Deadline: September 30, 2025
Applications are open for the Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027. 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.
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
Scholarship
The Chinese government offers the following:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Stipend
- Medical Insurance
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.
Eligibility
- Open to 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.
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)
Submit all required documents via email to [email protected] by 30 September 2025. Documents must be clearly named, e.g., SurnameNamePassport, SurnameNameMatric, SurnameNameAcademicRecord, etc. The email subject line should be Chinese Scholarship Application, [Your Surname]
For more information, visit Chinese Government Scholarship.
