To address the growing international demand for Chinese language teachers, facilitate the global development of Chinese language education, and support the professional development of Chinese language teachers, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as “CLEC”) has established the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (hereinafter referred to as “the Scholarship”) for eligible Chinese language teachers outside of China. Confucius Institutes, independent Confucius Classrooms, select HSK test centers, foreign educational institutions, Chinese language teacher training programs/Chinese departments at foreign universities, professional associations for Chinese language teaching, and Chinese embassies (consulates) abroad (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Recommending Institutions”) may recommend outstanding students and in-service Chinese language teachers to pursue their studies in International Chinese Language Education and related programs at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology.
I. ELIGIBILITY
All applicants must:
1. Be a non-Chinese citizen;
2. Maintain a friendly attitude toward China, have no criminal record, and abide by the laws and regulations of the Chinese government and the rules and regulations of the Host Institution;
3. Be in good physical and mental health, and demonstrate strong academic performance and conduct;
4. Be committed to working in Chinese language education, teaching, and related fields;
5. Be between the ages of 16 and 35 (as of September 1, 2026). The age limit is extended to 45 for in-service Chinese language teachers, while applicants for undergraduate scholarships must generally be under the age of 25.
For more information, please refer to
http://www.chinese.cn/page/#/pcpage/project_detail
II. CATEGORIES AND APPLICATION CONDITIONS.
a) Master’s Degree in International Chinese Language Education
The program commences in September 2026, with a scholarship duration of up to two academic years.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants must score at least 210 on the HSK (Level 5) and 60 on the HSKK (Intermediate Level). Priority will be given to applicants who provide an employment agreement (or equivalent proof) from a teaching institution for post-graduation employment
b) One-Year Study Program
The program commences in September 2026, with a scholarship duration of up to 11 months.
International Chinese Language Education: Applicants must score at least 270 on the HSK (Level 3) and possess an HSKK score.
Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History, Chinese Philosophy, etc.: Applicants must score at least 180 on the HSK (Level 4) and 60 on the HSKK (Intermediate Level).
Chinese Language Study: Applicants must score at least 210 on the HSK (Level 3). Priority will be given to those who provide an HSKK score.
c) One-Semester Study Program
The program commences either in September 2026 or March 2027, with a scholarship duration of up to five months.
International Chinese Language Education, Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History, Chinese Philosophy, etc.: Applicants must score at least 180 on the HSK (Level 3) and possess an HSKK score.
d) Four-Week Study Program
The program commences either in July or December 2026, with a scholarship duration of up to four weeks.
Tracks: Chinese Language Study
Requirements: Applicants must possess an HSK score. Recommending Institutions may organize group applications, and must contact the ZUST in advance to finalize the study plan in China and submit it to CLEC for pre-approval. Each group shall consist of 10-15 people.
III. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
1. Applicants may visit the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship section of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation website (http://www.chinese.cn). On the site, applicants can search for Recommending and Host Institutions (Zhejiang University of Science and Technology), submit application materials online, and track the progress of application, including review comments and final results.
2. Scholarship applicants shall log in ZUST application website via http://www.zust.edu.cn and submit application at the same time.
3. The successful applicant must confirm enrollment procedures with ZUST.
4. Register at ZUST on the designated date as per the Letter of Admission.
Application Deadlines (Beijing Time)
1. July admission: Student applications close April 15; Recommending/Host Institution reviews close April 25.
2. September admission: Student applications close May 15; Recommending/Host Institution reviews close May 25.
3. December admission: Student applications close September 15; Recommending/Host Institution reviews close September 25.
4. March 2027 admission: Student applications close October 31; Recommending/Host Institution reviews close November 10.
Centralized Review by Expert Panel: CLEC will commission an expert panel to conduct a centralized review. The review process will be completed, and results announced, approximately three months prior to enrollment.
Ⅳ APPLICATION MATERIALS
I. General Documents (Required for All Applicants)
1. Scanned copy of passport photo page.
2. Scanned copy of HSK and HSKK score reports (valid for two years).
3. Recommendation letter from the head of the Recommending Institution.
II. Additional Documents for Degree Students
4. Proof of highest academic qualification (or proof of expected graduation) and
academic transcripts.
5. Master’s Students in International Chinese Language Education must provide recommendation letters from two supervisors holding the title of associate professor or above. Priority will be given to applicants who provide an employment agreement (or equivalent proof) from a teaching institution for post-graduation employment.
III. In-service Chinese Language Teachers must attach proof of employment and a recommendation letter issued by their employer.
IV. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit entrusted guardianship documents signed by a guardian in China.
V. Applicants must also provide any other proof materials required by ZUST.
Ⅴ REGARDING IN-SERVICE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS AND CHINESE BRIDGE WINNERS
1. In-Service Chinese Language Teachers
In-service Chinese language teachers applying for any scholarship category may submit proof of employment and a recommendation letter from their employer. These applicants will be given priority over equally qualified candidates.
2. Chinese Bridge Winners
Applicants who have been awarded the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Certificate in various Chinese Bridge competitions should log in to the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship website and submit their application materials to ZUST, along with their scholarship certificate.
For inquiries, please contact: chinesebridge@chinese.cn.
Ⅵ. MISCELLANEOUS
1. Generally, the One-Semester Study Program and One-Year Study Program do not admit applicants who have received a similar scholarship within the past three years.
2. Applicants are responsible for understanding the specific admission requirements and deadlines of ZUST and must submit materials according to relevant regulations.
3. Degree students are subject to an annual assessment. For details, please refer to the Measures for the Annual Assessment of the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.
4. For enrollment-related inquiries, please contact ZUST promptly.
5. Scholarship eligibility will be revoked for students who fail to register on time
without permission, fail the pre-enrollment medical examination, withdraw from school prematurely, or suspend their studies.
Ⅶ CONTACT
Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
Ms. Grace Sun
E-mail: internationalstudy@163.com ;
Add: No. 318, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Center for Language Education and Cooperation
E-mail:scholarships@chinese.cn
Tel:+86-10-58595743
+86-10-58595999 (Asia/Africa)
+86-10-58595973 (America/Oceania)
+86-10-58595727 (Europe)
Websites:
Center for Language Education and Cooperation:
http://cis.chinese.cn
Chinese tests center website:
http://www.chinesetest.cn
Zhejiang University of Science and Technology:
www.zust.edu.cn
School of International Education of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
http://ies.zust.edu.cn