The Chinese Government, in partnership with the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), is offering full scholarships for South African students to study in China for the 2026/27 academic year.
The scholarships cover undergraduate (Bachelor’s), postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) studies, and non-degree Chinese language studies across various fields.
Chinese Government Scholarship Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Host Country | China |
| Offered By | Chinese Government (with DHET nomination) |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2025 |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
| Eligible Levels | Chinese Language, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate |
| Instruction Language | Bachelor’s – Chinese; Postgraduate – English |
| Application Stage | Stage 1 – Apply through DHET before the online portal opens |
Types of Studies Offered
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree (PhD)
- Non-degree Chinese Language Studies
No Chinese language certificate is needed to apply for Bachelor’s programs.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
| Eligibility Criteria |
| South African citizens in good health |
| Strong academic performance (minimum 60% average) |
| Willing to study in China from September 2026 |
| Must show interest in China and commitment to South Africa’s development |
Priority Fields of Study
| Fields of Study |
| Agriculture |
| Biotechnology |
| Chinese Language Studies |
| Computer Science |
| Engineering Sciences |
| Environment & Climate Change |
| Food Science |
| Hydrogeological Engineering |
| Maritime Studies |
| Natural & Physical Sciences |
| Nuclear & Renewable Energy |
| Space Science & Technology |
| Telecommunications |
Preference will be given to:
- Postgraduate applicants
- Previously disadvantaged individuals
- Applicants in the above fields
Education Requirements & Age Limits
| Programme Type | Education Requirement | Age Limit (as of Sept 2026) |
| Chinese Language Studies | National Senior Certificate with 60% (post-school qualification is an advantage) | Under 35 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | National Senior Certificate with at least 60% average | Under 25 |
| Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s degree or NQF 7 with 60% (no Honours degree needed) | Under 35 |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | Master’s degree with at least 60% average | Under 40 |
Duration of Chinese Government Scholarship for South African Students 2026/2027
| Programme Type | Programme Duration | Chinese Language Prep | Total Scholarship Duration |
| Chinese Language Studies | 1 year | None | Up to 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4–5 years | 1–2 years | 4–7 years |
| Master’s Degree | 2–3 years | 1–2 years | 2–5 years |
| Doctoral Degree | 3–4 years | 1–2 years | 3–6 years |
What the Scholarship Covers
Chinese Government Offers
| Programme Type | Tuition (RMB/year) | Accommodation | Stipend |
| Chinese Language Studies | 20,000–27,000 | 8,400 | 30,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 20,000–27,000 | 8,400 | 30,000 |
| Master’s Degree | 25,000–34,000 | 8,400 | 36,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | 33,000–45,000 | 12,000 | 42,000 |
South African Government Offers
- Return economy airfare
- Midterm airfare
- Monthly allowance
- One-time settlement allowance
- Visa costs
- Orientation before departure
- Research support
- Psychosocial support services
Note: You must return to South Africa after completing your studies.
How to Apply for Chinese Government Scholarship for South African Students 2026/2027
Step-by-step:
- Download & complete the DHET application form.
- Collect all required documents (see checklist below).
- Email everything to: chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za
Subject line: Chinese Scholarship Application, [Your Surname] - Deadline: 30 September 2025
For more details, visit the official website here.
Required Supporting Documents (PDF format only)
Documents must be named, e.g., SurnameNamePassport, SurnameNameMatric, SurnameNameAcademicRecord, etc.
Supporting Documents Checklist (in PDF format):
- Completed the 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)
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