How to Apply Chinese Government Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)

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Chinese Government Scholarship 2025| The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions, The scholarship is offered for undergraduate (Bachelors) studies in the identified scarce skills, postgraduate (Masters or PhD) or non-degree Chinese language studies. Check on how to apply.

About Chinese Government Scholarship

The Department of Higher Education and Training is responsible for nominations and also 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), out of 289 Chinese universities,  The Department has identified possible universities for you to apply

Scholarship offers:

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
Bachelor’s degree 20000-27000 8400 30000 800
Master’s degree 25000-34000 8400 36000 800
Doctoral degree 33000-45000 12000 42000 800

In Addition:

The South African Government provides the following:

  • One return economy airfare;
  • Monthly 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.

Fields of Study:

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

Educational  Requirements:

For those studying:

Chinese language studies (non-degree):

  • National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a university entrance pass (a minimum of 70% average is recommended). Applicants with a post school qualification will be given priority.
  • Applicant must be age Under 35

Bachelor’s degree:

  • National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) with a university entrance pass (a minimum of 70% average is recommended)
  • HSK 4 (or higher ) certificate
  • Applicant must be age Under 25

Master’s degree:

  • Bachelor’s degree (honours) or NQF 8 qualification (a minimum of 65% average is recommended)
  • Applicant must be age Under 35

Doctoral degree: 

  • Master’s degree (a minimum of 65% average is recommended)
  • Applicant must be age Under 40

Read:

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 4 or higher.
  • 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.

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.

Approximate duration (years) of scholarships

STUDY PROGRAM DURATION OF PROGRAM DURATION OF PREPARATORY CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSE DURATION OF SCHOLARSHIP
Chinese language studies 1 None Up to 2
Bachelor’s degree 4-5 1-2 4-7
Master’s degree 2-3 1-2 2-5
Doctoral degree 3-4 1-2 3-6

Eligibility for Chinese Government Scholarship:

  • 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 2025;
  • 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.

Uploaded Document:

  • Application Form
  • Passport Home Page
  • Language Qualifications Certificate
  • National Senior Certificate with Bachelor’s Pass
  • Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
  • Honour’s Degree Certificate
  • Master’s Degree Certificate
  • Two reference letters from a teacher, professor or lecturer
  • Study Plan or Research Proposal in Chinese or English. (See criteria below)
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Foreigner Physical Examination Form

How to Apply Chinese Government Scholarship 2025:

  • 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.
  • It is the responsibility of each candidate to do research into available programmes, institutions, language of instruction and programme-specific entrance criteria. PhD applicants must engage with the university of choice and secure potential supervisors.

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

26 January 2025

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