Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 for South Africans (Fully-funded)

Applications are open for the Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027. The Chinese Government is providing scholarships for South African college students to study at Chinese establishments beginning within the 2026/27 educational 12 months. The Department of Higher Education (the Department) is accountable for nominating candidates. The scholarship is providing undergraduate (Bachelor's) research and postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) research in a wide range of study fields, in addition to non-diploma Chinese language research.

Various fields of study can be found, together with, however, not restricted to the following precedence fields:

1. Agriculture
2. Biotechnology
3. Chinese language research
4. Computer Science
5. Environment and Climate Change
6. Engineering Sciences
7. Food Science
8. Hydrogeological Engineering
9. Maritime Studies
10. Natural and Physical Sciences
11. Nuclear and Renewable Energy
12. Space Science and Technology
13. Telecommunications

Eligibility Criteria for Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 for South Africans (Fully-funded)

1. Must be a South African citizen in good health (medical check required).
2. Strong academic record (minimum 60% average).
3. Available to begin study in China from September 2026.
4. Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to South Africa’s development.

Education and Age Requirements:

1. Chinese Language (non-degree):
2. NSC or equivalent (min 60%)
3. Under age 35
4. Bachelor’s Degree:
5. NSC or equivalent (min 60% average recommended)
6. Under age 25
7. Master’s Degree:
8. Bachelor’s/NQF 7 (min 60% average)
9. Under age 35
10. Doctoral Degree:
11. Master’s degree (min 60% average)
12. Under age 40

Scholarship Duration

1. Chinese Language:
2. Programme: 1 year
3. Scholarship: Up to 2 years
4. Bachelor’s Degree:
5. Programme: 4–5 years
6. Prep Chinese: 1–2 years
7. Scholarship: 4–7 years
8. Master’s Degree:
9. Programme: 2–3 years
10. Prep Chinese: 1–2 years
11. Scholarship: 2–5 years
12. Doctoral Degree:
13. Programme: 3–4 years
14. Prep Chinese: 1–2 years
15. Scholarship: 3–6 years

Benefits of Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 for South Africans (Fully-funded)

Funded by the Chinese Government:

1. Tuition Fees:
2. Chinese Language/Bachelor’s: RMB 20,000–27,000/year
3. Master’s: RMB 25,000–34,000/year
4. Doctoral: RMB 33,000–45,000/year
5. Accommodation:
6. RMB 8,400/year (for Chinese language, Bachelor's, and Master's)
7. RMB 12,000/year (Doctoral)
8. Stipend:
9. RMB 30,000/year (Chinese language, Bachelor's)
10. RMB 36,000/year (Master’s)
11. RMB 42,000/year (Doctoral)
12. Medical Insurance: RMB 800/year

Funded by the South African Government:

1. Return economy airfare
2. Midterm economy airfare
3. Monthly stipend/allowance
4. One-off settlement allowance
5. Visa costs
6. Pre-departure orientation
7. Psychosocial support service
8. Research support

How to Apply

Complete the DHET Application form.

Submit all required documents via email to chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za 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.

Supporting Documents Checklist (in PDF format):

1. Completed DHET application form
2. Copy of South African ID
3. 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.
4. Academic records/transcripts
5. Degree certificates (for Master’s or PhD applicants)
6. Motivational letter (1 page)
7. Reference letters (2 letters from teachers or supervisors)
8. Foreigner Physical Examination Form (for health clearance)
9. Non-criminal record report (issued within the last 6 months)

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Chinese Government Scholarships

Application Deadline

30 September, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 for South Africans (Fully-funded)