Education

Timetable | How to register | Conversation Corner | Private Tuition | Course Information

Adults Autumn 2023 Term Dates and Course Details

The new term will start the week beginning 2nd October and run for 10 weeks.

Registration via the online store is now open.

All courses are not for credit and do not involve any form of assessment prior to the course starting, during or after.

If you are unsure which course level to join, do get in touch at confucius@abdn.ac.uk. If there is no course available at a suitable level for you, there is also the option of private tuition.

Course Timetable Autumn Term 2023 Adults

2nd October to 9th December 2023 (10 weeks)

*Discounted price for staff, students and alumni of the University of Aberdeen, and students of Robert Gordon University and NESCOL.

Course materials

The textbook Modern Mandarin Chinese 1 by Routledge will be used in levels from Beginners 1 up to Post-Beginners 3 and is available to purchase from us at a discounted rate here. We strongly recommend buying the book to maximise the benefit of the classes.

How to register

All adult classes can be booked through the University of Aberdeen online store. Payment can be made either by debit card, credit card or paypal.

University of Aberdeen staff and students need to enter their ID number in order to pay the reduced rate. Robert Gordon University and North East Scotland students can also book the reduced rate via the website and must bring their student ID to the first class.

Conversation Corner 

Our weekly Conversation Corner meets at the Confucius Institute on Thursdays 5pm - 6pm during term time, starting the week beginning 2nd October. It is free and open to all for friendly, informal Mandarin practice.

HSK

For anyone looking to gain a certificate in Chinese, we are a registered HSK exam centre. HSK exams are open to everyone and you do not have to be a current student to register. Please email confucius@abdn.ac.uk for details.

Private Tuition 

In addition to our timetabled courses, we can arrange private tuition and short intensive courses on demand either for individuals or small groups. The costs is £10 per hour and booking is in blocks of 10 hours, minimum booking is one 10-hour block. The teaching schedule is to be mutually agreed in advance, in general we offer teaching Monday - Friday, daytime and evenings. If you are interested in arranging private tuition, email confucius@abdn.ac.uk with your request details. 

University of Aberdeen Chinese Language Students

Special arrangements have been made for free supplementary classes for University of Aberdeen students who have already studied four semesters of Mandarin for credit, and would like to progress further. Please contact us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk to book directly.

Course Information

Beginners 1 (1 hr)

The Beginners 1 class is suitable for complete beginners who have never studied Mandarin. This shorter class is on a Wednesday evening.

Beginners 1

The Beginners 1 class is suitable for complete beginners who have never studied Mandarin. This term we will have Beginners 1 classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, each for two hours per week.

Beginners 2

The Beginners 2 class is for those who have already completed Beginners 1 or studied Mandarin for at least 15 hours. This term we will have Beginners 2 classes on Wednesday evening for two hours per week.

Beginners 3

The Beginners 3 class is for those who have already completed Beginners 2 or studied Mandarin for at least 30 hours. This term we will have Beginners 3 classes on a Tuesday evening for two hours per week.

Post-Beginners 1

The Post-Beginners 1 class is designed for those who have already completed Beginners 1-3 or studied Mandarin for 1 year part time, or hold an HSK 1 certificate. This term we will not be offering a Post-Beginners 1 class.

Post-Beginners 2

The Post-Beginners 2 class is for those who have already completed Post-Beginners 1. They might hold an HSK 1 certificate (not a requirement). This term we will not be offering a Post-Beginners 2 class.

Post-Beginners 3

The Post-Beginners 3 class is for those who have already completed Post-Beginners 2. They might hold an HSK 1 certificate (not a requirement). This term we will not be offering a Post-Beginners 3 class.

Lower Intermediate

The Lower Intermediate class is designed for those who have completed Post-Beginners 1-3 or studied Mandarin for around 2 years part time, or completed HSK level 2. This term we are offering Lower Intermediate  classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, each for two hours per week. 

Intermediate 1

The Intermediate 1 class is designed for those who have completed the Lower Intermediate class or studied Mandarin for around 3 years part time, or completed HSK level 2. This term we are running Intermediate 1 classes on Monday evenings for two hours per week. 

Intermediate

This Intermediate level class is an adaptable course designed for students who fall between the defined levels of Intermediate 1, 2 and 3. Whether you are unsure about your current proficiency or seeking to reinforce your knowledge, this class caters to those who want to solidify their Mandarin skills. Suitable for learners who have completed any Intermediate level but aren’t quite ready for the Advanced class, or for students who have completed HSK level 2 or 3 or have studied for more than 3 years part time. These are not requirements to join, just a guideline. If you aren’t sure, please contact us to discuss. This term we are running the Intermediate class on Wednesday evenings for two hours per week.

Upper Intermediate

This class is for proficient speakers of Mandarin. Students should have completed classes up to Intermediate. They might hold an HSK 3 certificate (not a requirement). This term we will not be offering an Upper Intermediate class.

Advanced

This class is for proficient speakers of Mandarin. Students should have completed classes up to Upper Intermediate level or passed the HSK level 4 exam. This term we are offering the Advanced class on Tuesday afternoon for two hours per week. 

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 Autumn Term 2023 | Course Descriptions | Useful Links

Children 孩子 Háizi

Learning the Chinese language is not as difficult as you might think. Most children enjoy learning an exciting new language.

Spring Term 2023  

These courses are offered free of charge with a £5 administration fee per child per course. The new term starts the week beginning 30th October and runs until 15th December.  Book a place.

Mandarin Club Course Description

As well as learning basic Mandarin, pupils will have fun, informal lessons on a wide range of topics.  These include:

• Chinese New Year
• Martial Arts / Tai Chi
• Traditional Chinese playground and board games
• Chinese songs and traditional musical instruments
• Folk dance
• Calligraphy
• Chinese arts and crafts (traditional paper cutting, paper folding and knot making)

S3–S4 Study Club Description

The S3–S4 Study Club is a flexible, student-led class, where students can share their personal goals and areas they would like to work on. Cultural experiences offered at the classes will also complement their language learning.

If you have any questions about these classes, please contact us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk

Useful links for children

• BBC Schools: Games and videos for learning Mandarin, organised by topic https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitsize/subjects/zkxhfg8
• Chineasy:  A site with simple illustrations to accompany the Chinese character ‘Building Blocks’  http://www.chineasy.org
• Memrise: An online community that uses images to make learning fun. Can be used for learning lots of different topics but it works well for learning Mandarin. http://www.memrise.com
• Mama Lisa’s World – songs from China and other countries feature on this web site: http://www.mamalisa.com/?t=ec&c=11
• Chinese In Flow A resource for practising vocabulary organised by topic https://www.chineseinflow.com/
• Digital Dialects  A site with games for practising Mandarin http://www.digitaldialects.com/Chinese.htm
• How Do I Learn Chinese A site with catchy songs and games for practising a variety of Chinese topics https://howdoilearnchinese.com/

In addition to our regular scheduled courses, we can also offer private tuition and short intensive courses on demand, either for individuals or small groups.

The cost is £10 per hour and booking is in blocks of 10 hours, minimum booking is one 10-hour block. Blocks can be paid for via our online store.

The teaching schedule is to be mutually agreed in advance, in general we offer teaching Monday - Saturday, daytime and evenings.

If you are interested in arranging private tuition, email confucius@abdn.ac.uk with your request details. 

HSK test | YCT test

HSK Test

HSK or Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi is China's only standardised test of Chinese language proficiency. If you are interested in working or studying in China, or in applying for a Confucius Institute scholarship in the future, then HSK, the Chinese Proficiency Certificate, will be of interest to you.

In-person paper-based HSK tests will now be possible again. We are currently awaiting further information about the availability of online tests.

The HSKK or Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi is the HSK oral test, which can be taken together with or independently from the HSK exam. It is conducted by means of audio recording.

The Confucius Institute of the University of Aberdeen is an HSK exam centre and hosts HSK Chinese Proficiency tests throughout the year. For more information, contact us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

The test dates and deadline for registration are listed below.

Exam Dates in 2023

Registration

To register, return a complete‌d registration form HSK Registration Form, together with scanned images of the following:

• Passport
• Student card (if you are a student)
• Passport-sized photograph

If you do not have access to a scanner, a clear photograph will be sufficient.

Submit all of the above to: confucius@abdn.ac.uk. 

Fees

£10 enrolment fees + exam fees (Level 1/£20; Level 2/£30; Level 3/£40; Level 4/£50; Level 5/£60; Level 6/£70). Additional exam fee for the oral test. We offer £5 discount to students, a copy of a valid student ID must be provided.

Fees can be paid via the online store. Enquiries to confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Free Preparation 

For those who have registered for an HSK test, a free online exam practice session will be offered one week prior to the test date.

Results

Test takers will be able to view their test results at www.chinesetest.cn usually 1 month after sitting the test, however, sometimes it can take a bit longer, just check the website again, Confucius Institute staff do not have access to test results at any time.

HSK Levels

The HSK is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. HSK consists of six levels, namely HSK 1-6.

Level 1

Students who are able to pass the HSK Level 1 can understand and use very simple Chinese words and phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies. There are 150 characters on the vocabulary list for HSK level 1.

Level 2

Students who are able to pass the HSK Level 2 have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.There are 300 characters on the vocabulary list for HSK level 2.

Level 3

Students who are able to pass the HSK Level 3 can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when travelling in China. There are 600 characters on the vocabulary list for HSK level 3.

Level 4

Students who are able to pass the HSK Level 4 can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers. There are 1200 characters on the vocabulary list for HSK level 4.

Level 5

Students who are able to pass the HSK Level 5 can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give a full-length speech in Chinese.There are 2400 characters on the vocabulary list for HSK level 5.

Level 6

Students who are able to pass the HSK Level 6 can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.

HSKK Levels

Basic Level

This correlates to HSK levels 1/2. The student should have a vocabulary of approximately 200 commonly used words.

Intermediate Level

This correlates to HSK levels 3/4. The student should have amassed a vocabulary of approximately 900 words.

Advanced Level

This correlates to HSK levels 5/6. The student should have mastered approximately 3000 words.

Youth Chinese Test (YCT) 中小学生汉语考试

The Youth Chinese Test (YCT) is an international standardised Chinese language test, which is directed at examining non-native primary and secondary school students' ability to apply Chinese language in their studies and daily lives.

The Confucius Institute of the University of Aberdeen is a YCT test centre and is able to host the YCT Chinese Proficiency tests throughout the year. The test dates and deadlines for registration are listed below.

For more information, contact us at confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

2023 Test Dates

Registration

To register, return a completed registration form application form YCT Aberdeen together with:

• Scan of your passport

All of the above to be submitted to: confucius@abdn.ac.uk. We will then send you a link to payment via our online store.

Fees

£10 enrolment fees + exam fees (£5 for Level 1, £10 for Level 2, £20 for Level 3). Additional exam fee for the oral test.

Examination fee for the oral test: £10

Enquiries to: confucius@abdn.ac.uk.

Results

Test takers will be able to view their test results at www.chinesetest.cn usually 1 month after sitting the test, however, sometimes it can take a bit longer, just check the website again, Confucius Institute staff do not have access to test results at any time.

Levels

The YCT is divided into four levels, YCT Level 1, YCT Level 2, YCT Level 3 and YCT Level 4 which is the most difficult. The speaking test is divided into the YCT (Beginner Level) and YCT (Intermediate Level). Each level is tested with an independent test paper.

Test takers may choose test of any level according to their Chinese proficiency.

Level 1

Children who pass YCT-Level 1 can understand and use some most frequently used Chinese words and sentences, and prepare themselves for continuing their Chinese studies.

Level 2

Children who pass YCT-Level 2 can understand and use some simple Chinese words and sentences to communicate.

Level 3

Children who pass YCT-Level 3 can use Chinese in a simple and direct way, applying it in a basic topic in their daily lives.

Level 4

Children who pass YCT-Level 4 can use Chinese to serve their demands in their personal lives and studies, and are able to complete most of the communicative tasks they experience during a visit to China.

Wuhan International Summer Programme

25th June-12th July 2023

Applications are now open for summer 2023.

This packed cultural programme designed to enrich your knowledge of China includes a series of lectures, activities and excursions. Full details of the programme can be found here. 

Application Process

Applications are open to all students currently enrolled at the University of Aberdeen.

The Confucius Institute will be required to supply a letter of recommendation along with the completed application form.

The deadline for applying for recommendation is 27th March.

Applicants must:

• Must be at least 18 but no more than 30 years of age as of  25 June 2023
• Provide proof of English proficiency if your first language is not English (IELTS: 6.5 or above; or TOFEL: 85 or above; or a letter of reference from your home institution to prove that your English proficiency is of a sufficient level).

Fees

Wuhan University offers scholarships for 2023 Luojia International Summer Program, and the scholarship covers the following:

• Registration fee
• Tuition fee
• Housing (on-campus accommodation for the stay in Wuhan, mostly double rooms)
• Field trips and cultural activities in Wuhan
• Basic accident insurance for the stay in Wuhan.

Participant students are required to cover:

• Airfare cost
• Visa application fee
• Cost of PCR test
• Meals (estimated £9 per day for meals offered in student canteen)
• Optional trip (estimated £500)
• Adequate personal medical insurance for stay in China

Contact details

For recommendation letter:

• Sarah Wang
  Confucius Institute of the University of Aberdeen
  confucius@abdn.ac.uk

There are currently no opportunities available.

  Scholarship types and qualifications | Application Process | Chinese bridge awards recipient policies |
Other information | Contacts | Appendix

Confucius Institute Scholarships

*Please note there are no scholarship opportunities available currently*

Aim

To sponsor foreign students, scholars and Chinese-language teachers to study short-term or attain a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (BTCSOL or MTCSOL), or study in such majors as Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History and Chinese Philosophy in designated universities of China.

Scholarship types and qualifications

A. Scholarship for Doctor’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (DTCSOL) 

The program provides scholarship for a maximum four academic years.  Applicants shall hold a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Linguistics, Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages or education-related majors. Applicants shall have a minimum score of 200 on the HSK Test (Level 6), 60 on the HSKK test (Advanced Level) and more than 2 years’ work experience in Chinese language teaching and related fields. Priority will be given to applicants who may provide a work contract with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China or a proof to the same effect. 

B. Scholarship for Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL)

The program provides scholarship for a maximum of two academic years. Applicants shall hold a Bachelor’s degree, and have a minimum score of 210 on the HSK Test (Level 5) as well as 60 on the HSKK test (Intermediate Level). Priority will be given to applicants who may provide a work contract with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China or a proof to the same effect.  

C. Scholarship for Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (BTCSOL)

The program provides scholarship for a maximum of four academic years. Applicants shall hold a senior high school diploma and a minimum score of 210 on the HSK Test (Level 4) as well as 60 on the HSKK test (Intermediate Level). 

D. Scholarship for One-Academic-Year Study

The program provides scholarship for a maximum of eleven months. International students currently studying in China are not eligible. 

i. TCSOL 

Applicants shall have a minimum score of 270 on the HSK test (Level 3), and an HSKK test score is required.

ii. Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History, Chinese Philosophy, etc.

Applicants shall have a minimum score of 180 on the HSK test (Level 4) and 60 on the HSKK test (Intermediate Level).

iii. 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. 

E. Scholarship for One-Semester Study 

The program commences either in September or March and provides scholarship of a maximum of five months. Applicants holding the X1 or X2 visa are not eligible.

i. TCSOL, Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History, Chinese Philosophy, etc.

Applicants shall have a minimum score of 180 on the HSK test (Level 3), and an HSKK test score is required.

ii. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taiji Culture

An HSK test score is required. Priority will be given to applicants who provide an HSKK test score. 

F. Scholarship for Four-Week Study 

The program commences either in July or December and provides a four-week scholarship. Applicants holding the X1 or X2 visa are not eligible. 

i. Chinese Study, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiji Culture, Chinese Language plus Home-Stay Experience in a Chinese Family, Special Four-week Program for Confucius Institutes

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 host institutions and such plan shall be submitted to CLEC for approval.

G. Cooperative Scholarships 

i. Cooperative Scholarship between CLEC and Educational Departments and Universities of Other Countries. The enrolment methods, slots and forms of support under this scholarship will be updated on the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship application website. 

Eligibility for applicants 

• a) non-Chinese citizens;

  b) in good physical and mental conditions, and with good academic performance and conduct;

  c) committed to the Chinese language education and related work;

  d) between the ages of 16 and 35 (as of September 1st, 2021). Applicants currently working as Chinese language teachers shall not be over 45, while undergraduate student applicants shall not be over 25. 

Application Process

Please note there are no current opportunities available.

Chinese bridge awards 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 relevant host institutions upon presentation of their scholarship certificates. For inquiry, please contact chinesebridge@chinese.cn. 

Recommending institutions and host institutions

Recommending institutions and host institutions shall, pursuant to the Guide, provide consulting, recommendation and enrolment services.

Others 

a) Please contact host institutions for curriculum and course listings.

b) Applicants shall be familiar with the specific criteria and deadlines for registration, and submit necessary documents according to specific requirements. 

c) Degree students are subject to the annual assessment according to the Annual Appraisal Procedures of International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. 

d) Those who fail to register on time, fail to pass the health assessment, drop out midway and/or are suspended from school will be deprived of their scholarship.

Center for language education and cooperation contact

Division of Test and Scholarships
Email: scholarships@chinese.cn 

Tel: +86-10-58595727

Appendix

1. 1 Scholarship Coverage and Criteria 
2. 2 Application Documents for Scholarship

Appendix 1

International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship Coverage and Criteria

The scholarship provides full coverage on tuition fee, accommodation fee, living allowance (four-week study students are excluded) and comprehensive medical insurance expenses.

a) Tuition is under the overall planning and utilization of host institutions to provide teaching and management of scholarship students organizing cultural and social activities, as well as organizing Chinese language proficiency tests. 

b) Accommodation fee is under the overall planning and utilization of host institutions to provide students with in-campus apartments (usually double rooms). Students may also live off-campus upon application and getting permission from the host institutions. Students who live off-campus are entitled to accommodation allowance of 1000 CNY per person/month for doctoral students and 700 CNY per person/month for other students paid on a monthly / quarterly basis from the host institutions.

c) Living allowance is granted by host institutions on a monthly basis. The monthly allowance for undergraduates, one-academic-year study students and one-semester students is 2,500 CNY per person. For MTCSOL student, the monthly allowance is 3,000 CNY per person. For DTCSOL student, the monthly allowance is 3500 CNY per person.

Students are required to complete enrollment procedures for every semester within stipulated period; otherwise, their scholarship may be cancelled. Students who are enrolled before the 15th (or on the 15th) of the month are entitled to the full allowance of that month while those enrolled after the 15th of that month are only entitled to half of the amount.

During the study period, for any student who is absent from China due to personal reasons for more than 15 days (excluding winter and summer holidays), the allowance during absence will be suspended.

For students who suspend study or drop out of school for personal reasons, or who are given disciplinary punishment by the host institutions, allowance will be terminated on the date of such suspension, dropping out or when the decision of such punishment is announced.

The living allowance for the month of graduation will be granted half a month after the date of graduation or expiration day of the study confirmed by host institutions.

Comprehensive medical insurance is purchased by the host institutions in accordance with relevant regulations of studying in China stipulated by the Ministry of Education of China. Insurance fee per person is 160 CNY for four-week study students, 400 CNY for one-semester students, and 800 CNY per year for students engaged in program longer than one academic year. 

Appendix 2

Application Documents for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship

A. 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. For degree scholarship program applicants:

a) a certification of the highest education diploma (or proof of expected graduation) and an official transcript;

b) applicants of the Scholarship for DTCSOL students are required to provide 2 reference letters from professors or associate professors or experts with equivalent professional and technical titles in relevant fields and a 3000-character personal statement in Chinese (including knowledge of the intended field of study and research proposal). Priority will be given to applicants who may provide a work contract with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China or a proof to the same effect.

c) applicants of the Scholarship for MTCSOL students are required to provide 2 reference letters from professors or associate professors. Priority will be given to applicants who may provide a work contract with a teaching institution upon completing their studies in China or a proof to the same effect.

C. Applicants currently working as Chinese language teachers shall provide proof of employment as well as a reference letter by the employer.

D. Applicants under the age of 18 shall provide certified documents of designation signed by their entrusted legal guardians in China.

E. Applicants shall also provide additional documents required by the host institutions.

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