The Chinese Government is inviting South African students to apply for fully funded scholarships to study in China starting in the 2026/2027 academic year. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and non-degree language studies across a wide range of fields. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is responsible for nominating candidates for this opportunity.
Read on to learn the full details, including eligibility, and the complete step-by-step process for applying.
Contents
- 1 Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 Summary
- 2 Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 Details
- 3 Eligibility Requirements for the Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027
- 4 Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 Benefits
- 5 Required Documents for the Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027
- 6 How to Apply for the Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 (Step-by-Step)
- 7 Deadline
- 8 Receive the Latest Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 Summary
- Host Country: China
- Study Abroad: Study in Asia
- Host University: Chinese institutions
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships|PhD Scholarships|Chinese Language (non-degree),
- Eligibility: South Africans
- Reward: Tuition, monthly stipend, medical insurance, airfare, etc
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
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Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 Details
This scholarship supports South African students to pursue full-time studies in China. The programme is open to those interested in undergraduate, postgraduate (Master’s and PhD), and non-degree Chinese language studies.
- Bachelor’s programmes are taught in Chinese. No prior knowledge of Chinese is required to apply.
- Master’s and PhD programmes are taught in English.
- This is Stage 1 of the application. Applicants must submit the DHET application form and other documents for screening. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to apply on the Chinese Government portal from November 2025.
Priority Fields of Study
Applicants from all fields can apply, but preference will be given to the following areas:
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Chinese Language Studies
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Environment and Climate Change
- Food Science
- Hydrogeological Engineering
- Maritime Studies
- Nuclear and Renewable Energy
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Space Science and Technology
- Telecommunications
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Eligibility Requirements for the Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027
To apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen in good health (a medical check will be required if you are selected).
- Have a minimum average of 60% in your most recent academic qualification.
- Be available to study in China from September 2026.
- Show a clear interest in China and a commitment to contributing to South Africa’s development.
- Meet the education and age requirements for your chosen level of study:
- Chinese language studies (non-degree):
- Minimum requirement: National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with at least 60%.
- Age limit: Under 35 years old.
- Bachelor’s degree:
- Minimum requirement: NSC or equivalent with a recommended 60% average.
- Age limit: Under 25 years old.
- Master’s degree:
- Minimum requirement: Bachelor’s degree or NQF Level 7 qualification with at least 60% average.
- Age limit: Under 35 years old.
- Doctoral degree (PhD):
- Minimum requirement: Master’s degree with at least a 60% average.
- Age limit: Under 40 years old.
- Chinese language studies (non-degree):
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Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 Benefits
Covered by the Chinese Government
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Medical insurance
Covered by the South African Government (DHET)
- Return economy airfare
- Midterm airfare (for long programmes)
- Monthly stipend
- Once-off settlement allowance
- Visa costs
- Orientation before departure
- Psychosocial and research support
Successful applicants must sign a contract and return to South Africa after completing their studies.
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Required Documents for the Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027
All documents must be in PDF format, clearly named using this format:
SurnameNameDocumentName (e.g., MokoenaThaboID.pdf)
General Requirements (All applicants):
- DHET application form
- Copy of South African ID
- Copy of valid passport (valid until at least 1 December 2026)
- Non-criminal record (issued within the last 6 months)
- Medical exam form
- Motivational letter (1 page)
- Two reference letters (teachers/supervisors, signed and on official letterhead with contact info)
Check the scholarship website for specific requirements for each degree level
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How to Apply for the Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Complete the DHET Application Form
- Step 2: Gather all required supporting documents
- Step 3: Email the application to [email protected] with the subject line: Chinese Scholarship Application, [Your Surname]
Take note: Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete the online CSC application in November 2025.
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Further Information
- Applicants must research and select their preferred universities and programmes in China.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that qualifications obtained in China will be recognised in South Africa.
- Only the support stated above is provided.
- The full programme must be completed within the duration specified on your scholarship award.
For questions or clarification, contact:
[email protected]
Deadline
The application deadline for the Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/2027 is September 30, 2025.
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