The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in collaboration with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), invites South African citizens to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year. This prestigious opportunity is designed to promote educational cooperation, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China. About the Programme The Chinese Government Scholarship enables outstanding South African students and scholars to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate (Master’s and PhD), and non-degree Chinese language or research programmes at accredited Chinese universities. Studies will commence in September 2026. The initiative forms part of a broader partnership between the DHET and CSC, supporting South Africa’s strategic goal of developing a globally competitive education and skills system. Applicants who successfully complete their studies are expected to return home to contribute to the country’s development. Study Levels Offered The scholarship provides funding for the following levels of study: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degrees Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) Degrees Non-degree Chinese Language Studies General and Senior Scholar Programmes Eligibility Criteria To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria: Be a South African citizen in good physical and mental health. Have achieved an academic average of at least 60% in their most recent qualification. Meet the age and qualification requirements as of 1 January 2027: ProgrammeMinimum QualificationMaximum AgeChinese Language (Non-degree)National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60%Under 35Bachelor’s DegreeNSC with Bachelor’s PassUnder 26Master’s DegreeBachelor’s Degree (60%+)Under 35Doctoral DegreeMaster’s Degree (60%+)Under 40General ScholarNSC with Bachelor’s PassUnder 45Senior ScholarMaster’s / Associate ProfessorUnder 50 Language and Other Requirements Applicants applying for Chinese-taught programmes must provide proof of Chinese language proficiency: HSK Level 3 for Chinese-taught undergraduate, general, or senior scholar programmes. HSK Level 4 for Chinese-taught Master’s or Doctoral programmes. CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) results for Bachelor’s degree applicants.Applicants under 18 years of age must provide official guardian documentation. Priority Fields of Study While applications from all disciplines are accepted, preference will be given to fields aligned with South Africa’s development priorities, including: Agriculture and Biotechnology Engineering and Computer Science Environment and Climate Change Food Science Natural and Physical Sciences Maritime Studies Hydrogeological Engineering Nuclear and Renewable Energy Space Science and Technology Telecommunication Chinese Language Studies Applicants seeking to study professional degrees such as engineering are advised to consult the relevant South African professional body to confirm recognition of their chosen university. Priority will be given to previously disadvantaged individuals and postgraduate applicants. Scholarship Benefits Chinese Government Contribution: Full tuition coverage Free university dormitory accommodation or accommodation subsidy Monthly stipend: Undergraduates: RMB 2,500 Master’s / General Scholars: RMB 3,000 Doctoral / Senior Scholars: RMB 3,500 Comprehensive medical insurance (RMB 800 per person per year) South African Government Support:Through DHET, successful applicants will also receive: Return international airfare (and mid-term travel where applicable) Monthly living allowance supplement Once-off settlement allowance Visa fees Pre-departure orientation and psychosocial support Research support (if applicable) Successful recipients must sign a contract and commit to returning to South Africa after completing their studies. Application Procedure (Stage 2 Process) The second stage of the application process requires submission to both the CSC online portal and the DHET via email. All documents must be submitted in PDF format, clearly labelled. Steps to Apply: Complete the online application on the CSC website: www.campuschina.org Submit the application to your chosen host university (if required). Download the completed CSC application form. Email the form, proof of online submission, and all required documents to: chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za Required Documents: Completed CSC application form Copy of South African ID and valid passport (valid until at least 1 March 2027) Certified copies of highest qualification and academic transcripts Proof of HSK Certificate and CSCA score (if applicable) Study plan or motivational letter: Bachelor’s: 300–500 words Master’s: 500–800 words Doctoral: 800–1,000 words General/Senior Scholar: 500–700 words Two reference letters (Master’s, Doctoral, and Scholar applicants) Foreigner Physical Examination Form (completed and stamped) Police clearance certificate (issued within 6 months) Portfolio (for art and design applicants) Important Notes Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their chosen programme and institution are recognised in South Africa. Information provided by the scholarship sponsor supersedes any details published elsewhere. No additional funding beyond the stated benefits will be provided by DHET. Studies must be completed within the period specified in the official Admission Notice. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.