The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) is offering scholarships to South African students to study at Yellow River Conservancy Technical University, China 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 travel, tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend and a full suite of student support services. The Department is responsible for nominations and awards of the scholarship programmes.
The Department has identified Yellow River Conservancy Technical University, China as one of the four Chinese institutions for prospective students to apply to for a range of higher vocational education programmes as part of the China NEET Scholarship.
More information about Yellow River Conservancy Technical University is available at https://www.yrcti.edu.cn/dwllhzc/ABOUT/ABOUT_YRCTI.htm
Criteria and Eligibility
- South African citizens in good health (refer to the Foreigner Physical Examination Form);
- Matric certificate or a vocational secondary education diploma (or equivalent);
- Availability to study in China from October 2025;
- Demonstrated interest in China and commitment to the development of South Africa;
- Applicants must be within the 18-34 years age group;
- Non-Chinese citizen;
- Good moral character, compliant with Chinese laws and university regulations;
- Proficiency in English.
Fields of Study for a three year diploma
The scholarship is for a three-year diploma in New Energy Power Generation Technology. Click here for more information about the programme.
Scholarship Coverage
The Department will cover the following under this scholarship programme:
- Full tuition;
- One return economy airfare;
- One return mid-term economy airfare after 18 months;
- 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
The application process for this programme is strictly online on the Yellow River Conservancy Technical University application portal. Manual applications will not be accepted.
Step 1: Applicants must submit a fully completed application using the Yellow River Conservancy Technical University Application Portal and upload all supporting documents by 5 September 2025.
NB: Kindly make sure that the information is correct before you submit the application as modifications cannot be done once submitted.
NB: Applicants are encouraged to read the Students’ Guide for NEET Programme Application to make sure you follow each step.
Step 2: Complete two (2) psychological tests on the portal. Make sure you give yourself enough time to complete the tests, each test is 30 minutes long.
NB: No application will be considered if the psychological evaluations have not been completed.
Supporting Documents Checklist:
All documents must be in PDF format and named accordingly.
- Copy of a South African Passport or 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);
- Police clearance (non-criminal record) obtained from 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.
- Motivation letter (1 page)
- Completed online psychological assessment via the University portal.
Deadline
5 September 2025
Review process
Applications will be assessed by the Department of Higher Education and Training as follows:
Stage one: All applications will be screened based on the minimum requirements for eligibility for the scholarship.
Stage two: Applications will be ranked according to academic performance and a limited number of applications will move forward to Stage three.
Stage three: Applicants who pass the second stage will be invited to attend an online interview conducted by DHET. Candidates may also be required to complete a questionnaire at the time of the interview. No interviews will be done telephonically. Any candidate who does not arrive or join online on time for their confirmed interview without informing the Department in advance, will immediately be disqualified, regardless of the reason. Candidates who cannot be contacted on the phone number provided will be disqualified.
Stage four: Final selection of recommended candidates based on the application documents and outcome of the interview. Nominated candidates will have a limited amount of time to submit documents such as passports if not available at the time of application. All other documents must be submitted by the application closing date. The Institution reserves the right to request an online or telephone interview. You will be advised accordingly.
Stage five: Nominated candidates will be reviewed by the University for final selection.
Please note that nominations are based on a competitive process due to the limited number of available scholarships.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email by 10 October 2025. Unfortunately, individual feedback cannot be provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Successful candidates will be informed by end of September 2025, and all students who accept the scholarship will be required to attend an orientation in online or in-person in Pretoria before departure. Orientation is meant to assist successful candidates with preparation for departure and provide necessary information.
Tentative Timelines:
Applications due date – 5 September 2025
Selection outcome due date – end of September 2025
Orientation date – 10 October 2025
Students’ departure date from 27 – 29 October 2025
Academic start date – 1 November 2025
Contact
All queries should be forwarded to
Alternatively, refer to Frequently Asked Questions.
Documents and links
Students' Guide for NEET Programme Online Application
New Energy Power Generation Technology Outline
Police Clearance Certificate – Turnaround Options & Rates (Post Link)
