Chinese Government and Russian Government Global Education Fully Funded Scholarships!
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.
For more information about the Chinese Government scholarship please visit the China Scholarship Council website.
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).
Deadline of applications
24 January 2025
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.
Important: The scholarship does not support any medical degrees and preference will be given to applications for postgraduate studies.
Education requirements and age limits:
| STUDY PROGRAMME | EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS | AGE (AS OF SEPTEMBER 2025) |
| Chinese language studies (non-degree) | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.
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.
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.
Please refer to the list of programmes and participating universities.
Approximate duration (years) of scholarships
| STUDY PROGRAMME | DURATION OF PROGRAMME | 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 |
Studies must be completed within the duration of the scholarship, as specified in the Admission Notice.
What the scholarship offers
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 |
*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 (subject to the availability of funds):
- 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
- 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].
Instructions for Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (CGSIS)
Please carefully read the instructions before applying for the scholarship.
Step 1: Visit “CSC Study in China” website and click “Scholarship Application for Students” at http://www.campuschina.org
Register an account through [CREATE AN ACCOUNT] and login with your account.
Step 2: Input Personal Details. Click “Edit Personal Details” and finish inputting personal details by filling in all the information, verifying and saving the information. After the completion of this section, return to the previous page by clicking “Finish” and start filling in your application information.
Step 3: Select the correct “Programme Category”.
Please select Programme Category “Type A”.
2. Russian Government Scholarship for South Africans 2025
Registration is now open for all applicants who wish to study in Russian higher educational institutions in 2025/2026 academic year under the Russian Government Scholarship programme.
Russian higher educational institutions offer studies in the Russian and English languages depending on the chosen university and/or programme. Programmes taught in the Russian language require a one-year preparatory course related to the field of study included in the scholarship.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- South African Citizens, who have graduated from Secondary School and TVET College and wish to study for a Bachelor’s Degree;
- South African Citizens, who have graduated from University with a Bachelor’s Degree and wish to study for a Master’s Degree;
- South African Citizens, who have graduated from University with a Master’s Degree and wish to study for a PhD;
- Students already studying in Russia may apply for the scholarship however, they will be required to start their studies from the beginning; mid-study transfers will NOT be considered.
WHICH EXPENSES ARE COVERED?
The Russian Government Scholarship COVERS:
- free tuition for the entire duration of the chosen programme;
- maintenance allowance (50$ per month);
- access to dormitory accommodation (terms and conditions – subject to verification with the university).
The Department of Higher Education and Training COVERS:
- travel costs
- a monthly stipend
- a once-off settlement allowance
- an annual allowance payable at the beginning of each academic year
- visa costs
- pre-departure and on scholarship student support
HOW TO APPLY?
Part One
Candidates are expected to complete the online application form on the website https://education-in-russia.com/ by 15 JANUARY 2025.
The applicant may choose up to 6 universities within 1 education programme they would like to pursue.
Only applicants who complete the application can be considered for the nomination process and scholarship support.
Part Two
Submit the DHET application form with supporting documents listed below to russiaapplications@dhet.gov.za by 15 January 2025.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DHET SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT
- South African citizens in good health;
- Have a strong academic record:
- Bachelor’s applicants require a minimum average of 60% in their NSC (excluding Life Orientation);
- Postgraduate applications should have performed well in their previous studies with a minimum 60% average mark achieved in their previous studies;
- Meet the minimum academic requirement for entry into a similar programme at a Russian university;
- Available and eligible to study in Russia from September 2025;
- Meet the entry criteria for their selected programme in Russia;
- An interest in studying in Russia and demonstrated commitment to the development of South Africa.
- Bachelor’s applicants require a minimum average of 60% in their NSC (excluding Life Orientation);
WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO HAVE?
Those willing to start or continue their education in Russia need to have:
- Completed DHET Application Form
- Passport Home Page
- National Senior Certificate with Bachelor’s Pass
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
- Honour’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
- Master’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
- Study Plan or Research Proposal in English for all Postgraduate applications
- Required medical documents
Please note: SAQA verification is required for all degrees obtained outside South Africa.
After the successful registration through the submission of the required details and documentation, the profile of each candidate will be sent for evaluation. If the results of the certificates meet the minimum requirements, the candidate will be invited to an interview, the dates of which will be announced in advance. After the interview, the successful candidates will be informed of the outcome of the interview, which the students will then be advised on the necessary paperwork and process to prepare for departure. Please note that successful applicants will be notified by the Department of Higher Education and Training directly regarding their application outcome and the next steps to be followed.
The application campaign runs from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.
Choose a university and education programme you prefer and pursue your career dreams with Russia!
CONTACT
All enquiries should be sent to russiaaplications@dhet.gov.za or ruspospr@mweb.co.za
DOCUMENTS
How to Apply:
Visit www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za for full details and to apply.
Don’t Miss Out!
Broaden your horizons, immerse yourself in new cultures, and earn an internationally recognized qualification. These scholarships are your gateway to a brighter future.