As part of the bilateral relations and diplomatic ties fostered by the Chinese government and the government of South Africa, the Chinese government is offering a fully funded scholarship to South Africans to study in Chinese institutions, starting from the 2025/2026 sessions.
This is a lifetime opportunity for South Africans to study in one of the world’s most advanced technological institutions and work while studying.
This scholarship is for both undergraduates (bachelor’s) and postgraduates (Masters and doctorate) programs.
To qualify and study as undergraduates, eligible South Africans must be proficient in Chinese, which is the main criterion.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a South African Citizen
- Applicants must be 18 years old
- Must be in good health
- Applicants must have a South African passport
- Excellent academic record (minimum of 60% in previous studies)
- Must be willing to return to South Africa after studies and contribute to the human capacity development
- Must meet the minimum academic requirements for the program in China and South Africa
- Bachelor’s applicants must have an HSK level 3 certificate
- Masters and Doctorate applicants must have an HSK level 4 certificate
- All applicants must be willing to study in the Chinese language with the exceptions of postgraduate applicants (masters and doctorates) who can be taught in either Chinese or English language.
- Applicants must be available to travel to China in 2025
Note:
Applications in medicine, will not be considered for this scholarship to study in China.
Available Fields of Study for South Africans
The Department of Higher Education and Training and the China Scholarship Council have the following programs with much preference for disadvantaged students and postgraduates.
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Chinese language
- Engineering
- Food Science
- Environmental and Climate Studies
- Maritime Studies
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Nuclear and Renewable Energy
Note:
As of the time of writing this article, all programs except medicine are available for bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate studies.
Scholarship Details and Benefits
- Paid tuition fees of RMB 20,000 to 40,000 annually
- Paid accommodation fees of RMB 8,400 to 12,000 per year
- Annually stipend of RMB 30,00 to 42,000
- Medical insurance of RMB 800 per year
- Monthly top-up stipend
- Flight ticket (one-way economy ticket)
- settlement allowance (0ne off)
- Research funding for post-graduate studies
- Visa cost
Note:
All successful South African applicants will be mandated to sign a contract that will legally bind them to return to South Africa after completion of their studies in order to contribute to human capacity development in South Africa.
Application Requirements
- All applicants must complete the DHET application form and start the Chinese government application. Click here to start the process.
- All applicants must complete the language certificate ( HSK 3 for bachelors and HSK 4 for postgraduates)
- Submit the DHET application form by sending a mail to the China applications official mail using the subject Chinese Scholarship Application for South Africans.
- Non-criminal records
- Foreigner Physical examination form
- Two reference letters needed
- Study plan
- Research proposal
- Official transcripts
- Degree certificate ( Bachelors, masters)
Application Deadline
The application deadline for all intending applicants is January 24, 2025.
Successful applicants who meet the requirements will be contacted by July 31, 2025, and will be required to attend an orientation in the city of Pretorial before leaving for China to study.
It is advised to submit applications on time and carefully scrutinize them to correct any errors or omissions.
Additional Information
For more information about the scholarship opportunity, you can visit the China Council website or contact the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Visit the Official Website of the China Scholarship Council for more enquiries.