Chinese Government Scholarship for South Africans: How to Apply

Key Facts

Status: Applications Closed
Provider: Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
Field of Study: International
Study Level: Undergraduate

Postgraduate / Masters

Doctoral
Application Closes: Mon, 5 Jan 2026 - 12:00

Reviewed & Verified by Makona Mandla Lead Editor, Bursary Verification

Closed Closed

Mon, 5 Jan 2026 - 12:00

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen
Good physical and mental health
At least 60% average in your most recent qualification
Within the age limit for your level
HSK level or CSCA result where required
Willing to return to South Africa after study

Documents Needed

The 2026/27 list included your online form, ID, a passport valid to at least 1 March 2027, your highest qualification and certified transcripts. It also included a study plan, a stamped physical examination form and a recent police clearance. Master's, doctoral and scholar applicants needed two reference letters.

About Chinese Government Scholarship for South Africans

The Chinese Government Scholarship lets South African citizens study in China with tuition and living support. The Department of Higher Education and Training partners with the China Scholarship Council to run the call. Published summaries list 5 January 2026 for the online stage of the 2026/27 round, although one site shows 6 January.

Those dates have passed, and we did not find a 2027/28 call yet. So this study in China scholarship is closed for now. We could not read the department's own notice in full, so check every term on its website before you apply for a future round.

Funding Details

China provided full tuition, university housing or a housing subsidy, and medical insurance. The monthly stipend was RMB 2,500 for undergraduates, RMB 3,000 for master's students and RMB 3,500 for doctoral students.

South Africa added return airfare, a living supplement, a settlement allowance, visa fees and orientation through DHET, according to a published summary. You also had to sign a contract and return to South Africa after your studies. Ask what the contract requires, and what you must repay if you do not finish or do not return.

Budget for the costs that come before you travel, such as the passport, medical examination and police clearance.

Where You Can Study

You study at a host university in China. Search for universities and courses on the China Scholarship Council's system, and check whether your host university needs its own application. Choose a programme that matches your earlier study, since your study plan must explain this link clearly.

About Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

About DHET The Department of Higher Education and Training, or DHET, is the national government department responsible for post-school education in South Africa. Its area of work covers universities, TVET colleges and wi…

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Fields of Study & Who Can Apply

The call was for South African citizens in good physical and mental health, with at least a 60% average in their most recent qualification. It covered bachelor's, master's and PhD study, as well as non-degree programmes such as Chinese language study.

Age rules applied, but sources describe them differently. One summary lists under 25 for a bachelor's degree, under 35 for a master's degree and for language study, and under 40 for a doctorate. Confirm these limits in the official call.

Language requirements also matter. Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes needed HSK Level 3, while Chinese-taught master's and doctoral programmes needed HSK Level 4. Bachelor's applicants also needed a CSCA score report. If you hope to apply in future, start preparing early. Local Confucius Institutes, including one at the University of the Western Cape, may help with language study.

Application Procedure

The round used several stages, with an initial DHET screening first. Applicants then completed the Chinese system online at campuschina.org, applied to a host university where required, and emailed DHET their documents. DHET nomination and final selection followed. Check the DHET scholarship website for the next call.

Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.