Chinese Government International Scholarship South Africa 2025

Are you a South African student with dreams of studying in China? 

The Chinese Government International Scholarship (CGIS) could be the perfect opportunity to turn those dreams into reality. 

This prestigious scholarship program offers South Africans full financial support to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or non-degree Chinese language studies at accredited universities in China.

About Chinese Government International Scholarship

The CGIS is a highly competitive scholarship program established by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. 

It aims to attract outstanding international students to China for studies and research, fostering cultural exchange and promoting mutual understanding. 

The scholarship offers a comprehensive financial package that covers tuition fees, accommodation, living stipend, health insurance, and even airfare!

About Chinese Government International Scholarship South Africa

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) of South Africa is the nominating agency responsible for selecting South African applicants for the CGIS program. 

It’s important to understand that the DHET nominates candidates, and the final selection of awardees and their host universities in China are made by the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

Chinese Government International Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CGIS South Africa program, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen with a valid South African passport.
  2. Be in good health with no physical or mental conditions that may hinder your studies.
  3. Have a good academic record. Specific requirements will vary depending on your desired program level (undergraduate, postgraduate, or non-degree Chinese language).
  4. Meet the Chinese language proficiency requirement (HSK 4 or above) for undergraduate programs taught in Chinese. This requirement may not apply to postgraduate programs in English.
  5. Not be a recipient of another scholarship program funded by the Chinese government.

Chinese Government International Scholarship Application Requirements

A complete CGIS South Africa application typically includes the following documents:

  1. Completed DHET application form: This form can be downloaded from the DHET website.
  2. Completed online CGIS application form: Access this form through the CSC website (http://www.campuschina.org).
  3. Certified copies of your academic transcripts and certificates: These documents should be translated into English by a certified translator if originally issued in another language.
  4. Two recommendation letters: Ideally, one from your current academic institution and another from a professional or academic familiar with your achievements.
  5. A personal statement: This essay should outline your academic goals, research interests (if applicable), and why you’re interested in studying in China.
  6. A study plan: Briefly detail your intended program of study at a Chinese university and your future career aspirations.
  7. A physical examination report: Ensure the report is issued within the past six months by a recognized medical institution.
  8. Proof of language proficiency: This may include HSK test results (if applicable) or English language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) depending on your program requirements.

How to Apply

The application process for the CGIS South Africa program is two-fold. 

You must complete both the DHET application and the online CSC application. 

Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

  1. Review the DHET website: Familiarize yourself with the information and download the DHET application form.
  2. Gather your application documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents listed in the “Application Requirements” section above.
  3. Complete the DHET application form: Carefully fill out the form and submit it electronically or by mail (refer to DHET website for details) along with the required supporting documents to: [email protected] by the application deadline (26th January 2024 for the 2024/2025 academic year).
  4. Complete the online CSC application: Visit the CSC website and create an account to access the online application form. Fill out the form accurately and submit it electronically.

How to Contact Chinese Government International Scholarship

For inquiries related to the DHET application process or eligibility requirements, please contact:

  1. Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
  2. Email: [email protected]

For general inquiries about the Chinese Government International Scholarship program, you can contact the China Scholarship Council (CSC) directly. 

However, for South African applicants, contacting DHET is the primary route for inquiries.

Additional Contact (For informational purposes only)

Mr. QIAO, Fenghe (This contact may not be directly involved in the application process)

  1. Email: [email protected]
  2. Tel: 012 431 6761