Deadline: January 26, 2024.

The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions starting in the 2024/25 academic year. The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) is responsible for nominations.

The scholarship is offered for undergraduate (Bachelors) studies in the identified scarce skills, postgraduate (Masters or PhD) or 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 4 or above).

ELIGIBILE FIELDS

Preference will be given to postgraduate applicants, previously disadvantaged applicants and applications in the following fields:

• Agriculture
• Biotechnology
• Chinese language studies
• Computer Science
• Environment and Climate change
• Engineering Sciences
• Food Science
• Hydrogeological Engineering
• Maritime Studies
• Natural and Physical Sciences
• Nuclear and Renewable Energy
• Space Science and Technology
• Telecommunication

Important: The scholarship does not support any medical degrees and preference will be given to applications for postgraduate studies.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• South African citizens in good health (medical check will be required for successful applicants).
• Strong academic record with a minimum 65% average in previous studies.
• Availability to study in China from September 2024.
• Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa.
• Applications in all fields of study except medicine will be considered.
• Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into a similar programme at a South African university.
• Bachelor’s 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.

BENEFITS

The South African Government provides the following (subject to the availability of funds):

• One return economy airfare.
• Monthly stipend.
• Once-off settlement allowance.
• Research funding (postgraduate only)
• Visa costs.
• Tuition 
• Compulsory orientation programme before departure.

APPLICATION

• Complete BOTH the DHET application form and start the Chinese Government online application on
• Submit the DHET application form with supporting documents listed below to chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za by 26 January 2024.

Apply through the OFFICIAL LINK