Application Deadline: 5 September 2025.
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 DHET China Youth NEET Programme. The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) is offering scholarships to South African students to study at Changchun Technical University of Automobile starting in the October 2025 academic year.
The programme is targeting Youth Not in Employment, Education and Training. The scholarship programme is for English-taught three year higher vocational education programmes in various priority fields of study.
This fully funded scholarship programme will cover tuition, travel, accommodation, monthly stipend, settlements allowance and a full suite of student support services. The Department is responsible for nominations and awards of this scholarship programme.
The Department has identified Changchun Technical University of Automobile, China as one of the four Chinese institutions for prospective students to apply to for a targeted programme as part of the China NEET Scholarship.
Eligibility
- South African citizens in good health (refer to the Foreigner Physical Examination Form);
- High school graduate (matric) certificate or a vocational secondary education diploma (or equivalent);
- Availability to study in China from October 2025;
- Proof of English proficiency (The Department will provide a waiver letter as all students in South Africa study and write their exams in English);
- Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa;
- Applicants must be within the 18-29 years age group;
- Students will be required to do and pass Chinese language (HSK4) during their first year of study as the 3-year diploma will be delivered in Chinese.
Fields of Study for a three year diploma
The scholarship is for a three-year diploma in Hydrogen Energy Technology Application Major.
Scholarship Worth
The Department will cover the following under this scholarship programme:
- Full tuition;
- One return economy airfare;
- One return mid-term economy airfare;
- Monthly stipend;
- Once-off settlement allowance;
- Visa costs;
- Compulsory orientation programme before departure;
- Psychosocial support service.
Successful scholarship awardees will be required to sign a contract, abide by the scholarship rules and return to South Africa upon completion of their studies.
How to Apply
- Scholarship applicants are required to apply directly to the Department of Higher Education and Training using the dedicated application form on the International Scholarships website.
- Once the application has been completed, applicants are required to submit the application form with supporting documents listed below to [email protected] by 5 September 2025.
Supporting Documents Checklist: All documents must be in PDF format and named accordingly
- Completed application form;
- Copy of a South African ID;
- Copy of Passport Home Page: Applicant shall submit a clear scanned copy of his/her ordinary passport with validity later than September 1, 2026 (if you do not have a passport at the time of applying, you can still submit it by no later than 15 September);
- Copy of a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a vocational secondary education diploma (or equivalent);
- Resume with accessible references;
- Police clearance certificate (non-criminal record) obtained from either the South African Police Services or Postlink for quicker turnaround time. Applications without the police clearance will not be considered;
- Recently taken passport photo with a white background;
- Chinese Foreigner Physical Examination form completed and stamped by a professional medical officer and full medicals as requested by the Chinese government. It is important for applicants to familiarise themselves with medical conditions excluded by the Chinese government. Applications without the Foreigner Physical Examination Form will not be considered. Medical tests can be done at any registered public or private medical facility.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the DHET China Youth NEET Programme
