The Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of the Ministry of Education has established the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, focusing on training qualified overseas Chinese language teachers. Confucius Institutes, independent Confucius Classrooms, selected HSK test centers, foreign educational institutions, Chinese language teacher training programs/Chinese language departments at foreign universities, overseas professional associations for Chinese language teaching, and Chinese embassies/consulates abroad (hereinafter referred to as Recommending Institutions) can 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).

I. Objects

1. A non-Chinese citizen;

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

3. Be healthy physically and mentally, and excellent in both character and learning;

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

5. Be aged between 16 and 35 years (calculated as of September 1 of that very year).
The maximum age limit for in-service Chinese language teachers may be extended to 45. However, those who apply for a scholarship for a Bachelor's degree shall generally be younger than 25.

II. Categories and Qualifications

Category One: Chinese Language Teacher Scholarships

1. Scholarship for Doctor's Degree in International Chinese Language Education

The program commences in September 2024, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of four years.

Applicants shall hold a Master's degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, linguistics, international Chinese language education, or education-related disciplines. Applicants shall have a minimum score of 200 on the HSK test (Level 6) and 60 on the HSKK test (Advanced Level). Priority will be given to applicants who can provide an employment agreement with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China or relevant certificates.

2. Scholarship for Master's Degree in International Chinese Language Education. The program commences in September 2024, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of two years.

Applicants shall hold a Bachelor's degree. Applicants shall have a minimum score of 210 on the HSK test (Level 5) and 60 on the HSKK test (Intermediate Level). Priority will be given to applicants who can provide an employment agreement with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China or relevant certificates.

3. Scholarship for Bachelor's Degree in International Chinese Language Education

The program commences in September 2024, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of 4 years.

Applicants shall hold a senior high school diploma and have a minimum score of 210 on the HSK test (Level 4) and 60 on the HSKK test (Intermediate Level).

4. Scholarship for One-Year Study Program

The program commences in September 2024, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of 11 months.

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

5. Scholarship for One-Semester Study Program

The program commences either in September 2024 or March 2025, 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.

6. Scholarship for Four-Week Study Program

The program commences either in July or December 2024, and the scholarship is provided for a maximum of four weeks. Applicants of Chinese language study, traditional Chinese medicine, Taiji culture programs, or Chinese language plus homestay with a Chinese family are required to provide an HSK test score. The program may be organized and applied for by the 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.

Category Two: Joint Program Scholarships

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.

Category Three: Scholarship for Online Programs

1. The Online Program for One-Year Chinese Language Study commences in September 2024 or March 2025. Generally, a minimum 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.

2. The Online Program for One-Semester Chinese Language Study commences in September 2024 or March 2025. Generally, an HSK test score (regardless of level or score) is required.

3. Please consult the Host Institution for the eligibility and application for Special Online Study Programs.

III. Application Procedures

Online registration will be available from March 1, 2024 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, review comments and scholarship assessment results. The successful applicant must confirm with the Host Institution 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.

IV. 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 and will be given priority under equal conditions.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact chinesebridge@chinese.cn.

V. Contact Information

Division of Scholarships

E-mail: scholarships@chinese.cn

Tel.: +86-10-58595743

+86-10-58595999 (Asia, Africa)

+86-10-58595973 (America, Oceania)

+86-10-58595727 (Europe)