NESP at the forefront of career development
and actualising dreams
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) continues to advance the transformation of the higher education system as one of its priorities since its establishment in 2009. Nurturing Emerging Scholars Program (NESP) is one of the nationally led sub-programmes within the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) responding to build the pipeline of a new generation of scholars who will pursue academic careers.
NESP emphasizes on recruiting graduates with an appropriate level 8 Qualification who demonstrate academic ability and express an early interest in an academic career. NESP scholars are awarded a full cost scholarship to undertake an Honours/ Masters qualification in South African Universities, or at a publicly funded international university (currently in France). A minimum of forty (40) NESP positions are allocated to all South African Universities each year.
It has been an incredible journey observing NESP grow since its inception in 2020. Through the teething problems experienced during the pilot stage, that was disrupted by the onset of COVID-19, NESP has been growing stronger and better, and this is accoladed to the hardworking and tireless staff, the Implementation Support partner – Rhodes University and the partner universities. So far, there is approximately one hundred and twenty-eight (128) successfully awarded NESP scholars at various stages of their studies and internship.
Celebrating the first cohorts of NESP scholars who have successfully completed the program – two-years Masters degree and one-year Internship, during the UCDP colloquium, brings a wave of content and affirmation that the NESP, is indeed a breath of fresh air, in the field of academia. Since its inception, NESP currently boasts a total of twenty-six (26) scholars who have successfully completed the Programme and are at various stages in academia; with the majority pursuing their PhDs, while others employed as lecturers or associate lecturers in the respective universities that hosted them. This is a significant achievement for NESP.
MEET THE NESP SCHOLARS
Tlotlo Radebe
NESP Scholar, CUT
My journey began when I applied and was awarded the prestigious NESP scholarship that aimed to assist in my masters studies and promote academic development and collaboration within an institution department for a trajectory to become an academic. Receiving the scholarship was a moment of immense pride and excitement. It validated my research and academic efforts and opened the door to opportunities I could have only dreamt of. I focused on how my research The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) continues to advance the transformation of the higher education system as one of its priorities since could benefit from international perspectives and how my participation could foster growth into academic collaboration.
I attended an international conference in Tokyo, Japan, where leading scholars from around the world gathered to share their latest research and insights. This conference was a melting pot of ideas, with sessions covering a wide range of topics related to my field of study. I had the privilege of presenting my research, which was met with constructive feedback and sparked engaging discussions.
I participated in a lecturer exchange program at Namibia University of Science and Technology in Windhoek, Namibia. The experience of teaching in a foreign academic environment was both exciting and rewarding. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt my teaching methods to suit a different cultural and educational context.
I was also able to publish an article from my studies in an international journal.
Participating in an international conference and lecturer exchange program through the NESP academic scholarship has been a transformative experience. It not only advanced my academic and professional skills but also enriched my personal life. The knowledge, connections, and insights I gained from this opportunity continue to influence my work and have opened doors to new academic endeavours.
Participating in an international conference and lecturer exchange program through the NESP academic scholarship has been a transformative experience. It not only advanced my academic and professional skills but also enriched my personal life. The knowledge, connections, and insights I gained from this opportunity continue to influence my work and have opened doors to new academic endeavours.
