The Chinese Embassy in South Africa and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) is inviting eligible students to participate in the 25th (2026) South Africa Finals of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for University Students.
The Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition was launched in 2002 and is one of the most prestigious international competitions for Chinese language learners worldwide. Each year, more than 1.5 million young participants from over 160 countries take part in preliminary rounds, with top contestants advancing to the global finals held in China. The competition promotes cultural exchange and provides an opportunity for young people to deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture.
The 2026 South Africa Finals will be organised by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and CLEC, and hosted by the University of the Western Cape.
Competition Details
Theme: One World, One Family (天下一家)
Date: 14 May 2026
Venue: Main Hall, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
Application Deadline
15 April 2026
Who can enter
Applicants must:
- Be South African university students currently enrolled in a higher education institution
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30
- Hold South African nationality
- Have a native language other than Chinese (including that of both parents)
International students who are not South African nationals may participate; however, they will not be eligible to represent South Africa in the global semi-finals or finals.
Participants who represented South Africa in the global semi-finals or finals in the previous edition may not participate in consecutive years.
Competition Segments
The competition consists of three components:
Chinese Language Proficiency (70%)
- Prepared speech related to the competition theme (3–5 minutes)
- Impromptu question-and-answer session
Chinese Cultural Skills / Talent Segment (10%)
Participants may present a performance related to Chinese culture, such as:
- Chinese song or dance
- Traditional musical instruments
- Folk arts
- Calligraphy or painting
- Paper cutting
- Martial arts or traditional sports
Performance duration: 3–5 minutes
Knowledge of China Written Test (20%)
The written test will cover topics such as:
- Chinese culture
- Geography
- History
- National conditions in China
Prizes and Awards
- First Prize
- Certificate and R3,000 cash prize
- May be recommended to represent South Africa at the Chinese Bridge Global Finals in China
- Second Prize (two possible winners)
- Certificate and R2,000 each
- The second-ranked contestant may be recommended to attend the global finals as an observer
- Third Prize (three possible winners)
- Certificate and R1,000 each
- Participation Award
- Certificate and R500 for contestants not receiving other prizes
Application process
Applicants must register online using the following link: https://forms.gle/SSd7Jga7ez8soSrw5
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Dr Iris Wu:
Prof Haofeng Sun:
Dr Lu Tang:
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
