To meet the growing international demand for Chinese language teachers, facilitate Chinese language education around the world, and support the professional development of Chinese language teachers, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (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, selected HSK test centers, foreign educational institutions, Chinese language teacher training programs/Chinese departments at foreign universities, professional associations for Chinese language teaching, Chinese embassies (consulates) abroad (hereinafter collectively referred to as Recommending Institutions) may recommend outstanding students and in-service Chinese language teachers to further their studies in international Chinese language education and related programs at SZU.

I. Eligibility

a) In good physical and mental conditions, and with good academic performance and conduct;

b) Non-Chinese citizens; should be friendly to China, have no criminal record, and abide by the laws and regulations of the Chinese government and the rules and regulations of the university;

c) Aspiring to work in the Chinese language education and related fields;

d) Aged between 16 and 35 (as of September 1, 2025). The maximum age limit for in-service Chinese teachers may be extended to 45.

II. Categories and Qualifications (Non-degree Students)

a) Scholarship for One-year Program

The program commences in September 2025, and provides scholarship for a maximum of 11 months, covering tuition fee, dormitory fee (free double room accommodation on campus or accommodation subsidy provided according to the International Chinese  Language Teacher Scholarship funding standard), comprehensive medical insurance expenses and living allowance (2500 RMB per month). Applicants can apply for the major of Chinese language study, and shall have a minimum score of 210 on the HSK Test (Level 3)and those with an HSKK test score are preferred. Applicants who have received the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship within the past three years will not be considered.

b) Scholarship for One-Semester Program

The program commences in September 2025 or March 2026, and provides scholarship for a maximum of 5 months, covering tuition fee, dormitory fee (free double room accommodation on campus or accommodation subsidy provided according to the International Chinese Language Teacher Scholarship funding standard), comprehensive medical insurance expenses and living allowance (2500 RMB per month). Applicants can apply for majors including international Chinese language education and Chinese language and literature, and shall have a minimum score of 180 on the HSK Test (Level 3)and those with an HSKK test score are preferred. Applicants who have received the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship within the past three years will not be considered .

III. Application Procedures and Deadlines

A. Application Procedures

a) Applicants should visit the official website of the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (http://www.chinese.cn) to check the recommending institutions and host institutions, submit application materials online, and receive notices on the application process, review comments, and results of the scholarship evaluation;

b) Applicants should also submit the application on the official website of College of International Exchange, Shenzhen University (https://status.szu.edu.cn/szulxs/stuzs/stuLogin.action?fpage_id=216). Please select [Language Student] and note down that you are an applicant for the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship in the system;

c) Host institutions review the eligibility of applicants;

d) CLEC (Center for Language Education and Cooperation) awards scholarship;

e) Host institutions issue admission letters;

f) Admitted students must complete the registration procedures according to the date stated in the admission letters.

B. Application Deadlines (Beijing Time)

For program commencing in September 2025, applicants must complete their applications by May 15. For program commencing in March 2026, applicants must complete their applications by October 31. CLEC will entrust an expert panel to review the applications. Decisions will be based on HSK and HSKK levels and scores and other factors. The review of the applications will be completed and results will be released about three months before the program starts.

IV. Application Materials

a) A scanned copy of passport photo page;

b) A scanned copy of score reports of the HSK and HSKK tests (within the two-year validity);

c) A reference letter by the head of the recommending institutions;

d) Applicants under the age of 18 shall provide certified documents of designation signed by their entrusted legal guardians in China;

e) In-service Chinese language teachers shall provide proof of employment and a reference letter from the employer;

f) Non-criminal record certificate;

g) Photocopy of Foreigner Physical Examination Form.

V. Policies Regarding In-Service Chinese Language Teachers and “Chinese Bridge” Winners

a) In-Service Chinese Language Teachers

In-service Chinese language teachers may be exempted from HSK certificates if they provide proof of employment and a letter of recommendation from the employer and In-Service Chinese language teachers are preferred.

b) “Chinese Bridge” Winners

Applicants who have received the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Certificate during the “Chinese Bridge” competitions may submit their application materials along with their scholarship certificates to Shenzhen University on the official website of the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. For any further inquiries, please contact chinesebridge@chinese.cn.

VI. Miscellaneous

a) Students who fail to register on time, fail to pass the pre-enrollment medical examination, withdraw from the university before completing the program, or suspend their studies will be disqualified for the scholarship.

b) Applicants can only apply for one type of scholarship provided by the Chinese government. Repeated applications will be considered invalid and will be disqualified upon verification.

VII. Contact Us

a) College of International Exchange, Shenzhen University

Coordinator: Ms. Chen

Tel/Fax: +86-755-86937695

Email: ciec@szu.edu.cn

Website: http://lxs.szu.edu.cn/

b) Division of Test and Scholarships, CLEC

Email: scholarships@chinese.cn

Tel: +86-10-58595743

+86-10-58595999 (Asia, Africa)

+86-10-58595973 (America, Oceania)

+86-10-58595727 (Europe)

PS: If you need a scholarship recommendation letter , please contact us: ciec@szu.edu.cn