Fully Funded Chinese Government Scholarships 2025/26 Open to Young South Africans for Bachelors, Masters and PHD Programmes
Chinese Government Scholarships
Location: China
Deadline: 24 January 2025
About the Chinese Government Scholarships
Here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for South African students to study in China without the burden of tuition fees or living expenses in a foreign country. Applications are open for Bachelors, Masters and PHD programmes, for all fields of study except for medicine. Apply today and get a chance to advance your education for a better future.
The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions starting in the 2025/26 academic year. The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) is responsible for nominations for the Chinese Government scholarship programme. The scholarship is offered for undergraduate (Bachelors) and postgraduate (Masters or PhD) programmes in the identified scarce skills, as well as non-degree Chinese language studies. Bachelor’s degree scholarships are taught in Chinese and will only be awarded to applicants who already have the required level of Chinese proficiency (HSK 3 or above).
Field of study
Applications in all fields of study except medicine will be considered.
Criteria and 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 2025;
- Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa;
- Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into the programme of choice.
- Bachelor’s applicants must have HSK 3 level language certificate and be willing to study in Chinese, applications without a HSK level 3 language certificate will be automatically disqualified.
- Master’s and doctoral applicants must have HSK 4 level language certificate and be willing to study in Chinese, applications without a HSK level 4 language certificate will be automatically disqualified.
NB: The scholarship does not support any medical degrees and preference will be given to applications for postgraduate studies.
Chinese language studies (non-degree)
Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a university entrance pass (a minimum of 60% average is recommended). Applicants with a post school qualification will be given priority.
- Under 25
Bachelor’s Degree
Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a university entrance pass (a minimum of 60% average is recommended)
- HSK 3 (or higher ) certificate
- Under 25
Master’s Degree
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (honours) or NQF 8 qualification (a minimum of 60% average is recommended).
- HSK 4 is required when applying for Chinese taught programmes
- Under 35
Doctoral Degree
Requirements
- Master’s degree (a minimum of 60% average is recommended)
- HSK 4 is required when applying for Chinese taught programmes
- Under 40
Language of Instruction
According to the regulations of the Chinese Ministry of Education, all undergraduate programmes for scholarship students are taught in the Chinese language.Bachelor’s degree applicants interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree must have at least an HSK Level 3 certificate.
At Master’s and PhD level, programmes taught in both English and Chinese are eligible for the scholarship. Check the language of instruction available for the identified programme, as not all courses are available in English. The HSK 4 is required when applying for Chinese taught programmes.
Institutions and Programmes
Scholarship applicants are required to apply directly to the institution of their choice prior to applying for the scholarship. Evidence of the submitted application must be provided. It is the responsibility of each candidate to do research into available programmes, institutions, language of instruction and programme-specific entrance criteria. PhD applicants mustengage with the university of choice and secure potential supervisors.
NB: Applicants are advised to submit applications for admission to at least three universities to increase their chances of admission, the scholarship will not be awarded without proof of a university application having been submitted.
Participating Universities
- China University of Geosciences – Beijing
- Anhui Agricultural University – Hefei
- Anhui Medical University – Hefei
- Anshan Normal University – Anshan
- Beihang University – Beijing
- Beihua University – Jilin
Scholarship Benefits
The Chinese Government provides the following:
| Study Programme | Tuition (RMB per year) | Accommodation (RMB per year) | Stipend (RMB per year) | Medical Insurance (RMB per year) |
| Chinese language studies | 20000-27000 | 8400 | 30000 | 800 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 20000-27000 | 8400 | 30000 | 800 |
| Master’s degree | 25000-34000 | 8400 | 36000 | 800 |
| Doctoral degree | 33000-45000 | 12000 | 42000 | 800 |
NB: Should tuition fees for the identified programme exceed the above stated amounts, the Scholarship Recipient will be responsible for paying the difference.
The Department of Higher Education and Training provides the following:
- One return economy airfare;
- Monthly top-up stipend;
- Once-off settlement allowance;
- Research funding (postgraduate only)
- Visa costs;
- Compulsory orientation programme before departure.
Successful scholarship applicants will be required to sign a contract and return to South Africa upon completion of studies.
How to Apply
- Click on the official application link button below
- Complete both the DHET application form and start the Chinese Government online application on http://www.campuschina.org.
- Submit the DHET application form with supporting documents listed below to chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za by 24 January 2025. Use the subject line: Chinese Scholarship Application, [Your surname].
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