Hey awesome South African youth! Ever dreamt of studying abroad, fully funded, and getting some amazing skills for your future? Well, guess what? The DHET China Youth NEET Programme Bursary 2025 is here to make that dream a reality!
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is offering an incredible opportunity for young South Africans who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET). This bursary is your ticket to a fully funded three-year higher vocational education programme in China, starting in October 2025, specifically at Changchun Technical University of Automobile.
You’ll be diving into an English-taught programme (with some Chinese language learning, so get ready!), focusing on high-demand fields. This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a comprehensive support package designed to give you a fantastic international education experience and set you up for success back home in South Africa.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this amazing opportunity, make sure you tick all these boxes:
- You must be a South African citizen and in good health. (There’s a specific Foreigner Physical Examination Form to complete.)
- You need to have a high school graduate (Matric) certificate or an equivalent vocational secondary education diploma.
- You must be available to study in China from October 2025.
- Proof of English proficiency is required, but don’t stress! DHET provides a waiver letter since English is standard in South African education.
- Show us your keen interest in China and your commitment to contributing to South Africa’s development!
- You must be between 18 and 29 years old.
- Heads up: You’ll need to learn and pass the Chinese language (HSK4) during your first year of study, as the diploma will eventually be delivered in Chinese.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is truly fully funded, meaning DHET has got you covered on almost everything! Here’s what you can expect:
- Full tuition fees for your three-year diploma.
- One return economy airfare for your initial travel to China.
- An additional return economy airfare for a mid-term visit home.
- A monthly stipend to help with your living expenses.
- A once-off settlement allowance to get you started.
- Your visa costs.
- A compulsory orientation programme before you even leave South Africa.
- Access to psychosocial support services throughout your studies.
Remember, successful applicants will need to sign a contract, agree to the scholarship rules, and commit to returning to South Africa after completing their studies to apply their new skills!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump on this incredible chance? Here’s how you can apply for the DHET China Youth NEET Programme Bursary:
- You need to apply directly to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
- Head over to the International Scholarships website to find and complete the dedicated application form.
- Once your application form is complete, gather all your supporting documents (listed below) and submit them, along with your application form, via email to internationalscholarships@dhet.gov.za by the closing date: 5 September 2025.
Supporting Documents Checklist (All documents must be in PDF format and named clearly):
- Your completed application form.
- A clear copy of your South African ID.
- A clear scanned copy of your passport home page (must be valid later than September 1, 2026). If you don’t have a passport yet, you can still apply, but you MUST submit it by 15 September 2025.
- A copy of your South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or vocational secondary education diploma (or equivalent).
- Your updated Resume with accessible references.
- A Police Clearance Certificate (non-criminal record) from either the South African Police Services or Postlink for quicker processing. Important: Applications without this certificate will NOT be considered.
- A recently taken passport photo with a white background.
- The Chinese Foreigner Physical Examination Form, fully completed and stamped by a professional medical officer, along with all medical tests requested by the Chinese government. Crucial: Familiarise yourself with medical conditions excluded by the Chinese government. Applications without this form will NOT be considered. You can do these medical tests at any registered public or private medical facility.
For more detailed information and to access the application form, please visit the Official Webpage of the DHET China Youth NEET Programme.
If this sounds like the perfect bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore even more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
