DHET International Scholarships for South African Students 2026

Department of Higher Education and Training Scholarships for 2026

If you’re serious about studying somewhere overseas or even regionally with help from the government, then the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) scholarships are definitely worth your attention.

 I say this because so many students get stuck thinking there are no real options — when in fact there are several solid programs you can explore right now.

The one thing to understand upfront is this: DHET doesn’t make up all the rules itself — it works with other governments and organisations to bring scholarship opportunities to South African students. And that means a mix of destinations, academic levels, and requirements. 

Let’s get into the scholarships for international students that are currently open or relevant for 2026/2027 and explain them in a way that actually helps you plan.

01. DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme

This one is pretty much the flagship DHET opportunity right now — and in my opinion, if you’re thinking about studying abroad with full support, this should be on your radar.

It’s open for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students who want to study at Constructor University in Germany — which is an English‑medium university in Bremen. 

You’re not just limited to engineering or science either. They have a broad spread of subjects, from economics and social sciences to AI and computational sciences.

Here’s the deal in plain terms:

• DHET covers tuition, accommodation, travel, medical insurance, a stipend, and more. 

• It is competitive, so they look at your academic performance, motivation, and commitment to coming back home and contributing to South Africa after your studies.
  

• Deadlines have historically been around early in the year — so it’s worth checking the official site or subscribing to updates if you’re reading this later.

How to Apply: Funda Germany Scholarship Programme 2026

Personally, I think this one is great because Germany itself has a reputation for quality education and low tuition costs, and having DHET support on top gives South Africans a real shot at a life‑changing experience abroad.

Chinese Government Scholarship (DHET‑Supported)

Another big one that has opened for 2026 is the partnership with the Chinese Government Scholarship, administered with DHET oversight. 

This isn’t just for a single level of study — it’s open to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD candidates who want to study in China. Here’s what makes it worth looking into:

• Full tuition fees are covered, and there’s usually a monthly stipend, accommodation support, and medical insurance included.
  

• On the DHET side, they often top this up with return flight costs, visa support, and some pre‑departure preparation.
  

• You’ll likely be asked to submit your DHET application first, and then once shortlisted, you’ll be guided to the Chinese scholarship council portal, where you finish the process. 

Learn more about: Chinese Government Scholarships 2026

If you’re into anything from engineering to languages or agriculture, this one’s worth serious attention — especially because China has a wide range of universities offering programmes in English now.

03. DHET China Youth NEET Programme 

Here’s one I think many students miss because it’s a bit niche but still super solid: the China Youth NEET Programme.  

This is a DHET‑led scholarship that targets youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) — and it’s designed for people who might not have gone straight into university but still want a fully funded path abroad. 

The idea here is that you go to Changchun Technical University of Automobile (China) and do a three‑year diploma — with tuition, travel, accommodation and a stipend all covered. 

What I like about this one is that the focus is vocational and technical education — which suits a lot of young South Africans who may not be headed straight into a traditional degree but really want internationally recognised skills and experience.

Keep in mind that there’s often a language requirement (you’ll need to pass a Chinese language level test during that first year), so it’s not just about academics — you also commit to language and cultural learning. 

Currently applications are closed.

Also look: Best Study Abroad Programes for South African Students 2026

04. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026

One of the biggest European opportunities advertised through DHET right now is the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship for 2026. 

This is offered by the Hungarian government for South African students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

What makes this one relatively popular is that it often includes tuition waivers, monthly stipends, accommodation support, and health insurance, all while studying in beautiful Hungary (Budapest and other cities).

To me, this is a realistic chance for students who want a European experience — and because Hungary’s living costs are generally lower than places like the UK or US, it’s a solid option for people on a tighter budget.

Apply here: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

05. Mauritius‑Africa Scholarship Scheme 2026

Even within the African continent, there are some solid programs. One that DHET advertises is the Mauritius‑Africa Scholarship Scheme — which lets eligible South African students study in Mauritius at public higher education institutions. 

This one includes undergraduate and postgraduate options, and while it’s not as widely promoted as the China or European programs, it’s worth checking out, especially if you like the idea of studying close to home but with an international flavour.

Lean about: Mauritius‑Africa Scholarship Scheme 2026

Some Things to Keep in Mind Before You Apply

I’ve gotta be honest: DHET scholarships are real opportunities, but they’re also administrative and require you to be organised.

First, you almost always need to submit a formal application through the DHET International Scholarships portal — and then you’ll be guided on partner or country‑specific processes. 

Second, these scholarships usually expect you to have good academic standing, a valid passport, and sometimes proof that you intend to return to South Africa and contribute to development once you’ve finished your studies. 

Third, deadlines matter. Some of these scholarships for 2026/2027 already have deadlines that might have passed or are closing soon, so the practical advice here is to bookmark the DHET site and subscribe to updates so you don’t miss the next call. 

Lastly, DHET advises students to verify foreign institutions with SAQA before accepting anything — that way your qualification can be recognised locally when you get back.

Final Thought

In my honest view, DHET scholarships are some of the most structured and supportive ways South African students can actually make studying abroad happen — but they require patience, paperwork, and early planning.