On 2nd May 2023, the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) and the International Office hosted two representatives from the Education Division of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.
With the opening up of the borders of the People's Republic of China, numerous study opportunities have emerged for students interested in pursuing or advancing their education in China. Consequently, Mr. Li Xudong (李旭东), the Counsellor of Education at the Chinese Embassy, and Mr. Li Yuanzheng (李元正), the Education Officer, visited Rhodes University to promote scholarships offered by the Chinese Government to South African students.
Mr. Li Xudong and Mr. Li Yuanzheng were welcomed by Ms. Orla Quinlan, the Director of the International Office, Professor Patrice Mwepu, the Deputy Dean of the Humanities Faculty and Director of the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University, and Professor Dexue Liu, the Head of the Chinese Section and the CIRU Chinese Director. The guests were also welcomed by several members from both the Confucius Institute and the International Office.
During the course of the discussion, it was revealed that thirty scholarships are available annually to undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking to study in China. These scholarships are not restricted to specific fields of study, and will be open for applications on a yearly basis.
Moreover, the Counsellor of Education and the Education Officer highlighted the availability of scholarships provided by different provinces in China, which further expands the range of study options accessible to South African students.
To ensure that students are well-informed about these opportunities, the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University and the International Office have pledged to promote these scholarships through various channels within Rhodes University. Their aim is to encourage students to apply for these scholarships and provide assistance throughout the application process.
When asked for his thoughts on the matter, Professor Mwepu expressed his delight at the Chinese Government's provision of these opportunities to South African students; he further expressed his satisfaction with the visit of the Counsellor and the Education Officer to Rhodes University, considering it as a tangible demonstration of academic cooperation and the Chinese Government's dedication to supporting the education sector in South Africa.
