Are you planning to study in China with a fully funded scholarship? Great news—the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025–2026 is now open for international students. This prestigious program provides an incredible opportunity to pursue Chinese language and culture studies at more than 150 top Chinese universities. If you are interested in scholarships offered for postgraduates and researchers, you can take a look here.
In this guide, we will cover the Confucius Institute Scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, categories of study, and step-by-step application process to help you prepare a successful application.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: China
- Scholarship Provider: Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban)
- Participating Institutions: 150+ Chinese universities
- Eligible Applicants: Students from all countries worldwide
- Application Deadlines:
- Early May (around May 1) for programs starting in September
- Early November for programs starting in March
Benefits of the Confucius Institute Scholarship
Successful applicants will enjoy comprehensive financial coverage under this fully funded scholarship in China, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Free university accommodation (shared room in student residence)
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Monthly living stipend, as follows:
- 2,500 RMB/month for BTCSOL students or Chinese language and culture programs (approx. 350 USD)
- 3,000 RMB/month for MTCSOL students (approx. 420 USD)
Additionally, students who opt for off-campus housing may receive an extra 700 RMB/month to assist with rental costs.
Scholarship Categories and Duration
1. Scholarships for Chinese Language & Culture
- One Academic Year: 11 months (September–July or March–January)
- One Semester: 5 months (September–January or March–July)
- Four Weeks: Intensive short-term courses during winter (Dec–Jan) or summer (July–Aug)
2. Scholarships for Training Future Chinese Language Teachers
- MTCSOL Master’s Program: 2 years
- 1-Year Chinese Language + 2 Years MTCSOL: Total of 3 years
- BTCSOL Bachelor’s Program: 4 years
Applicants may select two preferred universities (from over 150 across China) when applying online. Take a look at the universities which offer Confucius Institute Scholarship (register first to access all the information, which is in Chinese and English) and find the course of your choice (not all universities offer all the modalities mentioned above).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality & Health: Non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health.
- For stays longer than 6 months, a Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required at the host university.
- Age Limit:
- General applicants: 16–35 years
- Chinese language teachers: Up to 45 years
- Undergraduate BTCSOL applicants: Not older than 20 years
- Language Proficiency:
- Proof of HSK or BCT test scores according to program type.
- Example: For a one-year Chinese language program, applicants must score at least HSK3 (180 points) and HSK Oral (60 points).
- Minimum Academic Qualifications:
- MTCSOL: Undergraduate degree and academic transcripts required
- BTCSOL & Language Programs: High school diploma required
- Documents not in English or Chinese must be officially translated
- Recommendation Letters:
- 1 letter for BTCSOL or Chinese language courses
- 2 letters for MTCSOL applicants
- Letters must be endorsed by the Confucius Institute director or equivalent authority
- Additional Notes:
- Priority for MTCSOL will be given to applicants who commit to teaching Chinese after graduation
- Applicants for semester or short-term scholarships must not have studied previously in China
Also; read: Keio University Japan ADB Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025:
- Online Application
- Apply through the official Confucius Institute Scholarship website (upload passport, photo, transcripts, HSK results, and other required documents). The application must be made online in the official page of the Confucius Institute scholarships (you need to have all the documents scanned, including your passport and a passport-size photo).
- Submit Paper Documents
- Submit certified copies of all documents to your local Confucius Institute office.
- If not enrolled at a Confucius Institute, you may submit through a Chinese embassy/consulate or designated partner institution in your country.
- Selection Results
- Results are published online:
- Early July (for September intake)
- Early January (for March intake)
- Visa Documents
- Within 15 days after the announcement, admission letters and JW202 visa forms are sent by post. Delivery may take several weeks.
- Motivation Letter
- Applicants must write a 300-word personal statement explaining their goals and expectations.
The Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025 is one of the best tuition-free scholarships in China for international students who want to learn Chinese, explore the country’s rich culture, or build a career as a Chinese language teacher. With full financial support, wide university options, and flexible program durations, it opens doors for both students and researchers from around the globe.
