Pursue your studies in China through one of the most popular fully funded scholarship programs for international students. The Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026–2027 is now open, offering comprehensive financial support to students interested in Chinese language and culture.
This article provides a complete overview of the Confucius Institute Scholarship, including its benefits, available categories, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process.
About the Confucius Institute Scholarship
The Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) is a fully funded program supported by the Chinese government to promote Chinese language education and cultural exchange worldwide. It allows international students to study at more than 150 universities across China.
The scholarship supports degree programs, non-degree Chinese language studies, research stays, and professional training related to Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language.
Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026 Benefits
The Confucius Institute Scholarship covers the following expenses:
• Full tuition fees
• On-campus accommodation (shared university residence)
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Monthly living allowance
Monthly stipend amounts are as follows:
• 2,500 RMB per month for BTCSOL students and Chinese language and culture programs
• 3,000 RMB per month for MTCSOL students
In some cases, scholarship recipients may choose to live off campus. If approved, the Confucius Institute provides an additional 700 RMB per month as housing support.
For scholarships longer than one academic year, funding is reviewed annually. Renewal depends on academic performance. Students with results below the required standard may lose the stipend or, in some cases, the full scholarship.
Depending on the applicant’s country of origin, international airfare to and from China may also be covered.
Categories and Duration of the Confucius Institute Scholarship
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Chinese Language and Culture Programs
• Academic year scholarship: 11 months (September–July or March–January)
• One-semester scholarship: 5 months (September–January or March–July)
• Four-week scholarship: Winter (December–January) or Summer (July–August)
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Scholarships for Future Chinese Language Teachers
• Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (BTCSOL): 4 years
• Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (MTCSOL): 2 years
• One year of Chinese language study + 2 years of MTCSOL: 3 years total
Teacher-training scholarships usually begin in September or March.
Applicants may select up to two preferred universities from the list of participating institutions during the online application process. Availability varies by university and program.
How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
Application deadlines
• Early May (usually May 1) for programs starting in September
• Early November for programs starting in March
Application procedure
• Submit an online application through the official Confucius Institute Scholarship portal
• Upload scanned copies of all required documents, including passport and photograph
• Submit printed copies of documents to your local Confucius Institute, Chinese embassy or consulate, or an approved examination center
If you are currently enrolled at a Confucius Institute, the institute’s scholarship coordinator will forward your documents to Hanban headquarters in China.
Results announcement
• Early July for September intake
• Early January for March intake
Visa processing
Admission and visa documents are typically sent by post within 15 days after results are published. Delivery may take several weeks.
Eligibility Requirements for the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Must not hold Chinese nationality
• Must be in good physical and mental health
• Age requirement: 16–35 years (up to 45 for in-service Chinese language teachers)
• Undergraduate applicants must be under 20 years old
Language proficiency
Applicants must meet minimum Chinese language requirements (HSK and HSKK scores), depending on the program. For example, academic-year Chinese language programs generally require at least HSK Level 3 with a minimum score of 180.
Academic qualifications
• MTCSOL: Bachelor’s degree and academic transcript
• BTCSOL and language programs: High school diploma
Documents not issued in English or Chinese must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Recommendation letters
• One letter for Chinese language and BTCSOL programs
• Two letters for MTCSOL programs
Letters must be endorsed by the Confucius Institute through which the applicant applies.
Applicants who can demonstrate employment prospects as Chinese language teachers after graduation are given priority for MTCSOL scholarships.
Applicants for one-semester or four-week programs must not have previously studied in China.