Two scholarship schemes for 2025 summer programmes in China

For students studying Chinese looking for study abroad experiences in China this summer, we have details below of two funded summer programmes for 2025. Eligibility criteria applies, please see below for further information how to apply to each programme. Please note these programmes are not affiliated with the OU Online Confucius Institute.

There are two funded summer Chinese language and culture schemes depending on your age and HSK level: 1) at Beijing Foreign Studies University for 2 weeks, this sets age limits and you must have HSK 1 certificate. This is an annual scheme. If you do not qualify this year but would like to join next year, we encourage you to plan ahead and take the HSK test; and 2) a summer programme at Xi'an University for 1 week, this has no age limit. Please find out the details below.

1. 2025 BFSU Chinese Bridge Summer Camp: Understanding China’ now open for applications! Apply now to secure your place!

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), partner of the Online Confucius Institute at The Open University, is hosting the annual Understanding China summer camp between 30^th July – 12^th August 2025 in Beijing. All the costs in China will be covered by BFSU (such as food, accommodation, transportation, language and cultural classes and events). Applicants will need to cover the costs of their own international flight, visa and travel insurance. (Note that some EU passport holders can enjoy 30-day visa free in China. Check this site for details).

Eligibility for applicants:

Between 18 – 30years of age
Non-native Chinese
A current or former Open University student
Mandarin Chinese level: HSK 1 (or YCT Level 3) or above
In good health for travel

The OU’s Online Confucius Institute has a maximum of 10 available places. Once all the above conditions are met, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: priority will be given to L108 Beginners' Chinese students, followed by students who are registered on OU’s short courses in Chinese language and culture.

Please email Andy (XU Xin) on xin.xu@open.ac.uk as soon as possible (internal deadline 15^th April), indicating your name, age, and which OU module/course you are studying, as well as evidence that you have passed HSK 1 (or YCT 3) or above.

Please find further details about the summer camp including the preliminary agenda here.

2. Xi'an Univeristy International University Students Summer Camp

If you would like to explore Chinese culture in the historic city of Xi’an this summer, you may consider applying for the International University Students Summer Camp hosted by the Xi’an Municipal Education Bureau and organized by Xi’an University.

Duration: 1 July to 7 July 2025

Highlights:

Visit the Terracotta Army, a world-famous historical site
Watch The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, a large-scale live historical drama performance
Explore the Shaanxi History Museum
Participate in topic-specific group research activities

All accommodation, meals, local transportation, and activity costs are covered. Free airport pick-up and drop-off are also provided.

Application deadline: 5 May 2025

Final travel confirmation deadline: 14 May 2025

If you are interested, find out all the details, including the itinerary, by clicking the link below:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/SrnqA65H-q51T5M59q4a_w

You can access their application form here.

Send the application directly to cieoffice@xawl.edu.cn, and cc donghongjie@xawl.edu.cn and xin.xu@open.ac.uk.

Please also copy in our Chinese Director Andy (XU Xin) xin.xu@open.ac.uk so we are aware how many OU students have applied.

Best Wishes,

The OU Online Confucius Institute team