Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Overview
The DHET, short for Department of Higher Education and Training, is a governmental organization in South Africa responsible for overseeing post-secondary education and universities within the country.
Nurturing Emerging Scholar’s Programme (NESP) Scholarship 2025-2026
The DHET is presenting the Nurturing Emerging Scholar’s Programme (NESP) scholarship opportunity for the upcoming academic year of 2025-2026. The NESP, initiated in 2022, aims to bring transformative changes to higher education in South Africa. The scholarship covers a three-year period, including two years for a Master’s degree and one year for an academic internship at a South African institution.
This scholarship is exclusively available at select universities, each catering to specific fields of study as listed below:
Cape Peninsula University of Technology:
- Emergency Medical Care
- Electronic Communication and Satellite Technology
Durban University of Technology:
- Generic Health Sciences
- Chemistry
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
… and more universities and fields are mentioned in the original text.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Coverage of registration and tuition costs for the Master’s degree.
- Mentorship and guidance support.
- Possibility of international mobility experience.
- Enhancement of research and teaching skills.
- One-year academic internship at a South African university post-graduation.
Documents Required
The candidates must submit the mentioned documents along with the application.
- Certified copy of ID documents.
- Certified copy of Matric certificate.
- Certified copy of Academic records and transcripts.
- Certified copy of degree certificates.
- Registration proof, if currently studying.
- A Curriculum Vitae describing any past work experience.
- A motivational letter describing the following:
- Why should you be chosen for the scholarship?
- How this experience will help in self-development.
- What contribution do you plan on making to your community?
- What are your plans for your career and what role does this scholarship play in those plans?
- What part do you picture yourself playing in the future in the higher education sector?
- Any other important factor you want to mention.
- It should not be more than 30 lines.
- Two academic references from professors who can vouch for your eligibility for this programme. The referees must be aware of the fact that they will be contacted in regard to the application.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- South African citizenship.
- Age not exceeding 35 years.
- Attainment of a level 8 (Honors Degree) NQF qualification.
- Minimum average score of 65% in their level 8 NQF qualification.
- Currently studying or intending to study a Master’s degree full-time in the relevant fields.
- Enrollment or plan to enroll in a South African university.
- Eligibility for a Master’s degree program.
- Willingness to pursue an academic career.
Application Process:
Applications are to be submitted online via the DHET official website. The application process involves selecting the relevant university and field of study. Various documents, including ID, Matric certificate, academic records, degree certificates, registration proof, CV, and motivational letter, among others, must be submitted.
Closing Date:
The application window closes on 3 February 2025-2026. Applicants should ensure they complete the application before the closing date to avoid rejection.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries about the scholarship, candidates can directly contact the bursary provider using the details available on the DHET official contact page: https://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/ContactUsNew.aspx
