Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Chinese Government Scholarships, offering a valuable opportunity for young South African students to pursue higher education in China fully funded. This initiative is a collaboration between South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the China Scholarship Council (CSC), designed to bolster educational ties between the two nations, enhance mutual cultural understanding, and support promising South African learners and researchers in their academic journeys at Chinese institutions.
The DHET extends its gratitude to all candidates who participated in the initial internal screening phase of the scholarship process and is now officially inviting eligible applicants to enter Stage 2 of the application. At this stage, students must submit their applications directly through the Chinese Government Scholarship online portal and/or to the host universities they wish to attend. These submissions are critical for consideration by DHET for nomination, followed by the final selection made by the China Scholarship Council.
Available Study Programs
The scholarship encompasses a wide range of study levels, including:
- Undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s degrees)
- Postgraduate studies (Master’s and Doctoral degrees)
- Non-degree Chinese language courses
- General and Senior Scholar programs
All selected candidates will commence their studies in September 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold South African citizenship and be in good physical and mental health.
- Achieve a minimum academic average of 60% in their most recent qualification.
- Fulfill the age and qualification criteria specified for each program as of January 1, 2027:
| Program | Minimum Qualification | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language (Non-degree) | National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60% | Under 35 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | NSC with Bachelor’s Pass | Under 26 |
| Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s Degree (60%+) | Under 35 |
| Doctoral Degree | Master’s Degree (60%+) | Under 40 |
| General Scholar | NSC with Bachelor’s Pass | Under 45 |
| Senior Scholar | Master’s Degree / Associate Professor | Under 50 |
Language and Additional Requirements
- Applicants for Chinese-taught undergraduate, general, or senior scholar programs must have HSK Level 3 certification.
- For Master’s and Doctoral programs conducted in Chinese, HSK Level 4 is required.
- Bachelor’s degree hopefuls need to provide their China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) results. For more information, visit www.csca.cn.
- Applicants under 18 years of age must submit legal guardian documentation.
Preferred Fields of Study
While the scholarship accepts applications across many disciplines, priority is given to areas that align with South Africa’s strategic development goals, namely:
- Agriculture and Biotechnology
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Environmental Studies and Climate Change
- Food Science
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Maritime Studies
- Hydrogeological Engineering
- Nuclear and Renewable Energy
- Space Science and Technology
- Telecommunication
- Chinese Language Studies
Note: Applicants intending to study professional degrees, such as engineering, are advised to consult the relevant South African professional bodies to ensure the recognition and appropriateness of the Chinese universities they plan to attend.
Preference will be given to candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds as well as to postgraduate applicants.
Scholarship Benefits
The Chinese Government Scholarship fully covers:
- Tuition fees without exception
- Accommodation through free university dormitories or accommodation allowances
- Monthly stipend provided as follows:
- Undergraduates: RMB 2,500
- Master’s and General Scholars: RMB 3,000
- Doctoral and Senior Scholars: RMB 3,500
- Comprehensive medical insurance valued at RMB 800 annually per person
Additional Support from the South African Government
In addition to the support from China, successful South African recipients will also benefit from the following assistance provided by DHET:
- Round-trip international airfare including mid-term travel (where applicable)
- Supplementary monthly living allowances
- A once-off settlement allowance upon arrival
- Visa application fee coverage
- Pre-departure orientation sessions and psychosocial support
- Research funding support, where relevant
All scholarship awardees will be required to sign a binding contract committing them to return to South Africa after completing their studies.
Application Process
Applicants must carefully prepare and upload all required documents to the Chinese Government Scholarship online system, as well as email the documents to ChinaScholarship@dhet.gov.za. The steps include:
- Complete the online application at www.campuschina.org.
- Submit the application to the host university if requested.
- Download the scholarship application form, complete it, and send it along with all supporting documents to ChinaScholarship@dhet.gov.za.
Required Documentation (PDF format, clearly labeled)
- Completed CSC online application form
- Copy of South African ID
- Copy of valid passport (valid through at least March 1, 2027)
- Certificate of highest qualification or proof of current enrollment
- Certified academic transcripts
- HSK Certificate (if applicable)
- CSCA score report (for Bachelor’s applicants only)
- Study plan or motivation letter with minimum word counts as follows:
- Undergraduate: 300–500 words
- Master’s: 500–800 words
- Doctoral: 800–1,000 words
- General and Senior Scholar: 500–700 words
- Two reference letters (required for Master’s, Doctoral, and Scholar applicants)
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form, completed and stamped
- Police clearance certificate (issued within the past six months)
- Portfolio of work (for applicants in art or design fields, if relevant)
Contact Information
For further questions or assistance, please contact the scholarship office via email at ChinaScholarship@dhet.gov.za.
To learn more and access all forms and application portals, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Chinese Government Scholarships.
