Application Guidelines for 

International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (2025)

To meet the growing international demand for Chinese language teachers, facilitate Chinese language education around the world, and support the professional development of Chinese language teachers, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) has established the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (hereinafter referred to as the Scholarship) for eligible Chinese language teachers outside of China. Confucius Institutes, independent Confucius Classrooms, selected HSK test centers, foreign educational institutions, Chinese language teacher training programs/Chinese departments at foreign universities, professional associations for Chinese language teaching, Chinese embassies (consulates) abroad (hereinafter collectively referred to as Recommending Institutions) may recommend outstanding students and in-service Chinese language teachers to further their studies in international Chinese language education and related programs at Chinese universities (hereinafter referred to as Host Institutions).

ELIGIBILITY

1. Be a Non-Chinese citizen;

2. Be friendly to China, have no criminal record, abide by the laws and regulations of China and the rules and regulations of the Host Institution;

3. Be in good physical and mental health, be in good academic and behavioral standing;

4. Be interested in Chinese language education and related work;

5. Be aged between 16 and 35 years on September 1, 2025. The maximum age limit for in-service Chinese teachers may be extended to 45.

CATEGORIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Scholarship for One-Year Study Program

The program commences in September 2025, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of eleven months.

Applicants of international Chinese language education programs shall have a minimum score of 270 on the HSK test (Level 3), and an HSKK test score is required.

Applicants of Chinese language and literature, Chinese history, or Chinese philosophy programs shall have a minimum score of 180 on the HSK test (Level 4) and 60 on the HSKK test (Intermediate Level). Applicants of Chinese language study programs shall have a minimum score of 210 on the HSK test (Level 3), and priority will be given to applicants who provide an HSKK test score.

2. Scholarship for One-Semester Study Program

The program commences either in September 2025 or March 2026, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of five months. 

Applicants of international Chinese language education, Chinese language and literature, Chinese history, or Chinese philosophy programs shall have a minimum score of 180 on the HSK test (Level 3), and an HSKK test score is required. Applicants of traditional Chinese medicine or Taiji culture programs are required to provide HSK test scores, and priority will be given to those who also provide an HSKK test score.

3. Scholarship for Four-Week Study Program

The program commences either in July or December 2025, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of four weeks.

Applicants of Chinese language study, traditional Chinese medicine, Taiji culture, or Chinese language plus homestay with a Chinese family program are required to provide an HSK test score. The program may be organized and applied for by a Recommending Institution with 10-15 participants per group. Before the trip, a detailed study plan shall be made in consultation with the Host Institution(s) and such plan shall be submitted to CLEC for review and approval.

4. Joint Program Scholarships are jointly funded by CLEC and educational departments, universities, or Host Institutions. Information on the admission methods, guidelines, and the number of scholarships will be available on the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship website.

5. Scholarships for Online Programs

a) The Online Program for One-Year Chinese Language Study commences in September or March each year. Under most circumstances, a score of 180 on the HSK test (Level 3) is required, and priority will be given to those who also provide an HSKK test score.

b) The Online Program for One-Semester Chinese Language Study commences in September or March each year. Under most circumstances, an HSK test score (regardless of level or score) is required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Online registration will be available from February 20, 2025 on the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship website (http://www.chinese.cn). You may search for Recommending Institutions and Host Institutions; submit application materials online; and track the application process. The successful applicant must confirm with the Host Institutions to go through the procedures of studying in China, and register at the Host Institution on the designated date as per the Letter of Admission.

Application Deadlines (Beijing Time)

1. April 15th  (for programs commencing in July)

2.May 15th  (for programs commencing in September)

3.Sept 15th  (for programs commencing in December)

4.October 31st  (for programs commencing in March 2026)

POLICIES REGARDING IN-SERVICE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS AND CHINESE BRIDGE WINNERS

1. In-Service Chinese Language Teachers

In-service Chinese language teachers need to provide proof of employment and a letter of recommendation from the employer.

2. Chinese Bridge Winners

Applicants who have received the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Certificate during Chinese Bridge competitions need to submit their application documents along with their scholarship certificates to the Host Institutions directly at the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship website.

For any further inquiries, please contact chinesebridge@chinese.cn.

RECOMMENDING AND HOST INSTITUTIONS

The Recommending and Host Institutions shall, pursuant to the Guidelines, provide consulting, recommendation and enrollment services.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. In principle, applicants who have received a similar scholarship within three years are not eligible for the One-Semester Study Program or One-Year Study Program.

2. Please contact the Host Institutions for curriculum and course listings.

3. Applicants shall be familiar with the admission criteria and application deadlines of the Host Institutions and submit necessary documents accordingly.

4. Degree students are subject to the annual assessment according to the Annual Assessment Procedures of the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.

5. Please contact the Host Institutions for enrollment matters.

6. Students who fail to pass the pre-enrollment medical examination, withdraw from school before completing the program, fail to register at the university without prior permission, or suspend their studies will be disqualified for the scholarship.

Contact Information

Add: International Student Office, School of International Education, Hainan University, No.58 Renmin Avenue, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, P. R. China

Contact Staff: Mr. Cui, Miss.Sun

Tel: 0086-898-66291354/ 0086-898-66291348

Wechat: 0086-13138995246

E-mail:admission@hainanu.edu.cn

Website:https://hd.hainanu.edu.cn/gjjyen/Scholarships/Confucius_Institute_Scholarship.htm