Chinese Government Scholarship Programme 2026/27

Jul 01, 2025

3 min read

Applications open for South African students

The Chinese Government, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), invites applications for the 2026/27 academic year. This scholarship provides South African citizens with an opportunity to study in China at undergraduate (Bachelor’s), postgraduate (Master’s or PhD), or non-degree Chinese language study level.

Fields of Study

The scholarship covers a range of fields, with a preference for the following priority areas:

Agriculture
Biotechnology
Chinese language studies
Computer Science
Environmental and Climate Change Studies
Engineering Sciences
Food Science
Hydrogeological Engineering
Maritime Studies
Natural and Physical Sciences
Nuclear and Renewable Energy
Space Science and Technology
Telecommunications

Postgraduate applicants, previously disadvantaged individuals, and those applying in the priority fields listed above will be given preference.

Programme and Eligibility Summary

Study Programme	Educational Requirement	Age Limit (by Sept 2026)
Chinese language studies	NSC or equivalent with 60% minimum	Under 35
Bachelor’s degree	NSC or equivalent with 60% minimum recommended	Under 25
Master’s degree	Bachelor’s degree or NQF 7, 60% average	Under 35
Doctoral degree	Master’s degree, 60% average	Under 40

Duration of Study

Programme	Study Duration (years)	Language Prep (years)	Total Duration
Chinese language studies	1	0	Up to 2
Bachelor’s degree	4–5	1–2	4–7
Master’s degree	2–3	1–2	2–5
Doctoral degree	3–4	1–2	3–6

What the Scholarship Covers

Chinese Government Contribution (per year):

Programme	Tuition (RMB)	Accommodation (RMB)	Stipend (RMB)	Insurance (RMB)
Language/Bachelor’s	20,000–27,000	8,400	30,000	800
Master’s	25,000–34,000	8,400	36,000	800
Doctoral	33,000–45,000	12,000	42,000	800

South African Government Support:

Return economy airfare
Midterm economy airfare
Monthly stipend
Once-off settlement allowance
Visa costs
Orientation programme
Psychosocial support
Research support

All successful applicants are required to return to South Africa upon completion of their studies.

Application Process

Deadline: 30 September 2025
Where to Apply: Submit all documents via email to: [email protected]
Email subject line: Chinese Scholarship Application, [Your Surname]

Required Documents (PDF only)

Documents must be clearly named, e.g., SurnameNameID.pdf, SurnameNameMatric.pdf

All Applicants Must Submit:

DHET application form (completed)
Copy of South African ID
Copy of valid passport (or apply for one before submission to China)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Motivational letter (1 page)
Two signed reference letters (teachers, lecturers, or supervisors)
Non-criminal record report (within 6 months)
Foreigner Physical Examination Form (for health screening)

Additional Documents by Level:

For Bachelor’s / Language Studies:

NSC certificate with subject-specific marks (Maths, Physics, or English)

For Master’s Applicants:

Bachelor’s degree certificate (NQF Level 7 minimum)
Admission/pre-admission letters from Chinese institutions (optional but preferred)
SAQA verification for foreign qualifications
Research proposal (minimum 1000 words)

For PhD Applicants:

Master’s degree certificate (NQF Level 9)
Admission/pre-admission letters from Chinese institutions (optional but preferred)
Research proposal (minimum 1000 words)

Selection Process

Initial screening by DHET
Shortlisted candidates will receive guidance to complete their application via the Chinese Government CSC portal (opens November 2025)
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email (no individual feedback provided)

Additional Notes

This scholarship is not managed by the Chinese Embassy; DHET is the official nominating authority
It is your responsibility to verify the recognition of qualifications with SAQA and relevant South African professional bodies
No additional financial support will be provided outside of what is listed above
Scholarship duration and study must align with the Admission Notice issued by the institution in China

Contact

For inquiries, email: [email protected]

For more information and resources, visit the Department of Higher Education and Training website.