For the purpose of cultivating qualified overseas Chinese teachers to facilitate Chinese language education in other countries, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) will launch the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. According to “Application Guide for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2026” issued by the Center For Language Education And Cooperation and related demanded documents, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) has made the following application guide for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
All applicants shall be:
a) non-Chinese citizens;
b) 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;
c) in good physical and mental conditions, and with good academic performance and conduct;
d) committed to the Chinese language education and related work;
e) between the ages of 16 and 35 (as of September 1st, 2026). Applicants currently working as Chinese language teachers shall not be over 45。
SCHOLARSHIP TYPES AND QUALIFICATIONS
A. Scholarship for One-Academic-Year Study
The program commences in September 2026, and provides scholarship for a maximum of eleven months.
Major：Chinese Language Study (Applicants shall have a minimum score of 210 on the HSK test (Level 3). Priority will be given to applicants who provide an HSKK test score)
B. Scholarship for One-Semester Study
The program commences either in September 2026 or March 2027, and provides scholarship of a maximum of five months.
Major: Chinese Language and Literature(Applicants shall have a minimum score of 180 on the HSK test (Level 3), and an HSKK test score is required)
Major: Traditional Chinese Medicine (An HSK test score is required. Priority will be given to applicants who provide an HSKK test score)
C. Scholarship for Four-Week Study
1). The program commences in July 2026 (in summer), and provides a four week scholarship.
Major: Traditional Chinese Medicine (An HSK test score is required)
The program may be organized and applied for by a recommending institution with 10-15 participants per group. Prior to the trip, a detailed study plan shall be made in consultation with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and such plan shall be submitted to CLEC for approval.
2). The program commences in December 2026(in winter), and provides a four week scholarship. Applicants holding the X1 or X2 visa are not eligible.
Major：Chinese Language Study (An HSK test score is required)
The program may be organized and applied for by a recommending institution with 10-15 participants per group. Prior to the trip, a detailed study plan shall be made in consultation with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and such plan shall be submitted to CLEC for approval.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Starting March 1, 2026, 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, submit application materials online, and track the progress of their application, including review comments and final results. At the same time, please log on the website of international students registration of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(apply.shutcm.edu.cn) to apply for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.
Scholarship holders need to confirm with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to go through the procedures of studying in China, print out the scholarship certificate online, and register at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine on the designated date as per the letter of registration.
The application deadlines (Beijing Time) are:
a) For programs commencing in July, 2026(summer): April 15th, 2026
b) For programs commencing in September: May 15th, 2026
c) For programs commencing in December, 2026(winter): September 15th, 2026
d) For programs commencing in March 2027: October 31st, 2026
CHINESE BRIDGE AWARD RECIPIENT POLICIES
Chinese Bridge winners who have been awarded the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Certificate shall log onto the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship website and submit documents to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine upon presentation of their scholarship certificates.
For inquiry, please contact chinesebridge@chinese.cn.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
A. Required documents for all applicants
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
B. Additional documents to be submitted
a) Applicants under the age of 18 shall provide certified documents of designation signed by their entrusted legal guardians in China. The entrusted legal guardians can be a foreigner with permanent residency in China or a Chinese lived in Shanghai.
b) Applicants currently working as Chinese language teachers shall provide proof of employment as well as a reference letter by the employer
C. Others
a) Those who provide fake documents will be deprived of their scholarship. The applicants shall bear all the consequences on their own.
b) The University could require additional documents according to the real situations.
OTHERS
A. 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.
B. Those who fail to register on time, fail to pass the health assessment, drop out midway and/or are suspended from the university will be deprived of their scholarship.
C. Applicants can only apply for one type of scholarship provided by Chinese government agency. Repeated applications will be invalid. Once verified, the scholarship qualification will be deprived.
CONTACT
Admissions and Brand Management and Promotion Center
International Education College of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tel: +86-21-51322255
Fax: +86-21-51322276
Email: +86-21-51322276
Website: http://iec.shutcm.edu.cn