Chinese Government Scholarships 2026 for South Africans to study in China

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.

• Table of Content
• About Chinese Government
• Chinese Government Scholarships
• Aim and Benefits of Chinese Government Scholarships
• Requirements for Chinese Government Scholarships Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Chinese Government Scholarships
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Chinese Government Scholarships

Aim and Benefits of Chinese Government Scholarships

The Chinese government offers the following:

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.

Requirements for Chinese Government Scholarships Qualification

• 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:

Interview date, Process and Venue for Chinese Government Scholarships

Scholarship Duration

Documents Required for Application

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)

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Chevening Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

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.

For more details, visit the Scholarship webpage