Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) Study in China

January 17, 2026
by
MST

The Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) 2026 provides full financial support for international students to study in China. This program allows students to enroll in Chinese language and culture courses at 150 Chinese universities. The scholarship covers essential costs, such as tuition fees, shared dormitory accommodation, and comprehensive medical insurance.

The Chinese government funds this program to promote global knowledge of Chinese culture. Eligible students receive a monthly living allowance, if they meet the specific academic and age requirements. Candidates can choose from several study durations, including four-week programs, one-semester courses, or full undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Applicants must submit a digital application through the official portal to begin the selection process. The scholarship committee evaluates candidates based on their HSK language scores, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You must secure a recommendation from a local Confucius Institute, if you intend to apply for these awards.

Also Apply for Chinese Government Scholarship (2026).

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate (BTCSOL), Master’s (MTCSOL), and Non-degree language courses.
Location: China.
Institution(s): 150 participating Chinese universities, such as Beijing Language and Culture University, East China Normal University, and Shandong University.
Program Period: 4 weeks, 1 semester, 1 academic year, or 2 to 4 years for degree programs.
Course Offered: Chinese Language and Literature, TCSOL, Chinese History, and Chinese Philosophy.
Deadline: May 15, 2026 (for September intake) and October 31, 2026 (for March intake).

Scholarship Coverage

The Confucius Institute Scholarship offers comprehensive financial benefits to successful applicants. The award includes full tuition waivers and free on-campus accommodation in a shared room. Recipients receive a monthly living stipend to manage personal expenses.

The monthly allowance varies by the student’s level of study:

2,500 yuan for undergraduate and language course students.
3,000 yuan for Master’s degree (MTCSOL) students.
3,500 yuan for Doctoral degree (DTCSOL) students.

The program provides comprehensive medical insurance worth 800 yuan per year. You may receive an additional 700 yuan monthly rental subsidy, if the host university permits you to live off-campus. Some regional branches also cover the cost of international round-trip airfare.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the scholarship:

Nationality: You must be a non-Chinese citizen in good physical and mental health.
Age Limits: Candidates must be between 16 and 35 years old. The age limit extends to 45 years for active Chinese language teachers and remains 25 years for undergraduate applicants.
Language Proficiency: Applicants need valid HSK and HSKK scores from the last 2 years. For example, the one-year language program requires a minimum HSK 3 score of 210.
Education: You must provide proof of your highest diploma, such as a high school certificate, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree.

Application Process

To apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2026, follow these detailed steps:

Register Online: Create an account on the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship website (http://cis.chinese.cn).
Select Institutions: Choose your preferred host university and a recommending institution, such as a local Confucius Institute or Chinese embassy.
Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of your passport, HSK/HSKK certificates, and academic transcripts.
Write a Study Plan: Include a motivation letter of 300 to 800 words explaining your goals for studying in China.
Secure Recommendations: Obtain a reference letter from the head of your recommending institution.
Track Progress: Monitor the system for your application status, as host universities conduct interviews before final approval.