Confucius Institute Scholarship University List

November 3, 2024
by
MST

The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (formerly the Confucius Institute Scholarship) is a premier global initiative designed to support students and teachers dedicated to the Chinese language. For the 2026 academic year, this program provides full financial coverage, including 100% tuition waivers, free on-campus accommodation, and a monthly living stipend of up to 3,500 RMB. To be eligible, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens between the ages of 16 and 35, meet specific HSK and HSKK proficiency levels, and be recommended by a designated institution. Furthermore, the scholarship supports a wide array of programs ranging from four-week language intensives to four-year undergraduate and graduate degrees at over 150 top-tier Chinese universities.

CLEC facilitates global Chinese language education. Recommending institutions nominate qualified candidates. Host universities provide specialized academic training. Scholarship recipients acquire profound cultural insights.

I am writing this comprehensive guide on the Confucius Institute Scholarship University List to provide beginners with a factual roadmap for the 2026 application cycle. This guide clarifies the recent rebranding of the award to the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship and highlights new requirements, such as the mandatory China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) for undergraduate applicants. Use the following information to meet eligibility criteria and select the host institution that best aligns with your professional goals.

1. Top Universities in the 2026 Host Institution List

The scholarship is supported by more than 150 prestigious universities across China. These institutions are categorized based on their specialized strengths in language teaching, literature, and culture.

University Category	Key Host Institutions (Examples)
Specialized Language Hubs	Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)
Comprehensive Research Universities	Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing University
Normal (Teacher Training) Universities	East China Normal University, Beijing Normal University, Central China Normal University
Regional Leaders	Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou), Sichuan University (Chengdu), Nankai University (Tianjin)

2. Scholarship Categories and Qualifications

Depending on your level of proficiency and career stage, you can apply for several distinct funding tracks.

Bachelor’s Degree (BTCSOL): A 4-year program. Requires HSK 4 (210+) and HSKK Intermediate (60+). Applicants must be under 25.
Master’s Degree (MTCSOL): A 2-year program. Requires HSK 5 (210+) and HSKK Intermediate (60+). Priority is given to those with a teaching contract after graduation.
One-Academic-Year Study: An 11-month non-degree program. Requires HSK 3 (270+) or HSK 4 (180+) depending on the specific major (TCSOL vs. Literature/History).
One-Semester Study: A 5-month program. Requires HSK 3 (180+) and an HSKK score. This program is not available to those who have studied in China within the last three years.
Four-Week Study: Aimed at organized groups of 10-15 students from Confucius Institutes for summer/winter camps.

3. Financial Benefits for 2026 Recipients

The scholarship coverage is comprehensive, ensuring students can focus entirely on their studies.

Tuition & Fees: 100% waiver of tuition and registration fees.
Accommodation: Free on-campus housing (usually a twin room). If living off-campus, students receive a monthly allowance (approx. 700 RMB).
Monthly Stipend:
- Undergraduates & Language Students: 2,500 RMB/month.
- Master’s Students: 3,000 RMB/month.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive insurance worth 800 RMB/year for long-term students.

4. Mandatory Application Documents

You must upload clear, color scans of notarized documents to the official portal.

Passport Copy: Valid for at least one year.
HSK & HSKK Score Reports: Must be within the two-year validity period.
Recommending Institution Letter: A signed letter from your local Confucius Institute or an authorized HSK test center.
Highest Diploma & Transcripts: Notarized English or Chinese translations are required.
CSCA Score Report: Mandatory for all undergraduate applicants for the 2026 intake.
Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Must be completed by a physician and valid for six months.

5. Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Register Online: Create an account at cis.chinese.cn.
Search & Select: Choose two host universities from the official list in order of priority.
Obtain Recommendation: Contact your local Recommending Institution (Confucius Institute) to request their endorsement in the system.
University Review: Host universities will review your academic and language qualifications.
Final Approval: CLEC (Center for Language Education and Cooperation) will entrust an expert panel for final selection about three months before enrollment.