ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER – DHET
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is a government department in South Africa responsible for overseeing post-secondary education, including universities. In 2020, the DHET established the Nurturing Emerging Scholar’s Programme (NESP) as part of the Staffing South Africa’s Universities’ Programme (SSAUF) in partnership with Rhodes University. The NESP aims to transform higher education in the country.
ABOUT THE NESP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The Department of Higher Education and Training invites students to apply for the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) for the academic year. The NESP is a three-year program that includes a two-year Master’s degree scholarship followed by a one-year academic internship at selected universities in South Africa.
The scholarship covers Master’s degree studies in selected fields at various universities:
Cape Peninsula University of Technology:
- Emergency Medical Care
- Electronic Communication and Satellite Technology
Durban University of Technology:
- Chemistry
- Generic Health Sciences
Mangosuthu University of Technology:
- Mathematics
Nelson Mandela University:
- Information Technology Software Engineering
- Mathematics & Multilingualism: Senior Phase
Rhodes University:
- African Music Studies
- Financial Markets and Quantitative Economics
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University:
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Midwifery Nursing Science
Tshwane University of Technology:
- Metallurgical & Material Engineering
- Performance Arts
University of Cape Town:
- Electrical Engineering
- Organisational Psychology
University of Johannesburg:
- Chemical Sciences
- Civil Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical)
University of KwaZulu-Natal:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronic or Computer Engineering
University of Limpopo:
- Medical Microbiology
University of Pretoria:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Toxicology
University of South Africa:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Data Engineering
University of Venda:
- Industrial Psychology
University of Zululand:
- Life Sciences Education
- Mechanical Engineering
Vaal University of Technology:
- Biomedical Technology
- Civil Engineering (Transportation-Railway Engineering)
- Sports and Recreation Management
University of the Free State:
- Forensic Science
MORE ABOUT THE NESP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – RENEWAL & COVERAGE VALUE
Scholars selected for the NESP scholarship will receive the following benefits:
- Full support for registration and study for the entire two-year Master’s degree program
- Mentorship throughout the duration of the scholarship
- Support for possible international mobility experiences
- Development of teaching and research experience
- One-year academic internship at a university in South Africa after completing the Master’s degree
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NESP SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria to be considered for the scholarship:
- South African citizenship
- Age not exceeding 35 years
- Completion of an appropriate NQF level 8 (Honours Degree) qualification
- Minimum overall average of 65% for the NQF level 8 qualification
- Intention to pursue full-time Master’s degree studies in one of the specified fields
- Acceptance or intention to study at a public South African university listed in the program
- Eligibility to study towards a Master’s degree
- Interest in pursuing an academic career
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NESP SCHOLARSHIP
Applications must be submitted online for the relevant qualification at the respective universities. Specific application links can be found on the DHET website.
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents along with their application:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of registration if currently studying
- Curriculum Vitae with details of previous employment (maximum 2 pages)
- Motivational letter addressing various aspects (maximum of 30 lines)
- Two academic references who can attest to the applicant’s suitability for the program
CLOSING DATE FOR THE NESP SCHOLARSHIP
The closing date for applications is 3 February. Ensure that your application is submitted before this date to be considered.
CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER
For any queries related to this scholarship program, please contact the Department of Higher Education and Training directly. Visit their website for contact information.
