Apply Chinese Government Scholarship 2026 ( Fully Funded)

May 20, 2025

Apply Chinese Government Scholarship 2026 | Are you pursuing Bachelors (B.Sc) or Master’s or PhD? If yes, The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions starting in the 2026/27 academic year. The Department of Higher Education (the Department) is responsible for nominating candidates. Read through

The scholarship is offering undergraduate (Bachelors) studies and postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) studies in a variety of study fields, as well as non-degree Chinese language studies.

How to Apply France – South Africa Scholarship Programme 2025 (Master’s degree or PhD)

Bachelor’s programmes are taught in Chinese, however a Chinese language proficiency certificate is not a requirement to apply. Postgraduate programmes are taught in English.

Benefit:

The South African government offers the following:

Return economy airfare
Midterm economy airfare
Monthly stipend/allowance
Once-off settlement allowance
Visa costs
Compulsory orientation programme before departure
Psychosocial Support service
Research support

Read: NSTC International Internship Pilot Programme 2024 (Get up to 30,000 NTD monthly subsidy)

Fields of Study

Various fields of study are available, including but not limited to the following priority fields:

Agriculture
Biotechnology
Chinese language studies
Computer Science
Environment and Climate change
Engineering Sciences
Food Science
Hydrogeological Engineering
Maritime Studies
Natural and Physical Sciences
Nuclear and Renewable Energy
Space Science and Technology
Telecommunications

Eligibility

South African citizens in good health (medical check will be required for successful applicants).
Strong academic record with a minimum 60% average in previous studies.
Availability to study in China from September 2026.
Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa.

Required Supporting Documents (PDF format only)
Documents must be clearly named, e.g., SurnameNamePassport, SurnameNameMatric, SurnameNameAcademicRecord, etc.

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

Note

Applicants are required to undertake their research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided regarding the scholarship, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above.

No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training other than stated above. Studies must be completed within the duration of the scholarship, as specified in the Admission Notice.