Application materials for the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship: the official list
Sources checked · Unofficial summary
Appendix 2 of the Application Guidelines for the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2025 is the official list of what you upload. Every applicant must provide a scanned copy of the passport photo page, scanned copies of HSK/HSKK score reports that are within the two-year validity period, and a reference letter from the head of the Recommending Institution. What you add after that depends on whether you are applying for a degree programme, are an in-service teacher, or are under 18, and your Host Institution may also ask for further documents.
These rules come from the January 2025 edition of the guidelines, which covers programmes starting between July 2025 and March 2026. That edition was the most recent one found on chinese.cn when this page was checked, and all of its dates are for that cycle and have passed. For the current edition and current deadlines, check chinese.cn.
What all applicants must upload
- A scanned copy of the passport photo page.
- Scanned copies of HSK/HSKK score reports, within the two-year validity period.
- A reference letter from the head of the Recommending Institution.
What degree programme applicants must upload
All degree applicants must also provide a certificate of the highest diploma (or proof of expected graduation) and an official transcript. The guidelines then set out separate requirements for the two degree types.
Master’s degree applicants
For the Master’s Degree in International Chinese Language Education, the guidelines require two reference letters from professors or associate professors. Priority is given to applicants who can provide an employment contract with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China.
Doctoral degree applicants
For the Doctoral Degree in International Chinese Language Education, the guidelines require two reference letters from professors or associate professors, or from experts with equivalent professional titles in relevant fields, and a 3,000-word personal statement written in Chinese. The personal statement must cover knowledge of the intended area of study and a research proposal. Priority is given to applicants who can provide an employment contract with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China, or proof to the same effect.
In-service Chinese language teachers
In-service Chinese language teachers must provide proof of employment and a reference letter from the employer.
Applicants under 18
Applicants under 18 must provide certified documents of designation signed by their entrusted legal guardians in China.
Documents required by the Host Institution
Appendix 2 item E states that applicants shall provide additional documents as required by the Host Institutions. The guidelines do not list those extras; they are set by the Host Institution.
Where the application is submitted
Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle were submitted online on the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship website (http://www.chinese.cn). Registration opened on 20 February 2025. Applicants could search for Recommending Institutions and Host Institutions, submit materials online, and track the application process there. Successful applicants must confirm with the Host Institution and register at the Host Institution on the designated date given in the Letter of Admission.
The applicant deadlines for that cycle were as follows (all times Beijing Time):
| Programmes starting | Applicant deadline | Institutional review completed by |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | 15 April 2025 | 25 April 2025 |
| September 2025 | 15 May 2025 | 25 May 2025 |
| December 2025 | 15 September 2025 | 25 September 2025 |
| March 2026 | 31 October 2025 | 10 November 2025 |
These dates have passed.
Questions people ask
Do I need to upload HSK or HSKK scores?
All applicants must upload scanned copies of HSK/HSKK score reports that are within the two-year validity period, as required by Appendix 2 A(b).
How many reference letters do I need?
All applicants need one reference letter from the head of the Recommending Institution. Master’s degree applicants need two letters from professors or associate professors. Doctoral applicants need two letters from professors, associate professors, or experts with equivalent professional titles in relevant fields, plus a 3,000-word personal statement in Chinese. In-service teachers need a reference letter from their employer.
Can the Host Institution ask for documents that are not on this list?
Yes. Appendix 2 item E states that applicants shall provide additional documents as required by the Host Institutions; the guidelines do not specify what those additional documents are.
Are the deadlines above still open?
No. They were the deadlines for programmes starting between July 2025 and March 2026 and have passed. Check chinese.cn for the current edition and current deadlines.
Sources
- Application Guidelines for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2025 — Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC, chinese.cn)
Checked October 10, 2026
This page is an unofficial summary, is not published by the bodies named, and the official notice prevails if they differ.