Deadline: January 5, 2026
Applications are open for the Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 for South Africans. 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.
Scholarship
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.
Eligibility
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 age and qualification requirements (as of 1 January 2027).
- 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.
- Applicants under 18 must submit legal guardian documentation from a guardian.
Application
All documents must be clearly labelled and submitted both to the CSC online system and via email to [email protected]
- Complete the Chinese Government Scholarship online application
- Submit the application to the host university (if required).
- Download the Chinese Government Scholarship application form.
- Email the downloaded application form and all documents and proof of submission to: [email protected]
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)
For more information, visit Chinese Government Scholarship.
