CENTER FOR LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND COOPERATION (CHINESE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION)
Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS)
full · bachelors, masters
- Full fundingFunding type
- ~2,500–3,000 yuan/month (~$350–420 est.)Living allowance
- 150+ host universitiesWhere tenable
- Bachelor's & Master'sStudy levels
- +700 yuan/month off-campus housingOptional add-on
- Non-Chinese nationalsWho can apply
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
May 15, 2027
Deadline
All countries (non-Chinese nationals)
Country
Center for Language Education and Cooperation (Chinese International Education Foundation)
Provider
The Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) is a fully funded award for international students who want to study Chinese language and culture or train to teach Chinese. It is tenable at more than 150 host universities across China and covers tuition, on-campus accommodation (a shared twin room in a university residence), basic medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance. The allowance depends on the course: students on Chinese language and culture courses or the Bachelor's in Teaching Chinese (BTCSOL) receive about 2,500 yuan per month (roughly 350 USD), while students on the Master's in Teaching Chinese (MTCSOL) receive about 3,000 yuan per month (roughly 420 USD). Recipients who are approved to live off-campus may receive an additional 700 yuan per month toward housing on top of the regular allowance. The scholarship is open to non-Chinese nationals; students already linked to a Confucius Institute should contact their scholarship coordinator, while others apply online and submit documents through a Confucius Institute, a Chinese embassy or consulate, or an affiliated exam or education center. Two application windows typically run around May and November, so for the 2026/2027 cycle expect deadlines around 15 May 2026 (est.) and November 2026 (est.). Because allowance amounts, eligible host universities, and the exact dates are set each year, confirm the current figures and deadline on the official CIS page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition — Full coverage of tuition fees at the chosen host university in China for the approved programme.
- Accommodation — On-campus lodging in a university residence, typically a twin room shared with one other person.
- Medical insurance — Basic comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of the scholarship.
- Monthly living allowance — About 2,500 yuan per month (~$350 (est.)) for language/culture and BTCSOL students, or about 3,000 yuan per month (~$420 (est.)) for MTCSOL students.
- Off-campus housing top-up — An extra 700 yuan per month (~$100 (est.)) toward housing for recipients approved to live off-campus, in addition to the regular allowance.
How to apply
Applications are completed online through the official Confucius Institute Scholarship website, with supporting documents submitted to an approved channel.
- Contact your coordinator (if applicable) — If you study at a Confucius Institute, contact the person responsible for scholarships to confirm the process and any local quota.
- Apply online — Complete the application on the official CIS website and upload all required documents, including a passport-size photo and a copy of your passport.
- Choose a host university and programme — Select an approved host university and the Chinese language, BTCSOL, or MTCSOL programme you wish to study.
- Submit documents to an approved channel — Send your application materials to the nearest Confucius Institute, a Chinese embassy or consulate, or an affiliated exam/education center.
- Submit before the deadline — Apply within the open window, around 15 May 2026 (est.) for the spring intake or November 2026 (est.) for the later intake.
Eligibility
NationalityApplicants must be non-Chinese citizens; the award is for international students.
Field of studyProgrammes in Chinese language and culture, the Bachelor's in Teaching Chinese (BTCSOL), or the Master's in Teaching Chinese (MTCSOL).
Host institutionTenable at one of more than 150 approved host universities in China.
Application channelApply online through the official CIS website and submit documents via a Confucius Institute, a Chinese embassy/consulate, or an affiliated exam or education center.
Students enrolled at a Confucius Institute should contact their scholarship coordinator for guidance. Required documents include a completed online application, a passport-size photo, and a copy of the applicant's passport.
Eligible countries
All countries (non-Chinese nationals)
Deadlines
2026 spring intake~15 May 2026 (est.)
2026 autumn intake~November 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are reviewed by the host university and the scholarship administrators against the applicant's academic record, language background, and suitability for the chosen Chinese language, BTCSOL, or MTCSOL programme. Where a Confucius Institute or test center recommends a candidate, that endorsement is considered. The course type also determines the allowance band a successful applicant receives.
Verified sources
- Confucius Institute Scholarship — Official portalcis.chinese.cnofficial
About the provider
The Confucius Institute Scholarship is administered through the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and the Chinese International Education Foundation, funding international students to study Chinese language and culture and to train as teachers of Chinese at more than 150 host universities across China.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarship?
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Non-Chinese international students interested in studying Chinese language, culture, or teaching Chinese (BTCSOL/MTCSOL) for the 2026/2027 cycle.
What does the scholarship cover?
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Tuition, on-campus accommodation, basic medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance, making it a fully funded award.
How much is the monthly allowance?
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About 2,500 yuan/month (~350 USD est.) for language/culture and BTCSOL students, and about 3,000 yuan/month (~420 USD est.) for MTCSOL students.
Can I live off campus?
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Recipients approved to live off-campus may receive an extra 700 yuan per month (~100 USD est.) toward housing on top of the regular allowance.
At how many universities is it tenable?
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The scholarship can be used at more than 150 host universities across China.
Which study levels are eligible?
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Bachelor's and Master's level programmes, including BTCSOL and MTCSOL, as well as shorter language and culture courses.
How do I apply?
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Complete the application online on the official CIS website and submit documents through a Confucius Institute, a Chinese embassy/consulate, or an affiliated exam/education center.
What documents do I need?
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A completed online application, a passport-size photo, a copy of your passport, and academic and language documents required by the host university.
When are the deadlines?
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There are typically two windows, around 15 May 2026 (est.) and November 2026 (est.). Confirm exact dates on the official site.
Do I need to know Chinese already?
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Requirements vary by programme; some courses require an HSK level, while beginner language tracks may not. Check the host university's requirements.
Is the accommodation a private room?
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On-campus lodging is typically a twin room shared with one other person in a university residence.
Where do I confirm the latest amounts and dates?
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Check the official Confucius Institute Scholarship website, which publishes current allowances, host universities, and application deadlines.