Application Deadline: March 15th 2019
The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions starting in the 2019/20 academic year. The Department of Higher Education and Training is responsible for nominations
The scholarship is offered for undergraduate (Bachelors) 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 5 or above). Preference is given to applications for postgraduate studies.
Criteria and Eligibility
– 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 2019;
– Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa;
– Applications in all fields of study except medicine will be considered;
– Preference will be given to postgraduate applicants, previously disadvantaged applicants and
applications in the following fields:
– Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into a similar programme at a
South African university.
– Bachelor’s applicants must have HSK 5 certificate and be willing to study in Chinese.
Education requirements and age limits:
| STUDY PROGRAM | EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS | AGE (AS OF SEPTEMBER 2019) |
| Chinese language studies (non-degree) | National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a university entrance pass (a minimum of 70% average is recommended) | Under 35 |
| Master’s degree | Master’s degree (a minimum of 65% average is recommended) | Under 40 |
| Doctoral degree | Bachelor’s degree (honours) (a minimum of 65% average is recommended) | Under 35 |
| Bachelor’s degree | National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a university entrance pass (a minimum of 70% average is recommended) HSK 5 (or higher ) certificate | Under 25 |
Language of Instruction
According to the regulations of the Chinese Ministry of Education, all undergraduate programmes for
scholarship students are taught through the Chinese language medium. No exceptions will be made for students already in China studying in English. Bachelor’s degree applicants interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree must have HSK Level 5 or higher.
Applicants wishing to undertake a Bachelor’s degree in China, without the required Chinese language proficiency should apply for Chinese Language Studies only, not for the degree. They will be required to apply for the scholarship again for their degree studies upon successful completion of the language programme. Being awarded a scholarship for language studies does not guarantee that a degree scholarship will be available or awarded the following year.
At Master’s and PhD level, programmes taught in English are eligible for the scholarship. Applicants must identify the relevant institution and programme and submit an application to the university directly,in parallel with the scholarship application.
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. The programmes and institutions in
China are listed here: Universities in China
Approximate duration (years) of scholarships
| STUDY PROGRAM | DURATION OF PROGRAM | DURATION OF PREPARATORY CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSE | DURATION OF SCHOLARSHIP |
| Chinese language studies | 1-2 | None | Up to 2 |
| Master’s degree | 3-4 | 1-2 | 3-6 |
| Doctoral degree | 2-3 | 1-2 | 2-5 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4-5 | 1-2 | 4-7 |
Studies must be completed within the duration of the scholarship, as specified in the Admission Notice.
Scholarship Conditions
The Chinese Government provides the following:
| STUDY PROGRAM | 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 |
| Master’s degree | 25000-34000 | 8400 | 36000 | 800 |
| Doctoral degree | 33000-45000 | 12000 | 42000 | 800 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 20000-27000 | 8400 | 30000 | 800 |
*Should tuition fees for the identified programme exceed the above stated amounts, the Scholarship
Recipient will be responsible for paying the difference.
The South African Government provides the following (subject to the availability of funds):
Compulsory orientation programme from 13-16 August 2018.
Successful scholarship applicants will be required to sign a contract and return to South Africa upon
completion of studies
How to apply
Complete the DHET application form and email it with all supporting documents to
Internationalscholarships@dhet.gov.za by 15 March 2019.
Applicants MUST apply to a Chinese university and submit proof of application or acceptance letter with
their application.
All PhD applicants must identify and make contact with a supervisor at their university of choice and submit proof of this engagement with application form.
Documents and links
General information on the Chinese Government Scholarship
DHET application form
Information about universities in China
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Chinese Government Scholarship 2019/2020