The Confucius Institute Scholarships were established by the Hanban Institute to support international language teachers and students to study or research Chinese language and culture in China.

They allow the recipients to study Chinese language and culture at one of 155 host institutions, including our partner University of International Business and Economic (UIBE).

Scholarship categories

This scholarship provides beginners in Chinese-language the chance to spend four weeks in China in December or July.

Eligibility

  • HSK Level 1 or 2, no minimum score required
  • targeted at beginners, students with higher level proficiency will not be accepted.

Make sure you check HSK requirements with the host institution that you plan to attend, as each institution may set different prerequisites.

This scholarship allows participants to visit China for a five-month study period, beginning in September or March annually.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must have a minimum score of 210 in HSK Level 3 and any HSKK score.

Make sure you check HSK requirements with the host institution that you plan to attend, as each institution may set different prerequisites.

This scholarship allows recipients to study in China for an 11-month period, beginning September or March annually.

Eligibility

  • for Chinese Language and Literature (CLL) programs, minimum score of 270 in HSK Level 3 and any HSKK score
  • for Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) programs, minimum score of 180 in HSK Level 4 and 60 in HSKK.

Make sure you check HSK requirements with the host institution that you plan to attend, as each institution may set different prerequisites.

Where to study

Each host institution offers different courses and specialties for study. Specialities available at various Chinese host universities include:

  • Chinese language and culture
  • Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL)
  • Chinese history, philosophy or literature
  • Tai Chi
  • traditional medicine.

VU's Chinese partner university

Our partner institution University of International Business and Economic (UIBE) currently offers two main study options:

  • Chinese Language and Literature (CLL) - study period for one year only
  • Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) - study period for two years only

Four-week programs will only go ahead at UIBE if there are more than 15 students from VU participating.

If you would like to apply to another university, you can check if they offer your desired study option at the Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) website.

Scope of the scholarship

Scholarships cover:

  • tuition fees
  • accommodation
  • comprehensive medical insurance
  • monthly living allowance (CNY2500/month) for One Semester and One Academic Year Scholarship students.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • current VU student
  • non-Chinese citizen
  • aged 16-35
  • in good health
  • no prior experience of studying in China (to be eligible for the Four Week and One Semester Scholarships)
  • be able to provide HSK/HSKK score reports
  • not currently studying in China
  • not a part of VU’s China Exchange Program.

Application

More than 150 Chinese universities take part in the program; however, students are encouraged to consider University of International Business and Economic (UIBE) – VU’s partner university in Beijing.

Application process

Prior to applying, please provide the following to VBCI:

  • a brief application statement
  • your academic transcript
  • any HSK test results
  • a request for a letter of recommendation.

Then apply following these steps:

  1. Go to the Confucius Institute website and register for a username and password.
  2. Download the supporting information if needed.
  3. Fill in the form and save it online, but do not submit the application yet.
  4. Call VBCI on +61 3 9919 1955 to make a short appointment to finalise the application.

Contact VBCI for more information.