Short-term language scholarships: study Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and German with sponsorship

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Learning a language right in your native country helps you progress much faster than studying in a classroom in Vietnam. The good news is that there are many short-term language scholarships from 4 weeks to 1 year for Japanese, Korean, Chinese and German, often free of tuition and with living expenses included. This article summarizes typical programs, general conditions and how to prepare documents.

Why should you hunt for short-term language scholarships?

Different from full scholarship Undergraduate or master's level, language scholarships are often short-term, academic conditions are not too strict and are very suitable for:

• Students majoring in languages, oriental studies, and international studies want practical experience.
• People who plan to study for a master's degree in Japan, Korea, China, or Germany and need to upgrade their qualifications before applying.
• Teachers and working people need higher certificates for work.

A short-term language course is also a "stepping stone" to familiarize yourself with the environment, build relationships with professors and increase the weight of your long-term scholarship application later. If you are interested in short-term programs in general, see more articles Summer scholarships and short courses.

Short-term language scholarships for each language

Japanese: MEXT scholarship under Japanese Studies

The Japanese government (MEXT) has scholarships for foreign university students studying majors related to Japanese language or Japanese culture. According to instructions published on the website of Japanese representative agencies, the program lasts about a year at a Japanese university designated by MEXT, has age limits for each batch and usually accepts applications at the beginning of the year for admission around September–October. Recipients of MEXT scholarships are often exempted from tuition, receive a monthly allowance and air tickets according to program regulations.

In Vietnam, applications usually go through the Japanese Embassy or upon nomination by the university. See more overview of Japanese scholarships in the article Scholarship to study abroad in Japan MEXT, JASSO.

Korean: Korea Foundation and five languages of GKS

The Korea Foundation has a Korean Language Training scholarship program for students, graduate students, lecturers and researchers in Korean studies, usually prioritizing those with intermediate degrees. Scholarships usually include language course tuition, monthly stipend, initial stability allowance and insurance. Criteria and application areas may change from year to year, so please check the Korea Foundation's latest announcement.

In addition, the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) for undergraduate and postgraduate levels often includes one year of Korean language study before entering the main program. Although it is a long-term scholarship, this is also a way for many people to learn a language with sponsorship. Details in the article GKS Korean study abroad scholarship.

Chinese: International Chinese Language Teacher Scholarship

This is a program managed by the Chinese Language Exchange and Cooperation Center, submitted through the system on chinese.cn, usually through Confucius Institutes or partner schools as referral units. According to the admission guidelines of the receiving schools, the scholarship has many types: 4 weeks, one semester, one school year, and some online programs. With school status, recipients receive free tuition, free dormitory accommodation and health insurance; Enrollment for one semester and one year also includes a monthly living allowance. Applicants usually need to have HSK and HSKK scores according to the requirements of each category, age within the prescribed limit.

If you want to learn traditional Chinese, Taiwan has a Chinese Language Scholarship (Huayu Enrichment Scholarship) sponsored by the Taiwan Ministry of Education, submitted through the Taiwan representative office, usually receiving applications around February–March every year and with a monthly allowance. See more articles Taiwan study abroad scholarship.

German: DAAD university summer course

DAAD has University Summer Courses scholarships for foreign undergraduate and master's students in all majors who have completed at least two years of study and have a German language certificate. The course lasts about three to four weeks in the summer at German universities. According to DAAD's scholarship database, benefits include a full stipend, insurance and may include a travel allowance depending on the country. The submission deadline usually falls at the end of the previous year; Country eligibility requirements need to be checked on the DAAD website. If you are considering long-term study in Germany, read more DAAD scholarships and tuition-free study opportunities.

Quick comparison table of language scholarships

Information according to the most recent announcement of the sponsoring units; Conditions and support levels may change from time to time.

Profile and preparation experience

1. Expired language certificates: JLPT, TOPIK, HSK/HSKK, Goethe/TestDaF... Most programs require minimum qualifications, and having a higher score is an advantage.
2. Study plan: clearly state why you need to learn your native language and how you will use that language for study and work. Refer to the article How to write a scholarship essay.
3. Letter of recommendation from a language instructor or department head.
4. Transcript, student confirmation: many programs require you to be a student throughout the scholarship period.
5. Visa documents: even short term, you still need a suitable visa; Some programs require the correct type of student visa, not visa exemption.

Once you receive the scholarship letter, you should book tickets early because summer courses often coincide with the peak season. More than 30 VeDuHoc Bookers hunt for multi-carrier tickets, even when the price is high, they continue to monitor, and if they find a better price after you have paid, HVSC will refund the difference. You can view the service air tickets to study abroad or frequently asked questions at Study abroad FAQ section.

Frequently asked questions

Do short-term language scholarships require a university degree?

Depends on the program. MEXT Japanese Studies and DAAD summer courses require you to be a student; Chinese scholarships and Taiwanese Chinese scholarships often accept people who have graduated from high school or above.

If you don't know the language, can you apply for a language scholarship?

Very difficult. Most programs require minimum qualifications, for example HSK level 3 with a long-term Chinese language scholarship or a German language certificate with the DAAD summer course. You should learn the foundation first in Vietnam.

Does a language scholarship allow you to work part-time?

Depends on the type of visa and regulations of the host country. Many short-term scholarships do not encourage or allow additional work; Please read the terms carefully before accepting.

Can I apply for multiple language scholarships at the same time?

It is possible to apply for, but usually not receive, two government scholarships at the same time. Please read each program's exclusions carefully.

Short-term language scholarships are an economical way to improve your qualifications and pave the way for long-term study abroad. Please follow the official page, prepare your certificate early, and when you need flight tickets on time for admission, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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