DHET China Youth NEET Programme 2025/2026 – Study in China for South African Youth

If you're a motivated South African youth not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), this is your chance to embark on a life-changing journey—applications are now open for the DHET China Youth NEET Programme 2025/2026, enabling you to pursue a fully funded vocational diploma in China starting October 2025.

This fully funded scholarship, coordinated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), supports South African youth to pursue a three-year, English-taught vocational diploma at Changchun Technical University of Automobile—equipping you with practical skills in a global context.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Changchun Technical University of Automobile, China

• Study Level: Three-year higher vocational diploma (undergraduate equivalent)

• Target Group: South African youth Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET), aged 18–29

• Field of Study: Hydrogen Energy Technology Application

• Coverage: Full tuition, return flights (initial and mid-term), accommodation, monthly stipend, settlement allowance, visa, orientation, psychosocial support

• Duration: Three years, starting October 2025

• Application Deadline: 5 September 2025

• Program Start Date: October 2025; academic classes begin from 1 November 2025; departure from 27–29 October 2025

• Eligible To: South African citizens, 18–29 years old, in good health, matric or vocational certificate holders, English-proficient, willing to study in China and learn Chinese (HSK 4)

📚 Programme Overview

This initiative is designed to empower South African NEET youth through vocational training in hydrogen energy technology—a future-facing field. DHET is managing nominations, while Changchun Technical University delivers the diploma. The programme entails a comprehensive support structure, including financial and psychosocial support, preparing you to return home with in-demand skills.

Successful applicants must sign a contract, abide by scholarship conditions, and commit to returning to South Africa post-study .

ℹ️ The scholarship is for a three-year diploma in Hydrogen Energy Technology Application Major. Click here for more information about the programme.

🎁 Benefits

• Fully Funded: Tuition, flights, accommodation, stipend, settlement allowance, visa, orientation, and psychosocial services included .

• Vocational Diploma: Three-year specialised credential in Hydrogen Energy Technology Application from a Chinese institution.

• Cross-Cultural Experience: Live and study in China while learning Chinese to HSK 4 level.

• Future-Ready Skills: Gain cutting-edge technical skills in a fast-growing renewable energy sector.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship & Age: Must be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 29 .

• Education: National Senior Certificate (matric) or vocational diploma.

• Health: Must pass the Chinese Foreigner Physical Examination .

• Language Proficiency: English proficiency waived by DHET; HSK 4 required and to be completed in first year .

• Commitment: Interest in China and dedication to South Africa's development are key.

• Program Attendance: Must be available to study in China starting October 2025 and commit to full duration.

📝 Application Procedure

1. Application Channel: Complete the DHET application form via the International Scholarships website.

2. Submission: Email the application form and supporting documents in PDF to ChinaNEET@dhet.gov.za by 5 September 2025 .

3. Required Documents:

   • Application form

   • South African ID

   • Passport (valid past 1 September 2026) or submit by 15 September if not yet available

   • Matric or vocational certificate

   • Resume with references

   • SAPS police clearance certificate (non-criminal record)

   • Passport photo (white background)

   • Completed and stamped Foreigner Physical Examination form and medicals

🔍 Selection Process

1. Stage One: Screen for eligibility.

2. Stage Two: Rank by academic performance.

3. Stage Three: Invitation to an online interview; no telephonic interviews. Late or absent applicants are disqualified .

4. Stage Four: Final selection based on application and interview outcomes. Missing documents may still be requested post-nomination.

5. Stage Five: Changchun Technical University reviews nominations for final approval.

6. Notification Timeline:

   • Successful candidates informed by end of September 2025.

   • Unsuccessful applicants notified by 10 October 2025 (no individual feedback provided) .

7. Orientation: For scholarship acceptors—either online or in-person in Pretoria, scheduled around 10 October 2025 .

8. Departure: Between 27–29 October 2025; classes commence 1 November 2025 .

💡 Why This Programme Matters

This scholarship addresses NEET youth by offering them a robust path into technical education and future opportunity. It blends full financial support with global exposure and technical mastery in renewable energy—building future leaders in sustainable development.

🚀 Next Steps?

• Deadline Alert: Applications close 5 September 2025—don’t wait!

• Apply: Visit DHET’s International Scholarships portal and complete your application form

• Prepare Documents: Gather all required PDFs and secure early appointments for medicals, police clearance, and passport renewal if needed.

• Set Up Interview: Keep an eye on your email and be punctual if invited to the online interview.

🔗 Official Link

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