type:

Fully Funded Scholarship

Who Can Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?

• International students aged 16-35.
  • The age limit is extended up to 45 years for applicants currently working as Chinese teachers.
• Applicants for undergraduate scholarships should not exceed 20 years of age.
• Applicants must not have Chinese nationality and must be in good health.

How are Applicants Selected?

• Academic and language proficiency (HSK and/or BCT scores)
• Recommendation letters
• Motivation letter
• Health and age eligibility
• Priority for those who demonstrate current or future employment as Chinese language teachers.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

All countries (excluding China).

Where will the Award be Taken?

At any of the 150+ participating Chinese universities.

How Many Awards?

The number of awards varies by year and available funding.

What is the Benefit of the Award?

• Tuition and lodging fees in a university residence (shared room)
• Basic medical insurance
• Monthly allowance:
  • 2,500 Yuan/month (around 350 USD) for BTCSOL or Chinese language and culture course students
  • 3,000 Yuan/month (around 420 USD) for MTCSOL students
  • An additional 700 Yuan/month (for those opting to live outside the campus)
• Potential reimbursement for international flight expenses (depending on the country of origin).

How Long Will the Award Last?

• One Academic Year: 11 months (September-July or March-January)
• One Academic Semester: 5 months (September-January or March-July)
• Four-Week Courses: One month (December-January or July-August)
• Master in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (MTCSOL): 2 academic years
• Bachelor in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (BTCSOL): 4 academic years

How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship:

1. Apply online on the official Confucius Institute Scholarship website.
2. Contact the in-charge person at your local Confucius Institute or a Chinese embassy/consulate to submit paper documents.
3. Submit required documents, including:
   • Passport, passport-size photo
   • Health certificates (for programs longer than six months)
   • Language proficiency certificates (HSK/BCT)
   • Academic records and diplomas
   • Letters of recommendation
4. Monitor the application status online. Results are announced in early July (for the September start) or early January (for the March start).

Visit the Award Webpage for Details:

For more details, please visit the official Confucius Institute Scholarship Website.

If you have questions about this scholarship, contact your local Confucius Institute or a Chinese embassy/consulate.