Application
1. Who can apply for CI Scholarships?
Current UNSW students with at least a basic level of Mandarin proficiency who would like to learn Mandarin in Chinese universities.
2. Can I apply for CI Scholarships if I’m already on exchange?
Unfortunately, no, students who are currently studying in China are not eligible for CI Scholarships. CI scholarships are for students who are not in China or who have not experienced China yet.
3. Can I apply for CI Scholarships if I’ve already studied in China before?
Yes, you can. However, only the Long Term (One Year) scholarship will be available for those who have studied in China before. Short Term (4 weeks or 1 semester) CI Scholarships are only for students with no prior experience.
4. What are the categories?
Short term: 4 weeks or 1 semester
Long term: 1 academic year
5. What are the study periods/admission dates?
- Four weeks: Dec 15-Jan 15 or Jul 15-Aug 15
- One semester (5 months): Sep to Jan or Feb to Jun
- One academic year (11 months): Sep to Jul or Feb to Dec
Please note that these are general guidelines for study periods and academic schedules will vary between universities. It is important to contact the university you wish to attend and confirm admission dates before applying.
6. Do all Chinese universities in the list offer scholarships for each category?
No, each university offers different scholarship categories. You will need to check the list of host institutions, as well as contact them directly to confirm that the program/category is being offered.
7. When are the deadlines for application?
Applications are open all year round. However, we highly recommend that you begin the application process at least 6 months before your intended study dates if applying for One Semester or One Academic Year Scholarships, and at least 4 months ahead for Four Week Scholarships. You will need enough time to complete your HSK tests, application procedure, visa application and accommodation arrangements.
8. What is the first thing I need to prepare for the application?
Contact the HSK Sydney Centre to sit a HSK Test.
9. A recommendation from a referee at the Confucius Institute is required, would it be possible for someone at the Confucius Institute to write me a recommendation?
Yes, you will need to be interviewed by the director, Emma Junfang Xi, before a recommendation can be issued. Please contact CIUNSW to book an appointment for an interview.
8. What should I prepare for the interview with the Director?
Your CV, a brief introduction of yourself and your reasons for applying in Chinese.
9. I’ve submitted the online application, should I inform anyone?
Yes, please inform us about your submission so we can follow up on the next stages of your application. You should also notify your preferred universities as they will need to review your application.
HSK Test
1. Which level of the HSK Test should I take?
- Four weeks: HSK Level 1 or 2, no minimum score required
- One semester: minimum score of 210 in HSK Level 3 and any HSKK score
- One year:
- for CLL programs, minimum score of 270 in HSK Level 3 and any HSKK score
- for TCSOL programs, minimum score of 180 in HSK Level 4 and 60 in HSKK
Make sure you double check HSK requirements with the host institution you are applying for, as some institutions have different requirements.
2. When can I take the HSK Test?
The HSK Sydney Centre runs HSK tests once every month and HSKK tests four times per year.
3. When will I receive my HSK Test results?
An electronic copy of your HSK score will be available by request from the HSK Sydney Centre one week after the test. The hard copy may take months to be mailed from Beijing, so it is recommended that you use the electronic copy in your online application.
4. Will the HSK score and level influence my application’s chance of success?
Yes, the higher the score, the stronger your application is.
5. Am I guaranteed to receive the scholarship if I sit the required HSK Test?
No. While the Confucius Institute at UNSW acts as the referring institute which recommends you as a candidate, scholarships are awarded at the discretion of host institutes and Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban). Keep in mind that you are competing with candidates from all over the world.
6. Are certain universities more difficult or easier to apply for?
With so many programs offered, it is impossible to ascertain the competitiveness of each host institution. However, we do recommend that students consider our partner university, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, as the partnership helps the application procedure go smoothly and increases the likelihood of a successful application.
Admission
1. Where do I get my results?
CIUNSW will handle your application and you will be contacted by CIUNSW regarding the results.
2. After I recieve my results, do I contact my preferred university?
Yes, you should notify your preferred university about your admission details.
3. Will the Chinese university send me an admission letter?
Some of the universities will send you an admission letter. However, please contact the university to double check.