Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026 , China (Fully Funded)

The Confucius Institute Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded scholarship in China for international students who wish to study Chinese language, culture, and teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Funded by the Confucius Institute (Hanban), this scholarship supports students from around the world to study at over 150 Chinese universities, making it one of the most popular opportunities for learning Mandarin in China.

This scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and provides a monthly living allowance, allowing students to focus fully on their academic and cultural experience in China.

The Confucius Institute Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Free accommodation in a university dormitory (shared room)
• Basic medical insurance
• Monthly living allowance, as follows:

1. 2,500 RMB per month for Chinese language and BTCSOL students
2. 3,000 RMB per month for MTCSOL students

• Additional 700 RMB per month housing subsidy for approved off-campus living
• In some countries, international airfare to and from China is also covered

For scholarships longer than one year, funding is reviewed annually based on academic performance.

Categories and Duration

Chinese Language and Culture Scholarships

• One Academic Year: 11 months
• One Semester: 5 months
• Four-Week Programs: Winter or summer short courses

Scholarships for Future Chinese Language Teachers

• BTCSOL (Bachelor’s): 4 academic years
• MTCSOL (Master’s): 2 academic years
• 1 Year Chinese Language + MTCSOL: Total duration of 3 years

The Confucius Institute Scholarship is available for the following levels:

1. Short-term Chinese language programs
2. Undergraduate (BTCSOL – Bachelor’s in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages)
3. Master’s (MTCSOL – Master’s in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages)
4. Research and training programs related to Chinese language and culture

The scholarship focuses on programs related to:

• Chinese Language
• Chinese Culture
• Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (TCSOL)
• Sinology
• Chinese Linguistics
• Cross-Cultural Studies

• Open to all international students
• Applicants must not hold Chinese nationality

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be non-Chinese citizens and in good physical and mental health
• Age requirement:

1. 16–35 years (up to 45 for in-service Chinese language teachers)
2. Undergraduate applicants must not exceed 20 years of age
3. Must meet HSK and HSKK language requirements based on the chosen program

• Academic requirements:

1. High school diploma for Chinese language or BTCSOL programs
2. Bachelor’s degree for MTCSOL programs

• Recommendation letters:

1. One letter for language or BTCSOL programs
2. Two letters for MTCSOL programs

• Applicants for MTCSOL with confirmed teaching employment prospects after graduation are given preference
• Applicants for short-term programs must not have previously studied in China

Follow these steps to apply:

• Choose your preferred program and universities offering the CIS
• Complete the online application on the official Confucius Institute Scholarship portal
• Upload all required documents, including passport, photo, academic certificates, and HSK results
• Submit printed documents to:

1. Your local Confucius Institute, or
2. A Chinese embassy/consulate, or
3. An authorized Hanban-affiliated institution

• Write a motivation letter (around 300 words) during the online application
• Wait for results:

1. July for September intake
2. January for March intake

• Receive admission and visa documents by post and apply for a Chinese student visa

Why Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?

• Study Chinese in top-ranked Chinese universities
• Gain deep exposure to Chinese culture and society
• Excellent pathway for careers in education, diplomacy, translation, and international business
• Fully funded opportunity with minimal financial burden