The Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) is specifically designed for students who want to study Chinese language and culture in China. If you are interested in learning Mandarin, pursuing a degree in Chinese language education, or earning HSK certification, this scholarship is built for you, and it is separate from the CSC.
What is the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
The CIS is funded by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC, formerly Hanban). It supports international students who want to study Chinese language, Chinese language education (teaching Mandarin as a foreign language), or Chinese culture at designated Chinese universities.
Unlike CSC, which covers all academic disciplines, the Confucius Institute Scholarship is laser-focused on Chinese language and related fields.
Who is it for?
- Students who want to learn Chinese (from beginner to advanced)
- Future teachers of Chinese as a foreign language
- Students pursuing a degree in Chinese language, literature, or culture
- HSK test-takers who want immersive preparation
- Confucius Institute alumni looking to continue their studies in China
You usually need a recommendation from a Confucius Institute, Confucius Classroom, or a designated recommending institution in your country. If you have attended Chinese language classes at a local Confucius Institute, you are well-positioned.
Benefits
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fully covered |
| Accommodation | University dormitory or housing allowance |
| Living allowance | Monthly stipend (varies by program type) |
| Health insurance | Comprehensive medical insurance provided |
The scholarship does not typically cover airfare, unlike full CSC. Check the specific program terms for your cycle.
Available program types
| Program | Duration | HSK Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| One-semester Mandarin study | 1 semester | HSK 3 or above |
| One-year Mandarin study | 1 academic year | HSK 3 or above |
| Bachelor’s in Chinese language | 4 years | HSK 4 or above |
| Master’s in Teaching Chinese (MTCSOL) | 2 years | HSK 5 or above |
| PhD in Chinese language education | 3-4 years | HSK 5 or above |
The MTCSOL (Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages) is particularly popular with students who want a career teaching Mandarin internationally.
How to apply
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Check if you qualify. Look at the HSK requirements for your target program. Our HSK vs English programs comparison explains what different HSK levels mean in practice.
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Get a recommendation. Contact the Confucius Institute or Confucius Classroom in your country. They need to recommend you. If you have been taking Chinese classes there, ask your instructor.
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Apply online. Use the Confucius Institute Scholarship application portal (cis.chinese.cn). Create an account and fill out the application.
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Select your university. Choose from the list of designated host universities. Not all Chinese universities participate in CIS.
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Submit documents. Upload your HSK certificate, passport, academic transcripts, and application letter.
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Wait for results. CLEC reviews applications in batches. Results typically come in May-July.
How does it compare to CSC?
| Feature | Confucius Institute Scholarship | CSC |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Chinese language and culture only | All academic disciplines |
| Airfare | Usually not covered | Usually covered |
| HSK requirement | Yes (HSK 3-5 depending on program) | Only for Chinese-taught programs |
| Application method | Through Confucius Institute recommendation | Embassy or university direct |
| Degree options | Bachelor’s, Master’s (MTCSOL), PhD in Chinese education | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD in any field |
| Competition level | Moderate (narrower applicant pool) | High (global competition) |
If your goal is specifically to learn Chinese or become a Chinese language teacher, CIS is the better fit. For all other fields, CSC is the way to go.
Tips
Start learning Chinese now. You need at least HSK 3 for most CIS programs. If you are starting from zero, budget 6-12 months of study. If IELTS or HSK feels like a barrier to you generally, read our language requirement waivers guide for CSC-specific options.
Build a relationship with your local Confucius Institute. The recommendation from a CI is a soft requirement. Students who have been active participants (attended classes, cultural events, HSK prep) get stronger recommendations.
MTCSOL is a career move. If you want to teach Chinese professionally after graduation, the MTCSOL program is specifically designed for this. Many graduates go on to teach Mandarin at Confucius Institutes worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for CIS and CSC at the same time?
Yes, but you can only accept one if awarded both. Applying to both gives you backup options.
Do I need HSK to apply?
Yes, a minimum HSK certificate is required for all CIS programs. The level depends on the program type (HSK 3-5).
Can I study subjects other than Chinese?
CIS is restricted to Chinese language, Chinese culture, and Chinese language education programs. For other disciplines, apply through CSC.
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