Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 for South African Students — Fully Funded Opportunity in China
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you are a South African citizen looking to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD abroad in a globally rising academic destination, then the 2026/2027 intake of the China Scholarship Council (CSC) Chinese Government Scholarship in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is now open for applications. This initiative supports South African students and scholars to study in China, promoting educational cooperation, cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence.
📚 Scholarship Summary
Location: Various universities in China
Programme Name: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) via Chinese universities in partnership with DHET (South Africa)
Study Levels: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD), Non-degree Chinese language studies, General and Senior Scholar programmes
Target Group: South African citizens in good health, with strong academic records and commitment to development of South Africa
Fields of Study (Priority):
Agriculture & Biotechnology
Engineering & Computer Science
Environment & Climate Change
Food Science
Natural & Physical Sciences
Maritime Studies
Hydrogeological Engineering
Nuclear & Renewable Energy
Space Science & Technology
Telecommunication
Chinese Language Studies
Value & Coverage:
Tuition fees fully covered
Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy
Monthly stipends: Undergraduates RMB 2,500; Master’s/General Scholars RMB 3,000; Doctoral/Senior Scholars RMB 3,500
Comprehensive medical insurance: RMB 800 per year
Application Deadline: Generally around 5 January 2026 (Stage 2) for South African applicants via DHET.
Start Date: Studies commence September 2026.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) is offered via the China Scholarship Council under agreements between the Chinese government and partner countries. In South Africa’s case, the DHET collaborates with CSC to select and nominate candidates for the 2026/2027 academic year.
This programme is designed to enhance educational exchanges between China and South Africa, deepen bilateral cooperation, and provide talented South Africans with opportunities to gain internationally recognised degrees in China. The benefits extend beyond tuition — the scholarship seeks individuals who will contribute to South Africa’s development upon their return.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Successful recipients receive:
Full tuition fee waiver at the host Chinese university
Free or subsidised accommodation (university dormitory or equivalent)
Monthly living stipend (as per level: RMB 2,500 for undergraduate, RMB 3,000 for Master’s/general scholar, RMB 3,500 for doctoral/senior scholar)
Medical insurance (RMB 800 per person per year)
Additional support via the South African government (via DHET) which includes: return airfare, mid-term travel (if applicable), monthly living allowance supplement, once-off settlement allowance, visa fees, pre-departure orientation and psychosocial support, and research support (for postgraduate)
Recognised study at Chinese universities with access to global networks, cultural exchange and a potential boost to career and research prospects
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following:
Be a South African citizen in good physical and mental health.
Have an academic average of at least 60% in their most recent qualification.
Meet the age and qualification criteria (as of 1 January 2027):
Non-degree Chinese language: NSC with 60% +; Under 35 years age.
Bachelor’s programme: NSC with Bachelor’s Pass; Under 26 years.
Master’s degree: Bachelor’s degree (60%+) or equivalent; Under 35 years.
Doctoral degree: Master’s degree (60%+) or equivalent; Under 40 years.
General Scholar: NSC with Bachelor’s Pass; Under 45 years.
Senior Scholar: Master’s degree or Associate Professor; Under 50 years.
Language and additional requirements:
HSK Level 3 required for Chinese-taught undergraduate, general or senior scholar programmes.
HSK Level 4 required for Chinese-taught Master’s or Doctoral programmes.
CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) required for Bachelor’s degree applicants.
If under 18 years old, must provide legal guardian documentation.
Applicants should choose fields aligned with South Africa’s development priorities (see list above). Previously disadvantaged individuals and postgraduate applicants are given priority.
Applicants must ensure the Chinese university and programme chosen are recognised in South Africa by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and any professional bodies if applicable.
📝 Application Procedure
Application Steps:
Complete Stage 1 internal application (via DHET) when called for (initial screening).
Stage 2: Submit your application through the CSC online portal (www.campuschina.org) and/or to the host Chinese university, and then email the required documents to DHET at chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za.
Label all PDF documents clearly and ensure they are complete before submission. Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be nominated by DHET and then selected by CSC. Final admission depends on both nomination and host-university approval.
🗂️ Required Documents (PDF, clearly labelled):
Completed CSC online application form.
Copy of South African ID.
Copy of passport (valid at least until 1 March 2027).
Highest qualification certificate OR proof of enrolment.
Academic transcripts (certified copies).
If applicable: HSK certificate.
If applicable: CSCA score (for Bachelor’s applicants).
Study plan / motivational letter:
Bachelor’s: 300-500 words minimum.
Master’s: 500-800 words.
Doctoral: 800-1,000 words.
Two reference letters (for Master’s / Doctoral / Scholar programmes).
Foreigner Physical Examination Form (completed & stamped).
Police clearance certificate (issued within 6 months).
Portfolio of work (for art/design applicants, if applicable).
📙 Study Levels
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degrees): Applicants with a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) and minimum 60% average, under age 26 as of 1 January 2027.
Postgraduate (Master’s Degrees): Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (60%+ average), under age 35 as of 1 January 2027.
Doctoral / PhD Programmes: Applicants with a Master’s degree (60%+ average), under age 40 as of 1 January 2027.
Non-degree Chinese Language Studies: Applicants with NSC (60%) or higher qualification, age under 35.
General Scholar / Senior Scholar Programmes: For experienced academics or professionals: General Scholar (under age 45), Senior Scholar (under age 50) with relevant academic credentials.
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Verify early that the Chinese university and programme you wish to join are recognised by SAQA and professional bodies in South Africa (especially for professional degrees like engineering).
Ensure all required documents are clear, certified (where needed), converted to PDF and correctly labelled before submission.
Tailor your motivational letter or study plan to reflect how you intend to contribute to South Africa’s development (fields aligned with national priorities are given preference).
If you plan to study a Chinese-taught programme, start preparing for the HSK test early — even if it may not yet be required at application time.
Because the application pool is competitive and nominations limited, applying early and strongly positioning your profile (academic record + community impact + leadership) will boost your chances.
Stay updated on deadlines and instructions via the DHET International Scholarships page (ensure you use correct email addresses and subject lines).
Prepare for the possibility of follow-up steps: host university admission, visa application, pre-departure orientation and contract signing.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 for South African applicants is a powerful gateway to world-class education in China — at Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level — and offers full funding with rich support services. For South African students ready to study in a diverse, dynamic environment, ready to commit to giving back and contributing to national development, this opportunity can be transformative. Take the time to prepare a strong, focused application and verify all requirements carefully.