The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) is inviting high-level business officials and senior managerial personnel to pursue postgraduate studies in China under the MOFCOM Scholarship–CSC Programme, commencing in September 2026.
This prestigious programme, implemented in partnership with the China Scholarship Council, aims to develop high-end and interdisciplinary talent from developing countries. It focuses on strengthening cooperation between China and participating countries while building capacity in key sectors.
The Academic Education Programmes are designed to support professionals working in fields such as:
- Government and public administration
- Trade and foreign affairs
- Agriculture and technology
- Education, culture, and health
All programmes are taught in English and aim to enhance leadership, policy development, and technical expertise. More information is available at MOFCOM Academic Education Programme Enrollment Guide
Degree Level
- Master’s Degree (1-2 years)
- PhD Degree (3 years)
Deadline
6 June 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications by 20 May 2026 to allow sufficient time for review and recommendation.
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens in good physical and mental health;
- Applicants must not have:
- Severe chronic illnesses (e.g. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes)
- Infectious diseases posing public health risks
- Conditions under recovery from major surgery
- Severe disabilities or pregnancy
- Be under the age of 45;
- Have at least three years of relevant working experience;
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for Doctoral applicants);
- Possess relevant educational background or work experience related to the chosen programme;
- Be a public official, senior management staff in organizations or enterprises, or an academic staff or researchers;
- Be proficient in English;
- Demonstrate strong professional development potential and commitment to strengthening cooperation between South Africa and China;
- Not currently studying in China or holding another Chinese government scholarship.
Fields of Study
A wide range of postgraduate programmes is available across participating Chinese universities.
Applicants are encouraged to explore available programmes via the official Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), Ministry of Commerce Portal. Universities manage the application process and make final admission decisions. Requirements may differ by institution, applicants must follow the specific instructions of their chosen university.
What the Scholarship offers
- Full tuition fees
- Teaching materials and research costs
- Dissertation supervision
- Monthly stipend
- On-campus accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Once-off resettlement allowance
- Round-trip international airfare (including annual home visits)
Application process
- Apply online via the CSC Study in China Scholarships Portal
- Select:
- Programme Category: Type A
- Agency Number: 00010
- Submit all required documents to your chosen university
- Copy all submitted documents to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Only applicants who receive a recommendation will be considered for admission.
Required Documents
- Completed application form (online + printed copy), for more application instructions, please check Instructions of the CSC Online Application System for MOFCOM Scholarship-CSC programme;
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
- Study plan or research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two recommendation letters:
- One from current employer
- One academic reference
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Proof of English proficiency
- Valid passport copy
- Police clearance certificate (issued within 6 months)
Downloads and Links
2026 Academic Education Programs sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of PRC- Enrollment Guide
MOFCOM Physical Examination Form
Contact
For enquiries not addresssed on the website, please email:
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
