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

About Chinese Government

Chinese Government Scholarship—Chinese University Program is a scholarship established by Ministry of Education (MOE) to support Chinese universities in specific provinces or autonomous regions to recruit outstanding international students for graduate studies in China. MOE authorized USTC to recruit full-time master and doctoral students under the Chinese Government Scholarship since 2008. ... continue reading

Chinese Government Scholarships

Application Deadline	30 Sep 2025
Country to study	China
Type	Postgraduate
Sponsor	Chinese Government
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of Chinese Government Scholarships

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.

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:

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)	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

Interview date, Process and Venue for Chinese Government Scholarships

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

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)

Application Deadline

September 30, 2025

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