Overview
The Confucius Institute Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program established by the Chinese government through the Hanban (Chinese International Chinese Education Foundation) and administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). The scholarship was created to support the development of Confucius Institutes worldwide, facilitate the promotion of Chinese language and culture globally, and provide sponsorship to students, scholars, and Chinese language teachers from foreign countries to pursue studies at relevant universities in China.
The scholarship is available for Bachelor’s degree studies, Master’s degree programmes, and non-degree Chinese language and culture courses (short-term programmes). Applications are made through Confucius Institutes or Confucius Classrooms affiliated with recognized universities or institutions in your home country. The scholarship places a special emphasis on Chinese language studies and is designed for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of Chinese language and culture.
What’s Included?
The Confucius Institute Scholarship covers the following benefits for successful recipients:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: All tuition fees are fully covered for the duration of the programme.
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly living stipend is provided (amount varies by programme level and year of study).
- Accommodation: Free on-campus housing or a housing allowance is provided.
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the programme in China.
- One-Time Settling-In Allowance: A one-time arrival allowance to cover initial expenses upon reaching China.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Confucius Institute Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country other than China and hold a non-Chinese passport.
- Connection to Confucius Institutes: Applicants must be nominated by a Confucius Institute or Confucius Classroom in their home country.
- Academic Level: Eligible for Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or non-degree Chinese language study programmes.
- Age: Varies by programme level — typically under 25 for undergraduate, under 35 for Master’s.
- Academic Performance: Must demonstrate solid academic achievement and a genuine interest in Chinese language and culture.
- Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Language: Prior knowledge of Chinese is an advantage; programmes are primarily conducted in Chinese, though some English-taught options exist.
How to Apply
Applications for the Confucius Institute Scholarship are made through affiliated Confucius Institutes, not directly to the CSC. Here is how the process works:
- Contact the nearest Confucius Institute or Confucius Classroom in your home country to find out if they participate in the Confucius Institute Scholarship program.
- Obtain a nomination from the Confucius Institute — this is required to apply.
- Complete the online application form through the CSC Online Scholarship Application System at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn.
- Submit required documents including: valid passport copy, academic transcripts and diploma, personal statement or study plan, medical examination report, and letters of recommendation.
- Submit your full application through your nominating Confucius Institute.
- The CSC reviews applications and finalizes the list of recipients.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | January each year (varies by Confucius Institute) |
| Application Deadline | December 31, 2026 (check with your local Confucius Institute) |
| Results Notification | May–July each year |
| Programme Start | September each year |
Contact Information
To apply, contact your nearest Confucius Institute or visit the official application website at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn. For more information about the Confucius Institute Scholarship, you can also visit campuschina.org or reach out to CSC directly:
- Asia: asia-admission@csc.edu.cn | Tel: +86-10-66093584
- Africa: africa-admission@csc.edu.cn | Tel: +86-10-66093924
- Europe: europe-admission@csc.edu.cn | Tel: +86-10-66093921
- Americas & Oceania: americas-admission@csc.edu.cn | Tel: +86-10-66093578
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