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:
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
- Chinese language studies
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.
