Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/27 for young South Africans to study in China (Fully Funded) – Opportunities For Africans

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Application Deadline: January 6, 2025

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026/27 Chinese Government Scholarships. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), invites South African residents to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship for the 2026/27 educational 12 months.

This programme goals to strengthen academic cooperation between South Africa and China, promote mutual understanding and friendship, and help gifted South African college students and students to pursue increased training or analysis at Chinese universities.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) would really like to thank all candidates who participated in the preliminary inside screening section of the Chinese Government Scholarship Programme.

The name is now formally open for Stage 2 of the application course of for the 2026/27 educational 12 months.

This stage requires candidates to full and submit their functions to the Chinese Government Scholarship on-line system and/or host universities, in order to be thought of for nomination by the DHET and remaining choice by the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

Study Levels Offered

The Chinese Government Scholarship provides Opportunities to pursue:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s levels) 
• Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) levels
• Non-degree Chinese language research
• General and Senior Scholar programmes

Studies begin in September 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, an applicant should:

• Be a South African citizen in good bodily and psychological well being.
• Have an educational common of a minimum of 60% in their most up-to-date qualification.
• Meet the next age and qualification necessities (as of 1 January 2027):

Programme	Minimum Qualification	Maximum Age
Chinese Language (Non-degree)	National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60%	Under 35
Bachelor’s Degree	NSC with Bachelor’s Pass	Under 26
Master’s Degree	Bachelor’s Degree (60%+)	Under 35
Doctoral Degree	Master’s Degree (60%+)	Under 40
General Scholar	NSC with Bachelor’s Pass	Under 45
Senior Scholar	Master’s Degree / Associate Professor	Under 50

• Language and extra necessities:
  • HSK Level 3: for Chinese-taught undergraduate, common, or senior scholar programmes.
  • HSK Level 4: for Chinese-taught Master’s or Doctoral programmes.
  • CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment): required for Bachelor’s diploma candidates (see www.csca.cn).
  • Applicants underneath 18 should submit authorized guardian documentation from a guardian.

Priority Fields of Study

Applications in varied disciplines are welcome, however choice can be given to fields aligned with South Africa’s improvement priorities, together with:

• Agriculture & Biotechnology
• Engineering & Computer Science
• Environment & Climate Change
• Food Science
• Natural and Physical Sciences
• Maritime Studies
• Hydrogeological Engineering
• Nuclear & Renewable Energy
• Space Science & Technology
• Telecommunication
• Chinese Language Studies

NB: Applicants who want to study skilled levels, i.e.  engineering should seek the advice of the skilled physique in South Africa on the appropriateness and recognition of the college they’re making use of to.

Note: Previously deprived people and postgraduate candidates will obtain precedence consideration.

Scholarship Worth:

Chinese Government Contribution

• Tuition charges (coated in full)
• Accommodation: Free college dormitory or lodging subsidy
• Monthly stipend:
  • Undergraduates: RMB 2,500
  • Master’s / General Scholars: RMB 3,000
  • Doctoral / Senior Scholars: RMB 3,500
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage: RMB 800 per individual per 12 months

South African Government Support 

Through the DHET, profitable South African recipients will even obtain:

• Return worldwide airfare and mid-term journey (the place relevant)
• Monthly dwelling allowance complement
• Once-off settlement allowance
• Visa charges
• Pre-departure orientation and psychosocial help
• Research help (the place relevant)

Successful candidates should signal a contract and return to South Africa upon completion of their research.

How to Apply

All paperwork should be clearly labelled and submitted each to the CSC on-line system and by way of e mail to [email protected] 

• Complete the Chinese Government Scholarship on-line application at: www.campuschina.org
• Submit the application to the host college (if required).
• Download the Chinese Government Scholarship application kind.
• Email the downloaded application kind and all paperwork and proof of submission to: [email protected]

Required Documents (PDF format, correctly labelled):

• Completed CSC on-line application kind
• Copy of South African ID
• Copy of passport (legitimate till a minimum of 1 March 2027) 
• Highest qualification certificates OR proof of enrolment
• Academic transcripts (licensed copies)
• HSK Certificate (if relevant)
• CSCA rating report (Bachelor’s candidates solely)
• Study plan or motivational letter
  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) Applicants: Length: Minimum 300–500 phrases
  • Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) Applicants Length: Minimum 500–800 phrases
  • Doctoral (PhD) Applicants Length: Minimum 800–1,000 phrases
  • General and Senior Scholar Applicants Length: Minimum 500–700 phrases
• Two reference letters (for Master’s, Doctoral, and Scholar programmes)
• Foreigner Physical Examination Form (accomplished and stamped)
• Police clearance certificates (issued inside 6 months)
• Portfolio of labor (for artwork/design candidates, if relevant)

Contact

For inquiries, please e mail [email protected]. 

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Chinese Government Scholarships