Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025-2026 (Fully Funded): Study in China

Dreaming of studying in China for free? The Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025-2026 is now open for international students. This fully funded opportunity allows students from around the world to study Chinese language and culture at over 150 prestigious Chinese universities. In this guide, you'll find detailed information on the scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process.

What is the Confucius Institute Scholarship?

The Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) is a fully funded program designed to promote the Chinese language and culture globally. It is sponsored by the Chinese government and offers support to outstanding students, scholars, and Chinese language teachers interested in pursuing academic studies in China.

Why Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?

This scholarship offers a unique chance to:

Study at top universities in China.
Immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture.
Receive full financial support including tuition, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025 Benefits

Recipients of the CIS 2025-2026 will receive:

Full tuition coverage
Free on-campus accommodation (shared room)
Basic medical insurance
Monthly living stipend:
- 2,500 CNY/month for BTCSOL students or language course attendees
- 3,000 CNY/month for MTCSOL students
Optional rental allowance (700 CNY/month) for students choosing off-campus housing
Round-trip international airfare (for selected countries)

Renewal of funding is subject to academic performance. If a student’s performance falls below expectations, funding may be partially or entirely withdrawn.

Types and Duration of the Confucius Institute Scholarship

1. Chinese Language and Culture Programs:

One Academic Year (11 months): Starts in September or March
One Semester (5 months): Starts in either March or September
Four-Week Courses: Conducted during summer (July–August) or winter (December–January)

2. Chinese Language Teaching Programs:

Bachelor’s in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (BTCSOL) – 4 years
Master’s in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL) – 2 years
1-Year Chinese Language + 2-Year MTCSOL Program – 3 years total

University Selection

Applicants can choose up to two universities during the application process. Not all universities offer all types of scholarships, so careful selection is key.

Eligibility Criteria for Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025

To qualify for the CIS 2025-2026, applicants must:

Be non-Chinese citizens in good health
Be aged 16-35 years (extended to 45 for in-service Chinese teachers)
Hold HSK/HSKK or BCT scores, depending on the type of program
Provide proof of education:
- High school certificate for BTCSOL or language programs
- Bachelor’s degree for MTCSOL
Submit one or two recommendation letters (depending on the program)
Write a 300-word motivation letter in Chinese or English
Provide a medical form for long-term study applicants

Applicants who have not previously studied in China are preferred for short-term scholarships.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship

Step 1: Online Application

Visit the official CIS website and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload scanned copies of all required documents including:

Passport photo page
HSK/HSKK certificates
Recommendation letters
Degree certificates
Medical examination form (for long-term programs)

Step 2: Choose Universities

Select two universities from the list of participating institutions. Prioritize based on your preferred study program.

Step 3: Submit Paper Documents

Submit your documents to:

The Confucius Institute you are affiliated with
Chinese embassies or consulates
Partner educational institutions in your country

Your documents will be forwarded to the headquarters of the Confucius Institute (Hanban) in China.

Step 4: Wait for Results

For September intake: Results are released by early July
For March intake: Results are published by early January

Step 5: Receive Visa Documents

Admission documents and visa forms (usually JW202 or JW201) are sent by mail within 15 days of the results being published.

Important Dates

Application Deadline (Fall Intake): May 1, 2025
Application Deadline (Spring Intake): November 1, 2025

Start preparing early to gather all required documents.

Study in Top Chinese Universities

Confucius Institute Scholarship recipients can study at:

Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Tianjin University
Zhejiang University
University of Jinan
Harbin Engineering University and more

Pro Tip

Also explore Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships for additional fully funded study options in China.

Final Thoughts

The Confucius Institute Scholarship 2025 is an excellent opportunity to study in China for free while gaining deep insights into the Chinese language and culture. Whether you're a student, teacher, or professional, this scholarship opens the door to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and personal growth in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.