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Discover the 2025 opportunities from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). From bursaries and skills development to TVET pathways and green education, learn how South African youth can unlock brighter futures.
Introduction: Why DHET Matters in 2025
South Africa faces a serious challenge: youth unemployment sits above 60%, leaving millions of young people without jobs. For many, the barrier is not ability or ambition, but access to affordable, quality education.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) exists to change that reality. In 2025, the DHET is rolling out new programs, bursaries, and training opportunities designed to connect learning with real-world jobs. From NSFAS expansion to green skills training, these opportunities offer a lifeline for students, job seekers, and working professionals who want to upskill.
This article explores everything you need to know about DHET’s 2025 mandate and the pathways it opens for young South Africans.
Overview of DHET and Its 2025 Mandate
Evolution of DHET Initiatives
After apartheid, South Africa’s education system needed urgent reform. Many black students were excluded from universities, and technical training was underfunded. DHET was created to bridge those gaps, giving all South Africans access to quality higher education.
Over the years, DHET has expanded access through bursaries, TVET colleges, and workforce-linked training. In 2025, its focus sharpens: to align education directly with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP). This means more programs in technology, healthcare, and sustainable industries that match real job market demands.
Key Objectives for 2025
- Expanding access: More bursaries and financial aid to reduce economic barriers.
- Improving retention: New mentorship and support systems to lower dropout rates.
- Workplace relevance: Programs aligned with skills gaps in technology, health, engineering, and green jobs.
- Digital learning growth: Investment in online platforms and hybrid study options.
- Inclusivity: Targeted opportunities for youth, women, rural students, and persons with disabilities.
Impact on South African Youth
The biggest beneficiaries of DHET’s work are students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By expanding funding and creating tailored programs, DHET ensures that:
- Rural learners gain access to higher education.
- Township students can pursue careers in nursing, teaching, or IT.
- Vulnerable groups receive targeted bursaries and workplace opportunities.
These programs not only create individual success stories but also build pride, close the job gap, and fuel economic growth.
Major Scholarship and Bursary Programs
NSFAS Expansion in 2025
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to be DHET’s flagship funding program. In 2025, NSFAS expands to cover:
Useful Links:
- Youth Opportunities
- Online courses
- Learnerships Programme
- Skills Training Programme
- Funding Bursaries
- Tuition fees for undergraduates and postgraduates.
- Accommodation and transport.
- Learning materials such as laptops and textbooks.
Eligibility: Students from households earning under R350,000 per year.
How to Apply:
- Register on the NSFAS online portal.
- Upload documents (ID, proof of income, academic transcripts).
- Track your application status via the NSFAS mobile app.
Thousands of graduates credit NSFAS for making their education possible. In 2025, more funding means even greater reach.
Sector-Specific Bursaries
Beyond NSFAS, DHET funds targeted bursaries through Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). These bursaries focus on fields with high demand, including:
- Engineering and manufacturing.
- Healthcare and nursing.
- Teaching and education.
- Agricultural sciences.
Applications are usually submitted via universities, TVET colleges, or SETA websites. These bursaries often include workplace exposure, allowing students to graduate with both a qualification and practical experience.
Postgraduate Funding Opportunities
For those pursuing master’s and doctoral studies, DHET works closely with the National Research Foundation (NRF). In 2025, thousands of projects in science, technology, and social sciences will receive funding.
Application tips:
- Write a clear, concise research proposal (8–10 pages).
- Demonstrate how your project contributes to South Africa’s development goals.
- Seek guidance from supervisors before submission.
Postgraduate funding ensures that research continues to drive innovation and global competitiveness.
TVET Colleges and Skills Development Pathways
Benefits of TVET Enrollment
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are central to DHET’s 2025 plans. These institutions provide hands-on skills for immediate employment in areas like:
- Electrical engineering.
- Plumbing and construction.
- Information technology.
- Hospitality and tourism.
TVET courses are shorter, cheaper, and highly practical. With enrollment targets rising to 2.5 million students by 2025, DHET is building more campuses and upgrading facilities nationwide.
Learnerships and Apprenticeships
Learnerships combine classroom training with on-the-job experience, while apprenticeships prepare students for trades like welding or mechanics. Under DHET’s 2025 program, sectors such as green technology and ICT are top priorities.
Steps to apply:
- Search for postings on DHET and SETA portals.
- Submit a CV and certified qualifications.
- Prepare for interviews with focus on practical knowledge.
These pathways offer stipends, meaning learners can earn while they study.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
For experienced workers without formal qualifications, DHET promotes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). In 2025, updated processes make it easier to:
- Compile portfolios showcasing workplace skills.
- Undergo assessments at TVET colleges.
- Convert work experience into formal qualifications.
RPL is especially valuable for adults seeking career changes or promotions.
University Access and Support Initiatives
Undergraduate Admission Reforms
In 2025, DHET simplifies university admissions by:
- Standardizing entry requirements.
- Expanding the Central Applications Office system.
- Providing preparatory programs for students from under-resourced schools.
These reforms make it easier for first-generation university students to apply and succeed.
Support for First-Year Students
Transitioning to university can be overwhelming. DHET funds orientation weeks, mentorship programs, and tutoring services to reduce dropout rates. Mental health support and academic counseling are also widely available.
Case studies show that universities with strong first-year support cut failure rates by nearly half.
International and Exchange Opportunities
DHET collaborates with the African Union and global universities to offer study-abroad opportunities. These short-term exchanges provide South African students with international exposure, preparing them for a globalized workforce.
Students can apply through their university’s international office, ensuring passports and visas are secured early.
Emerging Opportunities in Digital and Green Education
Online Learning Platforms
Digital education has grown rapidly, and DHET is investing in e-learning hubs and virtual academies. In 2025, students can access accredited short courses in:
- Coding and app development.
- Business management.
- Digital marketing.
E-learning is flexible, affordable, and accessible for working students or parents.
Green Skills and Sustainability Programs
South Africa is undergoing an energy transition, and DHET is equipping youth with skills for the green economy. Training focuses on:
- Solar panel installation.
- Waste management.
- Sustainable agriculture.
These programs align with both global trends and South Africa’s need for energy resilience.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Funding
Recognizing that not all students will follow traditional career paths, DHET supports student entrepreneurship. Through grants and incubator programs, students can pitch business ideas and secure funding to launch startups.
Examples include apps for food delivery, agricultural tech solutions, and eco-friendly business ventures.
Conclusion: Building Futures with DHET in 2025
The Department of Higher Education and Training is more than an education authority—it’s a bridge to opportunity. In 2025, its initiatives cover every stage of the journey, from NSFAS bursaries and TVET programs to postgraduate funding and green skills training.
Key takeaways:
- NSFAS expansion makes education more affordable.
- Sector-specific bursaries target critical skills gaps.
- TVET pathways and apprenticeships prepare students for immediate jobs.
- University reforms improve access and support.
- Digital and green education open doors to future-focused careers.
For students, the message is clear: apply early, explore every opportunity, and match your education to your career goals. For South Africa, DHET’s 2025 programs represent a bold step toward reducing unemployment and unlocking a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.
Your future begins with action—visit dhet.gov.za or your institution’s website to start your application today.
