Are you interested in studying the Chinese language and culture in China with full financial support? The Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026 is now open to international students worldwide. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship provides opportunities to study at over 150 universities in China.
Offered by the Chinese government through the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), this scholarship promotes Chinese language education and cross-cultural exchange. It supports students, scholars, and teachers pursuing degree and non-degree programs related to the Chinese language and teaching.
Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026 – Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | China |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s (BTCSOL), Master’s (MTCSOL), Non-degree programs |
| Fields Covered | Chinese Language, Culture, Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language |
| Eligible Countries | All nationalities (except Chinese citizens) |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition, accommodation, insurance, and monthly stipend |
| Stipend Amount | ¥2,500/month (language) or ¥3,000/month (MTCSOL) |
| Program Duration | 4 weeks to 4 years, depending on the category |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2026 (September intake), November 1, 2026 (March intake) |
| Application Mode | Online + physical document submission to designated centers |
About the Confucius Institute Scholarship
The Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) is a fully funded program that allows students to study the Chinese language and culture in China. Scholarships are available for short-term language courses, degree programs (BTCSOL and MTCSOL), and teacher training programs.
Scholarship recipients benefit from:
- Full tuition waiver
- Free university accommodation or housing allowance
- Medical insurance
- Monthly living stipend:
- ¥2,500 (approx. $350) for language students
- ¥3,000 (approx. $420) for MTCSOL students
If a student chooses to live off-campus, they can receive an additional ¥700/month for housing.
Scholarship Categories and Duration
Chinese Language & Culture Programs
- One-Year Program: 11 months starting in September or March.
- One-Semester Program: 5 months starting in September or March.
- Four-Week Program: 1-month short courses during winter or summer breaks.
Teacher Training Programs
- MTCSOL (Master’s in Teaching Chinese) – 2 academic years
- 1-Year Chinese + 2-Year MTCSOL – Total of 3 years
- BTCSOL (Bachelor’s in Teaching Chinese) – 4 academic years
Applicants can choose two preferred host universities from the list of over 150 participating Chinese institutions.
Benefits of the Confucius Institute Scholarship
Recipients of the 2026 scholarship receive the following benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- On-campus shared accommodation or ¥700 monthly housing allowance
- Monthly living allowance:
- ¥2,500/month for language students
- ¥3,000/month for MTCSOL students
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Return international airfare (for selected countries and long-term programs)
Visa support documents after admission confirmation
Note: Renewal of multi-year scholarships depends on academic performance and annual evaluation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens in good health
- Be aged 16–35 (up to 45 for current Chinese teachers; 20 max for BTCSOL)
- Meet specific language proficiency requirements (HSK and HSKK):
- Academic Year Program: HSK3 (≥180) + HSKK (≥60)
- MTCSOL: HSK5 (≥210) + HSKK Intermediate
- Hold relevant academic qualifications:
- MTCSOL: Bachelor’s degree
- BTCSOL: High school diploma
- Provide recommendation letters:
- 1 for BTCSOL or language applicants
- 2 for MTCSOL applicants
- Submit a motivation letter (approx. 300 words) as part of the online application
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photo
- HSK/HSKK test scores
- Educational certificates and transcripts (translated if necessary)
- Medical form (for stays longer than 6 months)
- Letters of recommendation
- Short motivation letter
- Proof of Chinese teaching employment (if applicable)
How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Online Application
Visit the official Confucius Institute scholarship portal: https://www.chinese.cn/page/#/pcpage/project_detail - Register and Fill the Form
Create an account and complete the application form. Choose up to two preferred universities. - Upload Required Documents
Submit all documents scanned and in the correct format. - Submit Hard Copies
Submit paper copies to your nearest:- Confucius Institute
- Chinese embassy or consulate
- Official test center (HSK/HSKK)
Your local Confucius Institute will forward your application to Hanban in China.
- Wait for Results
Results are usually published:- July for September intake
- January for the March intake
- Visa and Pre-departure
Scholarship documents for visa processing are sent within 15 days of selection.
For more details, visit the official website here.
Important Dates
- May 1, 2026: Deadline for September intake
- November 1, 2026: Deadline for March intake
- July 2026: Results for September intake
- January 2027: Results for March intake
FAQs
Is the Confucius Institute Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly stipend.
Can I choose my preferred university?
Yes, you may select two universities from the list during your online application.
Do I need to know Chinese to apply?
Yes, basic proficiency (HSK/HSKK) is required and varies by scholarship type.
4Can I apply if I’m not studying at a Confucius Institute?
Yes, you can apply through a Confucius Institute, an embassy, or an exam centre.
Can I renew the scholarship every year?
Yes, for multi-year programs, renewal depends on your academic performance.
What if I want to live off-campus?
You may request to live off-campus and receive an additional ¥700/month housing allowance.
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