NESP Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on NESP Scholarship Application for 2026/2027. Are you a recent South African graduate with a strong academic background in education and a desire to make a lasting impact in the teaching profession? The NESP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027, short for Newly Qualified Educators Support Programme offers a unique and fully funded opportunity for aspiring educators to pursue a postgraduate qualification while gaining practical experience in South Africa’s public education system. Funded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the NESP scholarship is part of a national strategy to strengthen teaching quality and address educator shortages across the country.
The NESP scholarship is awarded to candidates who hold an undergraduate degree in fields aligned with teaching priority subjects, such as Mathematics, Science, Technology, African Languages, and Foundation Phase Education. The programme includes a fully funded Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at a participating university, a 12-month internship placement at a public school, mentorship, and a monthly stipend to cover living costs during the training period.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the NESP Scholarship Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility requirements, priority study areas, how to apply, documentation needed, and the official closing date. Whether you’re a university graduate passionate about teaching or seeking a structured path into the education profession, this scholarship offers the support and training needed to launch your career in South Africa’s schooling system.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading for answers to queries like “NESP scholarship requirements 2026,” “how to apply for the NESP PGCE scholarship,” and “teaching bursaries and scholarships in South Africa.”
About Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is a South African government department responsible for overseeing post-school education, including universities and colleges.
To help transform higher education, DHET launched the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) in 2020. This initiative is part of the Staffing South Africa’s Universities Programme (SSAUF) and is implemented in partnership with Rhodes University.
About the NESP Scholarship – 2026/2027
What It Offers
Applications are now open for Phase 2 of the NESP Programme for the 2026 academic year. The scholarship supports postgraduate studies (Honours and Master’s degrees) at selected public universities in South Africa.
Opportunity 1: 4-Year Pathway
- 1 year of Honours studies
- 2 years of funded Master’s studies
- 1 year of academic internship at a South African university
Available Honours Fields and Institutions:
- North-West University
- Movement Education
- Rhodes University
- Music and Musicology
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Performing Arts: Music
- University of Mpumalanga
- Developmental Studies
Opportunity 2: 3-Year Pathway
2 years of funded Master’s studies
1 year of academic internship at a South African university
Scholarships will be awarded for Master’s studies at the following institutions:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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- Engineering Management
- Civil Engineering
- Electronic Communication and Satellite Technology
- Emergency Medical Care
- Central University of Technology
- Life Sciences
- Human Resources Management
- Durban University of Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Thermodynamics & Modelling Separation Processes
- Water Engineering
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Nelson Mandela University
- Materials & Structural Engineering
- Information Technology Software Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Naval Architecture
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Phytochemistry
- Nursing Education
- Chemistry (Inorganic)
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Rhodes University
- Anthropology
- Law
- Journalism & Media Studies
- Zoology & Entomology
- Medical Chemistry
- Stellenbosch University
- Viticulture
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Architecture
- Constructive Engineering
- Geology
- Policing
- University of Cape Town
- Medicine
- Palliative Care
- Law
- Organisational Psychology
- University of the Free State
- Public Administration & Management
- University of Johannesburg
- Sustainable Urban Planning & Development
- Anthropology & Developmental Studies
- Palaeo-Studies
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Structural Engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Geography focused on Geospatial Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronic or Computer Engineering
- University of Limpopo
- Chemical Pathology
- Microbiology/Biotechnology/Marual Wine Production
- Mathematics
- Virology/ Microbiology/ SARS-COV 2 and COVID Research
- University of South Africa
- Geomatic Engineering/Mine Surveying
- Agricultural Economics
- Biotechnology
- Data Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- University of Zululand
- Geography
- Curriculum & Instructional Studies
- Statistics
- Life Sciences Education
- University of Pretoria
- Mathematics of Finance
- Anatomy
- Toxicology (Veterinary Sciences)
- Civil Engineering (Geotechnical, Materials, Structural, Water, Transportation)
- Vaal University of Technology
- Biomedical Technology
- Civil Engineering (Transportation-Railway Engineering)
- Sports and Recreation Management
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Walter Sisulu University
- Accounting
- Mathematics
- University of the Western Cape
- Biotechnology (Forensic Genetics)
What the NESP Scholarship 2026/2027 Covers
As a NESP scholar, you will receive:
- Full funding for Honours and/or Master’s studies (tuition + registration)
- Mentorship throughout the programme
- Possible support for international learning opportunities
- Development of teaching and research skills
- A 1-year paid internship at a South African university after your studies
Eligibility Criteria for NESP Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Who Can Apply?
To apply, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Have completed an NQF Level 7 qualification (e.g., a Bachelor’s degree)
- Have an average of 65% or higher for your undergraduate degree
- Plan to study full-time towards an Honours or Master’s degree in one of the listed fields
- Be accepted at one of the participating public universities
- Be available to start your studies in early 2026
- Be interested in an academic career
How to Apply for the NESP Scholarship 2026/2027
Apply online at: Click here to see NESP Scholarship available for Applications in 2026
Prepare and upload these required documents (certified where applicable):
- ID document
- Matric certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate(s)
- Proof of university registration (if already studying)
- CV (max 2 pages, include any work experience)
- Motivational letter (max 30 lines) covering:
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- Why you’re applying
- How the scholarship will support your development
- Your community and societal contribution goals
- Career plans and role in higher education
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Two academic referees who can speak to your suitability (they must be reachable)
Closing Date for NESP Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 31 October
Late applications will not be accepted, so submit yours early!
Contact Details of Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
Visit the official DHET contact page for any questions or support: Contact DHET
