The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions starting in the 2026/27 academic year. The Department of Higher Education (the Department) is responsible for nominating candidates.
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.
This is the first stage of the application process. Applicants are required to submit the DHET application form and supporting documents for initial screening. Shortlisted candidates will receive further instructions once the Chinese Government’s online application portal opens in November 2025.
Criteria and Eligibility
- 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.
Fields of Study
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
Important: Postgraduate applicants, previously disadvantaged individuals, and those applying in priority fields will receive preference.
Education requirements and age limits:
| STUDY PROGRAMME | EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS | AGE (AS OF SEPTEMBER 2026) |
| Chinese language studies (non-degree) | National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60%. Applicants with a post-school qualification will be given priority | Under 35 |
| Bachelor’s degree | National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60% average is recommended)
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Under 25 |
| Master’s degree | 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 | Under 35 |
| Doctoral degree | Master’s degree (a minimum of 60% average) | Under 40 |
Scholarship Duration
| STUDY PROGRAMME | DURATION OF PROGRAMME | DURATION OF PREPARATORY CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSE | DURATION OF SCHOLARSHIP(Years) |
| Chinese language studies | 1 | None | 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 offers
The Chinese government offers the following:
| STUDY PROGRAMME | Tuition (RMB per year) * | Accommodation (RMB per year) | Stipend (RMB per year) | Medical Insurance (RMB per year) |
| Chinese language studies | 20000-27000 | 8400 | 30000 | 800 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 20000-27000 | 8400 | 30000 | 800 |
| Master’s degree | 25000-34000 | 8400 | 36000 | 800 |
| Doctoral degree | 33000-45000 | 12000 | 42000 | 800 |
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
Successful scholarship applicants will be required to sign a contract and return to South Africa upon completion of their studies.
How to Apply
Complete the DHET Application form.
Submit all required documents via email to [email protected] by 30 September 2025.
Email subject line:
Chinese Scholarship Application, [Your Surname]
Required Supporting Documents (PDF format only)
Documents must be clearly named, e.g., SurnameNamePassport, SurnameNameMatric, SurnameNameAcademicRecord, etc.
Supporting Documents Checklist (in PDF format):
- 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)
| Applications for Bachelor’s or Chinese Language programmes | Applications for Master’s programmes | Applications for PhD’s programmes | |
| 1. Completed DHET application form | 1. Completed DHET application form | 1. Completed DHET application form | |
| 2. Copy of a South African ID | 2. Copy of a South African ID | 2. Copy of a South African ID | |
| 3. Copy of Passport Home Page: Applicant shall submit a clear scanned copy of his/her ordinary passport with validity later than Dec 1, 2026 | 3. Copy of Passport Home Page: Applicant shall submit a clear scanned copy of his/her ordinary passport with validity later than Dec 1, 2026 | 3. Copy of Passport Home Page: Applicant shall submit a clear scanned copy of his/her ordinary passport with validity later than Dec 1, 2026 | |
| 4. Copy of a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) with average of 60% OR a certificate of equivalence (from the Matriculation Board) if a school leaving certificate other than the NSC was obtained.
A minimum of a 60% average is required, excluding Life Orientation.
Marks of pre-requisite subjects for chosen field of study (e.g. for Engineering applicants, NSC Maths and Physics marks OR for social sciences, NSC English marks) will be reviewed separately
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4. Copy of degree certificate(s), which must be a minimum of a Bachelor’s or a full qualification equivalent to South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Should be level 7
SAQA verification for any degrees obtained outside South Africa is required.
A minimum of 60% average is required. |
4. Copy of degree certificates, which must include a Master’s degree, or full qualification equivalent to South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.
SAQA verification for any degrees obtained outside South Africa is required.
A minimum of 60% average is required. |
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| 5. Official transcripts of all previous university studies. | 5. Official transcripts of all previous university studies.
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| 6. To apply for Master’s or Doctoral degrees or as general/senior scholars, applicants must provide admission documents issued by the chosen universities. Admission documents include admission notices, pre-admission letters, invitations from professors, etc. Applicants with admission documents will obtain priority in being nominated for the Chinese Government Scholarship.
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6. To apply for master’s and doctoral degree or as general and senior scholars, applicants shall provide admission documents issued by the applied universities. Admission documents include admission notices, pre-admission letters, invitations from professors, etc. Applicants with admission documents will obtain priority in being nominated for the Chinese Government Scholarship.
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| 7. A maximum 1-page letter of motivation for the scholarship AND personal reasons for choosing the field of study. | 7. A maximum 1-page letter of motivation for the scholarship AND personal reasons for choosing the field of study. | ||
| 8. A Research Proposal in Chinese or English. (A minimum of 1000 words for non-degree students, and 1000 words for postgraduates.)
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| 5. A maximum 1-page letter of motivation for the scholarship AND their choice of field of study. | |||
| 6. Two reference letters signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address.
At least one reference must be from a schoolteacher. The second letter can be from either a teacher or a work supervisor.
The letters must provide a substantiated assessment of the applicant’s reliability, integrity, academic excellence, and overall suitability for an international scholarship.
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8. Two reference letters signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address.
At least one reference must be from a lecturer or professor. The second letter can be from either a lecturer or a work supervisor.
The letters must provide a substantiated assessment of the applicant’s reliability, integrity, academic excellence, and overall suitability for an international scholarship.
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9. Two reference letters signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address.
At least one reference must be from a lecturer or professor. The second letter can be from either a lecturer or a work supervisor.
The letters must provide a substantiated assessment of the applicant’s reliability, integrity, academic excellence, and overall suitability for an international scholarship.
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| 7. Non-criminal record report. The applicant shall submit a valid certificate of Non-Criminal Record issued by the local public security authority, usually issued within 6 months before the submission date of the application | 9. Non-criminal record report. The applicant shall submit a valid certificate of Non-Criminal Record issued by the local public security authority, usually issued within 6 months before the submission date of the application | 10. Non-criminal record report. The applicant shall submit a valid certificate of Non-Criminal Record issued by the local public security authority, usually issued within 6 months before the submission date of the application | |
| All documents uploaded must be clear and in PDF format (no photographs of documents will be accepted). | |||
DEADLINE: 30 September 2025
Review process
DHET Screening:
All applications will be reviewed by the Department of Higher Education and Training to determine eligibility based on the minimum requirements.
Applicants who meet the requirements will be informed and provided with further instructions, including how and where to submit their applications on the Chinese Government’s CSC (China Scholarship Council) online portal, once it opens in November 2025.
Note: Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria will be notified via email. Unfortunately, individual feedback will not be provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chinese Government Scholarship Programme 2026
Q1: Can I apply if I don’t have an HSK certificate?
A1: No. An HSK Level 3 certificate is required for bachelor’s degree applicants, and HSK Level 4 for master’s and doctoral applicants. Applications without the necessary HSK certificate will be disqualified.
Q2: Is the scholarship available for medical studies?
A2: No. The scholarship does not support any medical degrees.
Q3: Are there age limits for applicants?
A3: Yes. The age limits are as follows: under 25 for non-degree and bachelor’s programmes, under 35 for master’s programmes, and under 40 for doctoral programmes.
Q4: What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
A4: The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living stipend, settlement allowance, return airfare, visa fees, and a pre-departure orientation.
Q5: How will I know if my application is successful?
A5: The DHET will contact shortlisted candidates and provide further instructions for the CSC application process.
Conclusion On Chinese Government Scholarship Programme 2026
The Chinese Government Scholarship Programme 2026 offers South African students a remarkable opportunity to pursue higher education in China with comprehensive financial support. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application by 30 September 2025, you can take a significant step toward academic and professional growth on an international platform.
For more information and to access the application form, visit the DHET International Scholarships website.
