LEARN MANDARIN CHINESE WITH
ATHENS BUSINESS CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE
Study Chinese with the prestige of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB).
Learn Chinese at the Confucius Institute in Athens, under the academic auspices of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) — in the very heart of Athens. Chinese language courses are open to AUEB students, students from all Greek universities (A.E.I.), professionals and anyone aged 14 and above who wishes to explore the Chinese language and culture.
Studying Chinese can help you advance your career, expand your business, communicate with Chinese clients and partners, or simply enrich your travel experience in China.
Our experienced, fully certified instructors are native speakers who use modern, interactive teaching methods to strengthen your skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Once enrolled, students are also eligible to apply for the fully funded 15-day Summer Camp programs in China, which include language learning, cultural visits, and educational activities organized by our partner universities.
MANDARIN CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSES
Chinese as a Foreign/Second Language
Welcome to the Chinese Language Learning Program at the Confucius Institute in Athens! Our program provides a comprehensive and immersive approach to Chinese language education, offering students of all levels a complete and authentic learning experience.
The Confucius Institute at AUEB offers the most comprehensive, internationally accredited, and authentic Chinese language instruction in Greece — taught exclusively by native Chinese-speaking teachers.
In recent years, we have offered both online and in-person classes, allowing you to choose the learning format that best fits your schedule and lifestyle. Beginners with little or no prior knowledge of Chinese — and those preparing for the HSK 1 Examination — can start with the HSK 1 Beginner Course (~150 hours). Upon completion, students will acquire a vocabulary of approximately 200 Chinese characters and progress naturally to HSK 2 (Elementary Level) and beyond, following our structured course pathway.
🌐 HYBRID LEARNING MODEL (HYFLEX FORMAT)
Starting from the Academic Year 2024–2025, all classes across all levels will be offered in a HYBRID FORMAT! Hybrid learning means simultaneous participation of in-person and remote students.
The Hyflex model allows students to either attend classes in person or join live sessions online via ZOOM, depending on personal preference or schedule. Students may switch freely between the two modes at any time — no prior notice required.
Attendance and participation are equally valid and recognized regardless of how you attend.
✨ Advantages of Hybrid Learning:
• Higher engagement and attendance rates
• Flexible schedules and accessibility
• Improved learning support and communication
• Reduced anxiety and better interaction
• Increased inclusivity for all learners
🎎 Cultural Enrichment
Our program extends beyond language learning. Students can participate in a wide range of cultural activities and workshops, including: Tai Chi, Chinese Calligraphy & Paper Cutting, Tea Ceremony, Traditional Music & Instruments, and Chinese Traditional Dress (Hanfu).
🌸 Chinese Language Program — 8-Year Curriculum
Aligned with the New HSK 3.0 (Bands 1–9)
The Athens BCI Chinese Language Program offers a complete eight-year pathway from beginner to upper-intermediate Mandarin proficiency, aligned with the new HSK 3.0 framework.
Through systematic study, students build a strong command of modern Chinese while developing a deep understanding of Chinese society and culture.
The curriculum balances the four core skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — and progressively prepares learners for the official HSK exams administered by Chinese Testing International (CTI).
Textbook Framework
- Years 1 – 4: New Practical Chinese Reader (NPCR) Volumes 1 – 4
- Years 5 – 8: HSK Standard Course Books 5A – 6B
Year 1 – Level 1 (NPCR Book 1)
Vocabulary: ~300 words | HSK Band: 1 | Recommended Exam: HSK 1
Focus:
Introduction to Pinyin and tones, essential vocabulary and grammar, and 150–200 of the most common Chinese characters.
Students learn to greet, introduce themselves, talk about nationality, family, and numbers, and ask simple questions.
Outcomes:
Students acquire the ability to understand and use simple expressions and sentences in everyday contexts.
They can read and write basic characters and communicate at a survival level.
Year 2 – Level 2 (NPCR Book 2)
Vocabulary: ~600 (cumulative) | HSK Band: 2 | Exam: HSK 2
Focus:
Daily-life language: shopping, food, weather, hobbies, time, and directions.
Expansion of sentence structures and mastery of question forms, measure words, and verb complements.
Outcomes:
Students can hold short conversations, describe their daily routines, express preferences and intentions, and understand simple spoken and written texts.
Reading and listening comprehension become more natural and confident.
Year 3 – Level 3 (NPCR Book 3)
Vocabulary: ~1 000 (cumulative) | HSK Band: 3 | Exam: HSK 3
Focus:
Strengthening grammar and extending vocabulary to cover social interactions, education, and travel.
Students are introduced to paragraph writing, contextual listening, and longer dialogues.
Outcomes:
Students can discuss familiar topics, narrate past events, and express opinions with some detail.
They can read short articles and communicate in most daily situations with confidence.
Year 4 – Level 4 (NPCR Book 4)
Vocabulary: ~1 800 (cumulative) | HSK Band: 4 | Exam: HSK 4
Focus:
Intermediate grammar, idiomatic expressions, and reading short essays and cultural stories.
Topics include education, social behavior, work, and cultural customs.
Outcomes:
Students can communicate effectively on a variety of topics, read authentic intermediate texts, and write short compositions and summaries.
By the end of Year 4, students are working towards independent communication in Chinese (HSK 4 ≈ CEFR B1 –) and are ready to enter the upper-intermediate stage.
Year 5 – Level 5A (HSK Standard Course 5A)
Vocabulary: ≈ 2 400 (cumulative) | HSK Band: 5 (New HSK upper-intermediate) | Exam: HSK 5
Focus:
Expansion of advanced grammar, vocabulary, and discourse structures through authentic materials such as news reports, short stories, and cultural readings.
Development of listening comprehension, text analysis, and structured essay writing.
Outcomes:
Students can understand detailed spoken and written Chinese on a broad range of everyday and professional topics.
They express opinions, summarize information, and produce clear, cohesive written work.
Year 6 – Level 5B (HSK Standard Course 5B)
Vocabulary: ≈ 3 000 (cumulative) | HSK Band: 5 (New HSK upper-intermediate) | Exam: HSK 5
Focus:
Consolidation of upper-intermediate grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Exposure to literature, film, and current social and cultural issues.
Emphasis on idiomatic usage, fluency, and precision in both speech and writing.
Outcomes:
Students can read and analyze authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, and online media; follow television programs and discussions; and express ideas coherently and naturally in spoken and written Chinese.
They achieve upper-intermediate communicative proficiency (New HSK Band 5 ≈ CEFR B2), are fully prepared for the HSK 5 exam, and ready to progress toward New HSK Band 6.
Year 7 – Level 6A (HSK Standard Course 6A)
Vocabulary: ≈ 4 000 (cumulative) | HSK Band: 6 (New HSK upper-intermediate / transition) | Exam: HSK 6
Focus:
Refinement of advanced grammar and stylistic accuracy; comprehension of long, complex texts such as editorials, essays, and academic papers.
Practice in formal speech, debate, and analytical writing.
Outcomes:
Students understand complex linguistic structures and cultural nuance, produce extended written work, and engage effectively in academic or professional discussions.
Year 8 – Level 6B (HSK Standard Course 6B)
Vocabulary: ≈ 5 000 + (cumulative) | HSK Band: 6 (New HSK upper-intermediate / transition to advanced) | Exam: HSK 6
Focus:
Mastery of complex vocabulary, syntax, and stylistic variation through advanced texts, academic resources, and authentic media.
Development of persuasive writing, formal presentations, and cross-cultural interpretation skills.
Outcomes:
Students can understand complex ideas, express themselves fluently and accurately, and function comfortably in professional Chinese environments.
They complete the upper-intermediate stage (Bands 5–6 ≈ CEFR B2 +) and are ready to transition to future advanced courses (Bands 7–9) once official materials are released by CLEC.
📘 Program Summary (Years 1–8 at Athens BCI)
Aligned with HSK 3.0 Bands 1–6; HSK 6 = Upper-Intermediate (not academic fluency)
|
Year |
Level |
Textbook |
Target Vocabulary (cumulative) |
HSK Band |
Recommended Exam |
Outcome Focus |
|
1 |
1 |
NPCR 1 |
~300 |
1 |
HSK 1 |
Survival communication, Pinyin/tones, 150–200 characters |
|
2 |
2 |
NPCR 2 |
~600 |
2 |
HSK 2 |
Everyday topics & short dialogues; basic paragraphing |
|
3 |
3 |
NPCR 3 |
~1,000 |
3 |
HSK 3 |
Opinions, narration, reading short articles |
|
4 |
4 |
NPCR 4 |
~1,800 |
4 |
HSK 4 |
Confident conversation; essays & cultural topics |
|
5 |
5A |
HSK Std 5A |
~2,400 |
5 (Part 1) |
Internal / Mid-HSK 5 |
Advanced vocab, idioms, authentic readings |
|
6 |
5B |
HSK Std 5B |
~3,000 |
5 |
HSK 5 |
Media comprehension; essay-level writing |
|
7 |
6A |
HSK Std 6A |
~4,000 |
6 (Part 1) |
Internal / Mid-HSK 6 |
Academic registers; long-text analysis |
|
8 |
6B |
HSK Std 6B |
5,000+ |
6 |
HSK 6 |
Upper-Intermediate proficiency for academic/professional contexts; not yet academic fluency |
✅ What “fluency” means here
- HSK 6: Upper-Intermediate / Advanced communication — operate effectively in study/work, handle complex texts, deliver presentations; still below near-native.
- HSK 7–9: Advanced stage; HSK 9 = academic fluency / near-native.
🎯 HSK 3.0 Bands (1–9) — Concise Descriptors
|
HSK Band |
Descriptor (plain English) |
Typical Capability (very brief) |
|
1 |
Beginner A1 |
Survival phrases, very simple texts |
|
2 |
Beginner A2 |
Routine tasks, short messages |
|
3 |
Low-Intermediate B1- |
Familiar topics, paragraph writing |
|
4 |
Intermediate B1 |
Confident everyday communication |
|
5 |
Upper-Intermediate B2 |
Media/news, essays, debates |
|
6 |
High Upper-Intermediate B2+ |
Complex texts; professional settings |
|
7 |
Advanced C1- |
Research-level readings, formal writing |
|
8 |
High Advanced C1+ |
Specialised/professional discourse |
|
9 |
Academic Fluency C2 |
Near-native comprehension & production |
🌟 Future Extension — Levels 7 – 9
With the full implementation of HSK 3.0 (Bands 1 – 9) by the CLEC (Center for Language Education and Cooperation), Levels 7–9 now represent the Advanced Stage of Chinese proficiency — focusing on near-native fluency, academic writing, and professional-level language use.
Athens BCI plans to extend its curriculum to include HSK 7–9 courses once CLEC-approved textbooks become available on the market.
At present, HSK 9 is the highest internationally recognized level of Chinese proficiency.
Chinese Testing International (CTI) already conducts HSK 7–9 examinations worldwide.
Students who complete Year 8 (Level 6B) will have a strong foundation to pursue the Advanced Stage (Levels 7–9) when those courses and materials are officially introduced.
REGISTRATIONS IN COURSES
All interested students must complete online registration before the beginning of their selected course, through the official website of the Confucius Institute in Athens (section: Registration for Chinese Language Courses).
Registration Period
- From September 1 to October 10 each year.
- The platform remains open until the officially announced course start date, according to the Institute’s schedule.
- Early registration is highly recommended, as places fill up quickly.
Official Student Status
- Only registered students are considered official students of the Institute and are entitled to attend classes.
- Registration is also required to renew the student card and to participate in workshops, events, seminars, and other activities free of charge.
- The active student card provides access to special discounts on textbooks at cooperating bookstores (available to holders of the renewed ABCI card).
Important Information & Guidelines
- Class places fill up quickly — please register on time.
- Before paying the tuition fees and finalizing your registration, carefully read the attendance terms.
- Tuition fees are paid in full upon registration and are non-refundable in case of withdrawal or non-attendance.
- Each course operates provided that at least 8 students are enrolled. Smaller groups may operate with adjusted teaching hours.
Free Trial Lesson
- Every new student is entitled to attend one free trial lesson, without any further commitment.
- To participate, the student (or guardian) should contact the Education Office by phone or email and obtain a Trial Lesson Gift Voucher, which must be presented to the instructor upon arrival.
Registration Confirmation
After completing the online registration, a confirmation of participation is sent via email, together with detailed information from the instructors about the class schedule, prior to the start of the courses.
Courses begin in accordance with the official timetable announced by the Institute.
Information Before Course Start
Before the officially announced start date, instructors send an email to registered students including:
- details about the course structure and syllabus,
- required textbooks and supplementary materials,
- the Zoom link for remote participants (where applicable),
- technical participation instructions (audio/video setup, login name, attendance rules),
- organizational details (schedule, classroom, instructor contact information).
Reminder: Check regularly the email address provided during registration (including your spam folder).
Contact
For any inquiries regarding the registration process, available courses, or class schedule, please contact the Secretariat of the Confucius Institute in Athens:
- Email: confucius@aueb.gr
- Phone: + 210 8226 735
- Public service hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tuition fees are paid in full for the entire academic year by bank transfer before submitting the online registration form. Any applicable discounts should be taken into account according to ABCI’s Discount Policy.
- The name of the student / pupil should be indicated in the bank’s deposit slip.
- Tuition fee rates apply for a full academic year.
- Tuition fees do not include textbooks and/or exam registration fees. Students are required to purchase books appropriate for their programs of study. Books may be purchased in the bookstores.
Payment can be made directly into the University's/ABCI’s bank account details as follows:
|
Bank Name: Account Holder: Account Number: IBAN: |
National Bank of Greece ΕΛΚΕ ΟΠΑ 110 / 4 8015 124 GR20 0110 1100 0000 1104 8015 124 |
RATES AND DISCOUNTS
Tuition fees are paid in full for the entire academic year by bank transfer before submitting the online registration form. Tuition fees are non-refundable for withdrawing, interrupting, non-returning, non-attending students.
Discount Policy
Athens Business Confucius Institute’s tuition is competitively priced, and we are among the lowest-cost, quality Chinese language programs on a University campus. We are glad to offer competitive discounts.
Important notes
To be eligible, there are some general rules to be considered for the tuition fee discount:
- Only one discount per student;
- Discounts are on tuition only;
- Tuition must be paid in full by the registration deadline to be eligible for discounts;
- Applications with tuition fee discounts are only accepted when submitted during the application period;
- Applications for tuition fee discounts are only considered when submitted with an official online application form (with supporting documents); please attach relevant documentation on the “Discount Eligibility” section during your online Registration for Language Courses;
- Discounts do not apply to exam registrations, summer camp participations, scholarships, books.
- Students who have tuition fee debts do not qualify for tuition fee discounts;
Based on the University’s/ΑBCI’s policies, students who fall into the following categories are entitled to annual tuition discounts. Discounts cannot be aggregated and the higher discount rate is always considered.
The following identified groups are eligible for specific discounts on tuition.
- 50% discount applies to military privates and officers and all permanent uniformed personnel. Please attach your Identity Card on the “Discount Eligibility” section during the online Registration for Language Courses
For more details and clarification on the discount policy, please contact us at confucius@aueb.gr or call us on + 30 210 8226735.
ATTENDANCE POLICY AND ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
Class attendance is mandatory. Students must attend classes according to the mode of delivery set by the Confucius Institute at Athens (in-person, remote, or hybrid), as officially announced by the Administration. The Institute reserves the right to unilaterally modify the teaching schedule or delivery mode in cases of force majeure or special circumstances, without students having the right to contest such decisions.
Attendance is recorded for each class hour, at the beginning of the session, under the instructor’s responsibility. Attendance is deemed adequate if the student’s total absences do not exceed 15% of the total scheduled teaching hours of the course for the academic year, rounded to the nearest whole number.
To be eligible for the Certificate of Attendance, students must have no more than 15% absences from the total course hours for the year.
Upon course completion, students may submit an electronic request for the Certificate of Attendance. The request must clearly include the student’s full name and the course section attended. Processing of all electronic applications will begin ten (10) working days after the end of the academic year.
📄 Click here to download and complete the application form.
Registrations for each academic year begin on September 1st and remain open until October 10th. The platform remains open until the officially announced course start date, according to the Institute’s schedule. To enroll in one of the Chinese Language Courses offered by the Confucius Institute at Athens, please follow these steps carefully.
1️⃣ Before Registration:
Consult the Course Timetable for the current academic year and choose the class you wish to attend (days, times, and level).
2️⃣ Tuition Fee Payment:
Pay the full annual tuition fee in advance, before the start of the classes and before submitting your online registration form. Consider any discounts you may be eligible for, as outlined in the Tuition Fees and Discount Policy tables. Please include your full name in the payment reference field.
Bank Account Details:
Name: ΕΛΚΕ ΟΠΑ
Bank: National Bank of Greece
Account Number: 110 / 4 8015 124
IBAN: GR20 0110 1100 0000 1104 8015 124
Payment Reference: Student’s Full Name
3️⃣ Online Registration Submission:
Visit the official website of the Confucius Institute at Athens and complete the online registration form in both Greek and English. Select the class you wish to attend according to the Course Timetable. The email address you provide will be used as the primary means of communication with the Institute.
4️⃣ Upload of Payment Proof:
Attach your tuition payment receipt (scanned or photo) in the field 'Proof of Payment' as confirmation of your completed transaction.
5️⃣ Tuition Fee Discount Eligibility:
If you are entitled to a discount, please attach the relevant supporting document, such as: unemployment certificate, valid university student ID card, or any other document proving your status. You may also include comments or additional notes in the remarks section of the application.
6️⃣ Submit the Registration Form:
Enter the captcha code displayed and click REGISTER to complete your application submission.
7️⃣ Registration Confirmation:
Once your registration has been successfully submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email at the address provided (please also check your spam/junk folder). All registered students are entitled to receive a free Student Registration Card from the Confucius Institute at Athens, by presenting a passport-style photo at our office for issuance.
