The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) is offering the Chinese Government Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year. This fully funded program supports South African citizens for undergraduate, postgraduate, and non-degree studies in China. The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend (RMB 2,500 to RMB 3,500), and DHET provides additional support including international airfare and visa fees. Applicants must have an academic average of at least 60% and meet specific age and qualification thresholds. The Stage 2 application deadline is 5 January 2026 for programs commencing in September 2026.
Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/27 Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host Country | China |
| Study Abroad | Study in China |
| Category | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Non-degree Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | South African Citizens |
| Reward | Full Scholarship (Tuition, Accommodation, Stipend) & DHET Support (Airfare, Supplement) |
| Stipend Value | RMB 2,500 – 3,500 per month |
| Deadline | 5 January 2026 |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
DHET-CSC Chinese Government Scholarship
The Chinese Government Scholarship, a joint initiative between the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in South Africa and the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is designed to support outstanding South African citizens in pursuing various academic pathways at accredited Chinese universities. The program aims to strengthen educational cooperation and facilitate strategic development in key sectors.
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The scholarship supports studies at the undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and non-degree levels (including Chinese Language, General Scholar, and Senior Scholar Programmes), all commencing in September 2026. Priority fields include Engineering, Agriculture, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, and Nuclear Energy, aligning with South Africa’s national development needs. Applicants must have successfully advanced through the DHET’s Stage 1 internal screening to proceed to the current Stage 2 application.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship package is comprehensive, combining contributions from both the Chinese Government (CSC) and the South African Government (DHET).
Tier 1: Core Financial Contributions (CSC)
- Full Tuition Coverage: Complete coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the approved study program.
- Accommodation Coverage: Provision of university accommodation or a monthly accommodation subsidy.
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Coverage provided (RMB 800 per year).
Tier 2: Monthly Stipends (CSC)
- Doctoral / Senior Scholars: Monthly stipend of RMB 3,500.
- Master’s / General Scholars: Monthly stipend of RMB 3,000.
- Undergraduates: Monthly stipend of RMB 2,500.
Tier 3: South African Government Support (DHET)
- Return International Airfare: Provided for travel between South Africa and China.
- Monthly Living Allowance Supplement: Additional financial support to supplement the CSC stipend.
- Once-off Settlement Allowance: A one-time payment to assist with initial settling-in costs.
- Visa and Travel Support: Coverage of visa fees and mid-term travel (where applicable).
- Additional Support: Includes pre-departure training, psychosocial support, and research support (where applicable).
Eligibility Requirements for Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/27
Applicants must have completed the DHET Stage 1 screening and meet the following criteria for Stage 2:
- Citizenship and Health: Be South African citizens in good physical and mental health.
- Academic Average: Attain at least a 60% academic average in their most recent qualification.
- Age and Qualification Thresholds (as of 1 January 2027):
- Chinese Language (Non-degree): NSC with 60% average, Under 35 years old.
- Bachelor’s Degree: NSC with Bachelor’s Pass, Under 26 years old.
- Master’s Degree: Bachelor’s Degree (60%+), Under 35 years old.
- Doctoral Degree: Master’s Degree (60%+), Under 40 years old.
- General Scholar: NSC with Bachelor’s Pass, Under 45 years old.
- Senior Scholar: Master’s Degree or Associate Professor title, Under 50 years old.
- Language Proficiency:
- HSK Level 3: Required for Chinese-taught undergraduate, general, or senior scholar programmes.
- HSK Level 4: Required for Chinese-taught Master’s and Doctoral programmes.
- Mandatory Assessment: CSCA Assessment is mandatory for all Bachelor’s degree applicants.
- Legal Commitment: Applicants under 18 must provide verified legal guardian documentation.
- Repatriation Commitment: Recipients must commit to returning to South Africa upon completion of studies.
How to Apply for Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/27 (Stage 2 Requirements)
Applicants who have successfully passed the DHET internal screening (Stage 1) must now complete the following steps for Stage 2 by the deadline. Required documents must be prepared as clearly labelled PDFs.
- CSC Online Application: Complete the online application on the China Scholarship Council (CSC) system.
- University Submission: Submit the CSC online application to your selected host universities (only if required by the university’s specific admission process).
- Download Form: Download the final, completed Chinese Government Scholarship application form from the CSC system.
- DHET Email Submission: Email the downloaded CSC form, all required supporting documents, and proof of CSC online submission to the DHET email address: chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za
Required Supporting Documents (to be emailed to DHET):
- Completed CSC application form (downloaded from the system).
- Copy of South African ID.
- Valid passport (with expiry date after 1 March 2027).
- Highest qualification certificate or proof of current enrolment.
- Certified academic transcripts.
- HSK certificate (if applicable).
- CSCA score report (for Bachelor’s applicants).
- Study Plan / Motivation Letter (must meet required word count based on program level).
- Two reference letters (for Master’s, PhD, General, and Senior Scholar programmes).
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form (completed and stamped).
- Police clearance certificate (issued within 6 months).
- Portfolio (for art/design applicants, if applicable).
Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for submitting the Stage 2 application to DHET?
The final application deadline for the Stage 2 submission (both CSC online and email to DHET) is 5 January 2026.
2. What academic average is required to be eligible for this scholarship?
Applicants must attain an academic average of at least 60% in their most recent completed qualification.
3. What financial components are covered by the Chinese Government (CSC)?
The CSC contributions cover full tuition fees, university accommodation (or subsidy), monthly stipends (ranging from RMB 2,500 to RMB 3,500), and comprehensive medical insurance.
4. What additional support does the South African Government (DHET) provide?
DHET provides support for return international airfare, a monthly living allowance supplement, a once-off settlement allowance, visa fee support, and pre-departure/psychosocial support.
5. Are there age limits for the various study programs?
Yes, age limits apply as of 1 January 2027. For example, Bachelor’s applicants must be under 26, Master’s applicants under 35, and Doctoral applicants under 40.
6. What is the required HSK level for Chinese-taught Doctoral programs?
Applicants applying for Chinese-taught Master’s and Doctoral programs are required to possess an HSK Level 4 certificate.
7. Which fields of study are prioritized by the scholarship program?
Priority is given to programs aligned with South Africa’s development needs, such as Agriculture and Biotechnology, Engineering and Computer Science, Environment and Climate Change, and Nuclear and Renewable Energy.
8. What is the two-step submission process for the Stage 2 application?
Applicants must first complete and submit the application on the CSC online system and then email the downloaded CSC form and all supporting documents to the DHET email address (chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za).
9. What is the required length for the Study Plan / Motivation Letter for a PhD applicant?
The required length for a Doctoral (PhD) Study Plan / Motivation Letter is between 800 and 1,000 words.
10. Which applicants are required to submit two reference letters?
Master’s, PhD, General Scholar, and Senior Scholar programme applicants are all required to submit two reference letters as part of their supporting documentation.
