International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (Confucius): Complete Guide 2025

The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (formerly Confucius Institute Scholarship) is administered by CLEC and funds future and current teachers of Chinese. It offers full tuition, accommodation support, monthly living allowances, and medical insurance across multiple program tracks from four-year degrees to short-term training.

Compare this route with the CSC Scholarship, other non‑CSC scholarships, and BRI programs like the Belt & Road Scholarship. For overall admissions planning, see Comprehensive Application Guide and Application Tips.

Coverage and Benefits

Tuition: full waiver for all approved program types and durations
Accommodation: on‑campus dormitory or off‑campus subsidy for the scholarship period
Living allowance: monthly stipend varying by program level (doctoral > master’s > bachelor’s > short‑term)
Medical insurance: comprehensive plan activated at registration

Program Categories and Paths

Doctoral in International Chinese Language Education

Four‑year research‑intensive program with supervisor guidance. Typical minimums: HSK 6 (≥200) and HSKK Advanced (≥60). Research areas include second language acquisition, curriculum, edu‑tech, cross‑cultural communication, and linguistics.

Master’s in International Chinese Language Education (MTCSOL)

Two‑year professional training that blends theory and practicum. Common requirements: HSK 5 (≥210) and HSKK Intermediate (≥60); some hosts prefer HSK 6. Internships, micro‑teaching, and classroom observation are typical.

Bachelor’s in International Chinese Language Education

Four‑year undergraduate program combining language, literature, pedagogy, and culture. Usual entry: HSK 4 (≥210) and HSKK Intermediate (≥60); age limit commonly ≤25.

One‑Year Programs

Eleven‑month tracks for upskilling: International Chinese Education (typical HSK 3 ≥270), Chinese Language & Literature (HSK 4 ≥180 + HSKK), and Chinese Language Study (HSK 3 ≥210).

One‑Semester Programs

Five‑month intensive options (start in Sep or Mar) with HSK 3 (≥180) + HSKK per track. Some hosts offer Traditional Chinese Medicine or Tai Chi Culture variants.

Four‑Week Programs

Short cultural and language immersion (Jul/Dec): Chinese Language Study, TCM, Tai Chi Culture, or Home‑Stay Experience. Group applications (10–15) via recommending institutions may receive priority.

Application Platform and Timeline

Register and apply at chinese.cn. You can select recommending institutions (Confucius Institutes/Classrooms, HSK centers, universities) and apply to multiple host universities.

Sept 2025 intake (semester): applications open Sep; deadlines Oct–Nov
Sept 2025–May 2026 degree cycles: most windows open Feb with deadlines mid‑May (degree) and into early Jun (shorter tracks)
Tip: submit early; many hosts review on a rolling basis

Documents Checklist

Passport photo page (valid beyond start date)
HSK and HSKK score reports (within two‑year validity)
Academic credentials and transcripts (per level)
Recommendations from recommending institutions
Personal statement in Chinese (length varies by level)
Two recommendation letters from professors/supervisors
Medical exam (Foreigner Physical Examination Form) and non‑criminal record, if required

Host‑Specific Requirements (Examples)

Some hosts request provisional supervisor acceptance (doctoral) or higher HSK for master’s; e.g., BFSU prefers HSK 6 for MTCSOL; ZJU requires provisional acceptance for doctoral applicants.
Additional items may include teaching demo videos, lesson plans, or extra certifications.

How to Maximize Your Chances

Language Preparation

Begin HSK/HSKK prep ≥6 months ahead. Aim above the minimum to strengthen competitiveness and allow for retakes within validity.

Teaching Experience

Gain tutoring/assistant experience, join cultural activities, and document workshops or certifications from recognized bodies.

Recommending Institutions

Build relationships early with Confucius Institutes/Classrooms, HSK centers, or university Chinese programs to secure strong recommendations.

Personal Statement

Write in Chinese; be specific about goals, host fit, and classroom readiness. Address weaknesses proactively and highlight growth trajectory.

Life as a Recipient

Academic Expectations

Attendance and GPA standards apply; degree tracks include theses (e.g., MTCSOL 20k–30k characters; doctoral 80k–100k) and supervised practicum.

Cultural Integration

Engage in clubs and community; mixed international dorms and roommate programs accelerate language and cultural adaptation.

Professional Development

Conference participation, internships with schools/ed‑tech/cultural orgs, and alumni networks support career launch.

Careers After the Scholarship

Teaching tracks: K‑12, universities, international schools
Leadership: department heads, curriculum coordinators, program directors
Alternatives: translation/interpretation, ed‑tech content, cultural programming, consulting