The Chinese Government is offering scholarships for South African students to study at Chinese institutions starting in the 2016/17 academic year.
 
The scholarship may be awarded for undergraduate (Bachelors), postgraduate (Masters or PhD) or non-degree Chinese language studies. Preference is given for postgraduate studies.

Criteria and Eligibility

• South African citizens in good health with a strong academic record.
• Available to study in China from September 2016 (no extensions will be allowed).
• Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa.
• Applications from all qualified candidates in any field will be accepted, but priority will be give to applications for postgraduate studies, previously disadvantaged applicants and applicants in the following fields:
  • Biotechnology
  • Chinese language studies
  • Climate change
  • Engineering sciences
  • Human and social dynamics
  • Management
  • Maritime Studies
  • Natural and physical sciences
  • Nuclear and renewable energy
  • Space science and technology
  • Statistics
  • Telecommunication
• All students must meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into a similar programme at a South African university. 

Guidelines for education requirements and age limits:

About the Scholarship

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. Applicants with no command of Chinese are required to take the college preparatory courses for one to two years before pursuing major studies. Only after passing the examinations of the college preparatory course can they start their university studies.
 
Some Chinese higher education institutions may conduct certain postgraduate programmes in English. In cases where no English-taught programmes are available, one year of Chinese language training will be provided as part of the scholarship.

Institutions and Programmes

Applicants are required to do their own research into available programmes, institutions and programme-specific entrance criteria. The programmes and institutions available under this scholarship are listed at http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua/programsearchen.aspx.
 
Applicants are recommended to apply to the listed institution of their choice directly and submit a copy of their acceptance letter with their scholarship application. Successful scholarship applicants without an acceptance letter to a Chinese university may be placed at an institution outside of their selected preferences.

Approximate duration (years) of scholarships

Studies must be completed within the duration of the scholarship, as specified in the Admission Notice.

Scholarship Conditions

The Chinese Government provides the following:

• Registration and tuition,
• Shared accommodation in the international dormitory on campus,
• Living allowance:
  • Undergraduates and Chinese language students: CNY 2,500
  • Master's degree students: CNY 3,000
  • Doctoral degree students: CNY 3,500
• Medical insurance
• Once-off economy train ticket from airport to institution (for first time arrival in China and final departure) 

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

• Once-off settlement allowance equivalent to R3000
• One return economy airfare 
• Monthly living allowance equivalent to R2000

Successful scholarship applicants will be required to sign a contract and return to South Africa upon completion of studies.

Selection Process

Applicants can choose one academic programme and three preferred institutions from the list provided.

Applications will be assessed by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview between 18 March and 4 April 2016. Application documents of recommended candidates will be submitted to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) for a final decision and placement at an appropriate institution.

The CSC reserves the right to make adjustments to the proposed institutions, specialities and duration of study. If candidates do not meet the required criteria, the institution reserves the right to revise their academic program or give a conditional offer for their proposed programme. Students who attend Chinese language courses or the college preparatory programme prior to their university study must pass all required examinations before they start their major studies.

Admission Notices will be sent to successful applicants via the Department of Higher Education and Training by approximately, 29 July 2016. Students are not, in principle, permitted to apply to change their specialities, institutions or the duration of study as specified in their Admission Notice.

How to Apply 

Step one: Complete application form online: http://laihua.csc.edu.cn

Note: Agency number: 7101

Type of scholarship: Chinese Government Scholarship (Ensure that you include a valid email address and your current cell phone number. The DHET takes no responsibility in cases where applicants cannot be reached.) 

Step two: Print two copies of the completed application form (one for your records and one to submit)

Step three: Submit one copy of your printed application form, along with all your supporting documents as detailed below:

Supporting Documents Checklist

Note:

• Do not submit CVs, ID documents or any other documents not requested.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

​DEADLINE: 11 MARCH 2016 

Applications may be submitted by post, by hand or by email and must reach the DHET by the deadline of 11 March 2015.
 

By post: Scholarships Management, Room 711, Department of Higher Education and Training, Private Bag X174, Pretoria, 0001
By hand: Scholarships Management, Room 711, Department of Higher Education and Training, 117-123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria
By email: Subject: Chinese Scholarship Application, [Your surname] internationalscholarships@dhet.gov.za  or dhetscholarships@gmail.com if attachments are larger than 3MB.