A student taking the Chinese language class in the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, in Kenya's capital Nairobi, on June 26, 2015. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei)

ANTANANARIVO, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- For Malagasy youth who hope to study in China with scholarship, the local Confucius Institute is offering a good chance.

The Confucius Institute in Madagascar said 54 of its students had received Chinese government scholarships this year to study in 11 universities in China for a period from 6 months to four years. The students will fly to China early in September.

The Chinese director of the institute Chen Lijuan said the number of scholarships represented an increase this year from around 30 annually in the past years.

The institute earlier this month graduated 55 students in Chinese language and culture in the country's capital Antananarivo.

Some of the 55 graduates will continue their studies in China while some will work in companies as interpreters and tourist guides, the Malagasy director of the institute Zo Rasendra told Xinhua.

At the graduation ceremony, Panja Ramanoelina, president of Antananarivo University where the institute is located, appreciated the efficiency of Confucius Institute in promoting education in Madagascar and was grateful to Chinese investors for job opportunities they constantly offer to the graduates.

"On behalf of the Malagasy government, I express our deep gratitude to the Chinese government and the Confucius Institute which gave opportunities for Malagasy youth to have a better future," the secretary general of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Christian Ralijaona said during his speech.

Learning of Chinese language is essential in mutual understanding between Malagasy and Chinese peoples and the Confucius Institute has continued to promote this mutual relationship since its establishment in Madagascar in 2008, Ralijaon said.

After eight years of operation in Madagascar, the Confucius Institute now works with more than 40 schools in the country to teach Chinese language for local students.