The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), invites South African citizens to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year.

This programme aims to strengthen educational cooperation between South Africa and China, promote mutual understanding and friendship, and support talented South African students and scholars to pursue higher education or research at Chinese universities.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) would like to thank all applicants who participated in the initial internal screening phase of the Chinese Government Scholarship Programme.

The call is now officially open for Stage 2 of the application process for the 2026/27 academic year.

This stage requires applicants to complete and submit their applications to the Chinese Government Scholarship online system and/or host universities, in order to be considered for nomination by the DHET and final selection by the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

For more information please refer to www.campuschina.org 

Study Levels Offered

The Chinese Government Scholarship offers opportunities to pursue:

  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degrees) 
  • Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) degrees
  • Non-degree Chinese language studies
  • General and Senior Scholar programmes

Studies commence in September 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, an applicant must:

  • Be a South African citizen in good physical and mental health.
  • Have an academic average of at least 60% in their most recent qualification.
  • Meet the following age and qualification requirements (as of 1 January 2027):
Programme 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:

    • HSK Level 3: for Chinese-taught undergraduate, general, or senior scholar programmes.
    • HSK Level 4: for Chinese-taught Master’s or Doctoral programmes.
    • CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment): required for Bachelor’s degree applicants (see www.csca.cn).
    • Applicants under 18 must submit legal guardian documentation from a guardian.

Priority Fields of Study

Applications in various disciplines are welcome, but preference will be given to fields aligned with South Africa’s development priorities, including:

  • Agriculture & Biotechnology
  • Engineering & Computer Science
  • Environment & Climate Change
  • Food Science
  • Natural and Physical Sciences
  • Maritime Studies
  • Hydrogeological Engineering
  • Nuclear & Renewable Energy
  • Space Science & Technology
  • Telecommunication
  • Chinese Language Studies

NB: Applicants who wish to study professional degrees, i.e.  engineering must consult the professional body in South Africa on the appropriateness and recognition of the university they are applying to.

Note: Previously disadvantaged individuals and postgraduate applicants will receive priority consideration.

What the Scholarship Covers

Chinese Government Contribution

  • Tuition fees (covered in full)
  • Accommodation: Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy
  • Monthly stipend:
    • Undergraduates: RMB 2,500
    • Master’s / General Scholars: RMB 3,000
    • Doctoral / Senior Scholars: RMB 3,500
  • Comprehensive medical insurance: RMB 800 per person per year

South African Government Support 

Through the DHET, successful South African recipients will also receive:

  • Return international airfare and mid-term travel (where applicable)
  • Monthly living allowance supplement
  • Once-off settlement allowance
  • Visa fees
  • Pre-departure orientation and psychosocial support
  • Research support (where applicable)

Successful applicants must sign a contract and return to South Africa upon completion of their studies.

How to Apply (Stage 2 Process)

All documents must be clearly labelled and submitted both to the CSC online system and via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Required Documents (PDF format, properly labelled):

  • Completed CSC online application form
  • Copy of South African ID
  • Copy of passport (valid until at least 1 March 2027) 
  • Highest qualification certificate OR proof of enrolment
  • Academic transcripts (certified copies)
  • HSK Certificate (if applicable)
  • CSCA score report (Bachelor’s applicants only)
  • Study plan or motivational letter 
    • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) Applicants: Length: Minimum 300–500 words
    • Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) Applicants Length: Minimum 500–800 words
    • Doctoral (PhD) Applicants Length: Minimum 800–1,000 words
    • General and Senior Scholar Applicants Length: Minimum 500–700 words
  • Two reference letters (for Master’s, Doctoral, and Scholar programmes)
  • Foreigner Physical Examination Form (completed and stamped)
  • Police clearance certificate (issued within 6 months)
  • Portfolio of work (for art/design applicants, if applicable)

Contact

For inquiries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Note

Applicants are required to undertake their research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided regarding the scholarship, 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 other than stated above. Studies must be completed within the duration of the scholarship, as specified in the Admission Notice.

 

 

 

Print