CHINA: Chinese Government Scholarship (South Africa)

Deadline: 30 September 2025

The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

The scholarship is offering undergraduate (Bachelors) studies and postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) studies in a variety of study fields, as well as non-degree Chinese language studies. Bachelor’s programmes are taught in Chinese, however a Chinese language proficiency certificate is not a requirement to apply. Postgraduate programmes are taught in English.

Priority Fields

Various fields of study are available, including but not limited to the following priority fields:
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Chinese language studies
- Computer Science
- Environment and Climate change
- Engineering Sciences
- Food Science
- Hydrogeological Engineering
- Maritime Studies
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Nuclear and Renewable Energy
- Space Science and Technology
- Telecommunications

Benefits

The South African government offers the following:
- Return economy airfare
- Midterm economy airfare
- Monthly stipend/allowance
- Once-off settlement allowance
- Visa costs
- Compulsory orientation programme before departure
- Psychosocial Support service
- Research support

Funding Information

The Chinese government offers the following:
- Chinese language studies
  - Tuition (RMB per year): 20000-27000
  - Accommodation (RMB per year): 8400
  - Stipend (RMB per year): 30000
  - Medical Insurance (RMB per year): 800
- Duration
  - Duration of Programme: 1
  - Duration of Preparatory Chinese Language Course: None
  - Duration of Scholarship(Years): Up to 2
- Bachelor’s degree
  - Tuition (RMB per year: 20000-27000
  - Accommodation (RMB per year): 8400
  - Stipend (RMB per year): 30000
  - Medical Insurance (RMB per year): 800
- Duration
  - Duration of Programme: 4-5
  - Duration of Preparatory Chinese Language Course: 1-2
  - Duration of Scholarship(Years): 4-7
- Master’s degree
  - Tuition (RMB per year): 25000-34000
  - Accommodation (RMB per year): 8400
  - Stipend (RMB per year): 36000
  - Medical Insurance (RMB per year): 800
- Duration
  - Duration of Programme: 2-3
  - Duration of Preparatory Chinese Language Course: 1-2
  - Duration of Scholarship(Years): 2-5
- Doctoral degree
  - Tuition (RMB per year): 33000-45000
  - Accommodation (RMB per year): 12000
  - Stipend (RMB per year): 42000
  - Medical Insurance (RMB per year): 800
- Duration
  - Duration of Programme: 3-4
  - Duration of Preparatory Chinese Language Course: 1-2
  - Duration of Scholarship(Years): 3-6

Eligibility Criteria

Chinese language studies (non-degree)
- Education Requirements: National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60%. Applicants with a post-school qualification will be given priority.
- Age (As of September 2026): Under 35
Bachelor’s degree
- Education Requirements: National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60% average is recommended)
- Age (As of September 2026): Under 25
Master’s degree
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or NQF 7 qualification (a minimum of 60% average. Please note that you do not need an Honours degree to apply for a Master’s programme.
- Age (As of September 2026): Under 35
Doctoral degree
- Education Requirements: Master’s degree (a minimum of 60% average)
- Age (As of September 2026): Under 40
South African citizens in good health (medical check will be required for successful applicants).
Strong academic record with a minimum 60% average in previous studies.
Availability to study in China from September 2026.
Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa.

Application Requirements

Completed DHET application form
Copy of South African ID
Copy of Passport (valid until at least Dec 1, 2026. Applicants without a valid passport can still apply, however a passport will be required for submission to the Chinese Government when the call opens later in the year)
Academic records/transcripts
Degree certificates (for Master’s or PhD applicants)
Motivational letter (1 page)
Reference letters (2 letters from teachers or supervisors)
Foreigner Physical Examination Form (for health clearance)
Non-criminal record report (issued within the last 6 months)

For more information, visit International Scholarships.